We are proud homeowners, and the house has officially been warmed!
Last month the party was in Tomohon, where our Global Learning Center officially opened. Staff, volunteers, board members, and partners from Indonesia, Australia, and the U.S. gathered, some reconnecting for the first time in years, to celebrate our new home and the work it will make possible.
Though the space has hosted several programs, this was the Grand Opening celebration. The cottages were full, meeting spaces buzzed, and the courtyard felt alive all week. Past and present LTLers came together, sharing stories, meals and a genuine sense that this place already belongs to everyone.
The opening ceremony on Saturday began with the Kabasaran, a powerful Minahasan warrior dance that set the tone for the day. This was followed by heartfelt words from LTL, local leaders and partners, Kolintang performances, the plaque reveal acknowledging our major donors, the symbolic MOU signing and ribbon-cutting. Guests included local government officials, university and RSUP Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital representatives, whose support is central to the work ahead. Of course, there was food, dancing, and lots of photo ops!
Sunday brought the “State of the Union”, where the LTL family shared heartfelt stories, reflected on our history, and looked to the future. Yanti and Rachel outlined the shift from direct clinic care toward programs that strengthen healthcare capacity, train healthcare workers and students, promote community health, and expand our clean water initiatives, opening new opportunities for involvement. Some of us found time to climb Mount Mahawu together after the meeting.
Monday included a trip to Bunaken, the island where LTL first ran outreach clinics. This trip was purely a holiday-style breather, not a clinic or water project visit for once, and it felt special to be back with some of the original team. Running into familiar locals was a highlight, and hearing about the progress in healthcare on the island was uplifting, including the addition of dedicated maternal health services. Considering Bunaken received full access to electricity only seven years ago, the change is extraordinary
On their day of departure, Yanti, Rachel, and Board members Coco, Deby, and Tasia met with the leadership and Board of Directors at RSUP Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Manado. This hospital is the largest referral and teaching hospital in North Sulawesi and has recently been tasked with overseeing healthcare education and health promotion across Eastern Indonesia. Recently appointed Chief Medical Officer, Dr Wega Sukanto had spoken earlier at the grand opening ceremony about how reaching underserved communities with strong primary healthcare promotion is one of his biggest challenges, and how LTL’s work has proven to align closely with these needs. Strengthening this partnership is a big step forward, and having everyone together in one room to plan future programs made it clear how much we can achieve together.
After a week of reflection, celebration, and planning, it was clear for those who didn’t already know: the Learning Center is more than a building. It is a home for the LTL family, a gathering place for the community, and a foundation for partnerships and programs that will continue to grow and make a lasting difference.
To quote Yanti from her opening ceremony speech “This building represents possibilities. Welcome to the LearnToLive Learning Center. Welcome home!”
