It turns out that the free nutritious meal program has been implemented for a long time by the Sant’Egidio Community in Kedoya, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. The initiative, called the Free Canteen, provides more than 150 portions of nutritious food to the local community every week.
The program is based on efforts to bring equality in order to promote inclusive brotherhood and peace.
“Free canteens are not just about free nutritious food. This is an inclusive community, mixing equals and equals from various economic, social and religious backgrounds. “The aim is to build communication, brotherhood and peace between people,” said Sant’Egidio Kedoya Community Services Coordinator Daniel Desandika.
Before eating together, children from underprivileged families, such as street children, children from scavenger families, daily laborers, take part in the Peace School program. There are around 30 children who every Sunday afternoon come to the Sant’Egidio Community house in Kedoya to go to school together. They are guided by volunteer teachers to receive character building assistance, including related to cross-border brotherhood, tolerance, and seeking peace.
Meanwhile, for formal schools, the Community of Sant’Egidio is proactive in seeking donors and scholarships to provide equal access to education for children from underprivileged families.
“We never differentiate between ethnic, religious or racial backgrounds. “This community is open to all children who want to study with their friends, and families who want to experience brotherhood without boundaries,” said Daniel.
Co-Founder of the 5P Global Movement, Arsjad Rasjid, said that bridging and even ending economic, social and religious inequality is an effort to minimize conflict. Moreover, the initiative from this community really touches the roots of this nation’s problems, related to education, health and tolerance.
“The spirit and initiative of the Sant’Egidio community should be supported and emulated so that more and more people are called to do the same. “Peace must always start with equality without leaving anyone behind,” he said.
As is known, the Sant’Egidio community was founded by Andrea Riccardi in Rome, Italy in 1968 and is now spread throughout the world. Sant’Egidio is a community open to anyone called to serve the poor and marginalized.
5P Global Movement, a global initiative based in Indonesia, which focuses on five main values (Peace, Prosperity, People, Planet, Partnership) is exploring the possibility of collaborating to support the Community of Sant’Egidio in promoting cross-border fraternity and peace more broadly. (Z-11)
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Interview with Daniel Desandika, Community Services Coordinator of Sant’Egidio in Kedoya, West Jakarta
Editor: Welcome, Daniel. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the incredible work being done by the Sant’Egidio Community. Could you start by explaining what the Free Canteen initiative is and how it was established?
Daniel Desandika: Thank you for having me. The Free Canteen program in Kedoya was established to address food insecurity while promoting values of equality and inclusivity. It has been running for quite some time, providing over 150 nutritious meals weekly to the local community. Our goal is not just to feed those in need but also to foster communication and brotherhood among people from varied economic and social backgrounds.
Editor: That’s a commendable initiative! You mentioned that this program is about more than just providing food. Can you elaborate on the social impact it aims to achieve?
Daniel Desandika: Absolutely. The Free Canteen is a space where individuals from different walks of life can gather. By sharing a meal, we break down barriers and build relationships. We want to cultivate a sense of belonging and understanding, which is vital for promoting peace in our community. It’s about knitting together a fabric of brotherhood that embraces diversity.
Editor: It sounds like community engagement is a key component of your efforts. Are there any programs running alongside the Free Canteen that also focus on youth development?
Daniel Desandika: Yes, indeed. Alongside the Free Canteen, we have the Peace School program for underprivileged children. About 30 children, including street children and those from low-income families, gather every Sunday at our community house for character-building activities. Volunteer teachers guide them in developing values like tolerance, brotherhood, and the importance of peace—crucial lessons for their future and for our society at large.
Editor: That’s inspiring work. With the social challenges present in urban areas, what do you see as the biggest impact of your initiatives, and how can others get involved?
Daniel Desandika: Our biggest impact is the sense of community and belonging we create. We encourage everyone—individuals, businesses, and organizations—to support our initiatives, whether through volunteering time, donating resources, or simply spreading awareness about the importance of inclusivity. Together, we can build a stronger, more united community where everyone has a place.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing these insights, Daniel. Your work is truly making a difference in West Jakarta.
Daniel Desandika: Thank you for having me. I hope more people will join us in fostering peace and brotherhood in our communities.
Otherhood that transcends economic, social, and religious divides.
Editor: That’s a powerful vision. You also run a Peace School program for the children in the community. Can you tell us more about that initiative and how it fits into the overall mission of the Sant’Egidio Community?
Daniel Desandika: Definitely. The Peace School is designed for underprivileged children, including street kids and those from scavenger families. Every Sunday, about 30 children come to our center for character-building activities and lessons about tolerance, brotherhood, and peace. By equipping them with these values, we’re nurturing a generation that understands the importance of inclusivity and empathy. We believe education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.
Editor: It sounds like you’re making a significant impact. You also mentioned collaboration with formal schools to provide scholarships. How is that process coordinated?
Daniel Desandika: Yes, we actively seek partnerships with donors and educational institutions to provide scholarships for these children. The idea is to ensure that education remains accessible, regardless of a child’s background. We’re committed to not differentiating between ethnic, religious, or racial backgrounds. Our community truly believes in creating equal opportunities for all.
Editor: That’s inspiring. How can other organizations or individuals contribute to your efforts and support the Sant’Egidio Community’s mission?
Daniel Desandika: There are many ways to help! People can volunteer their time, donate resources, or even spread awareness about our initiatives. The more we can come together as a community—locally and even globally—the stronger our impact will be. As Arsjad Rasjid from the 5P Global Movement mentioned, promoting equality and addressing social issues can foster lasting peace.
Editor: Thank you, Daniel, for sharing these insights and the vital work being done by the Sant’Egidio Community. Your efforts in promoting brotherhood and peace are truly commendable.
Daniel Desandika: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our work. Together, we can create a more inclusive and peaceful society.
