News Summary
Chris Robinson, owner of Williamsburg Dojo, embarks on a mission to deliver English books and funds to schools for street children in Indonesia. This initiative not only aims to enhance educational opportunities but also promotes cultural exchange through Pencak Silat. With donations and funding efforts, Robinson seeks to create a lasting impact in the lives of underprivileged youth, addressing critical challenges like access to education and language proficiency.
Williamsburg, Virginia – Chris Robinson, the owner of Williamsburg Dojo, is embarking on a mission to deliver English books and funds to support schools for street children in Indonesia. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged youth while promoting cultural exchange through the Indonesian martial arts practice known as Pencak Silat.
Robinson’s enthusiasm for Pencak Silat began in 2007 when he first witnessed its performance, leading him to establish Williamsburg Dojo. Today, the dojo has approximately 175 students, making it potentially the largest Pencak Silat school outside of Indonesia. Each time the dojo visits Indonesia, they partake in Silat performances which serve as a conduit for cultural sharing.
Robinson’s commitment to aiding Indonesian youth took a more concrete form after a previous visit when schoolmasters voiced the need for English books to assist their students in learning the language. Recognizing the importance of English proficiency for their futures, Robinson realized the potential impact of addressing this gap through educational materials.
During his first trip back to Indonesia in 2020, Robinson managed to deliver English books despite being stranded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was forced to distribute the books in Jakarta before leaving the country. The positive responses from headmasters and teachers have since further fueled his passion for this cause.
In conjunction with his current trip, Robinson is seeking to secure additional funding for street schools, particularly in North Jakarta. Shell, a significant sponsor, supports several schools in the region, with operational costs approximated at around $150 per month to run a school catering to 13 to 20 students. This budget allows for essential provisions such as clothing, two daily meals, and teacher salaries.
Robinson’s visit also serves to address broader challenges faced by children in Jakarta, including civil unrest and threats of trafficking. Engaging with the local community on multiple fronts, this initiative emphasizes the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and stability.
During this trip, Robinson will deliver 40 boxes of English books donated by J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School after the school decided to discontinue certain titles. These donations illustrate the collaboration between the dojo and the wider educational community to support overseas initiatives.
In addition to these book donations, members of Williamsburg Dojo have contributed financially to the cause. A donation of $500 is able to sustain three schools for one month, showcasing the collective efforts of Robinson’s students and supporters to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children.
As Robinson prepares for his journey, he expresses deep appreciation for the support from his dojo students, noting how this collaboration has made such endeavors fulfilling and instrumental in impacting lives. He is expected to return to the United States on September 17.
Through this ongoing initiative, Williamsburg Dojo continues to bridge cultures while fostering a brighter future for children in Indonesia, equipping them with essential language skills and basic needs.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Williamsburg Dojo Takes Books to Indonesia
- Wikipedia: Education in Indonesia
- Daily Press: Williamsburg Martial Arts Group Heading to Southeast Asia
- Google Search: Pencak Silat
- AP News: Bray School Foundation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: English Language
- Atlas Obscura: Colonial Williamsburg Bray School
- Google News: Williamsburg Dojo
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
