Back in 2011, then migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Hong Kong, Crista Tri Rahayu, had found the lack of education facilities for MDWs frustrating, which motivated her to build on her existing involvement in teaching her peers and co-found TCK Learning Centre for Migrant Workers (TCKLC), an all-volunteer charity that focuses on the educational development and empowerment of migrant women.

Based in Causeway Bay, TCKLC has helped countless MDWs access education while working in the city. Whether learning English or computer literacy, or a new trade like sewing or graphic design, numerous women have improved their futures, and by extension, the lives of their loved ones, back in Indonesia. 

Coupled with insufficient government programmes and a lack of financial literacy, the lives of migrant women are often wrought with challenges when trying to make a living or trying to put their children into good schools back in their home countries. Especially for women who have worked almost all their adult lives abroad, adjusting back to a different standard of living can be hard. 

With these obstacles in mind, and also aware of the importance of pre-school education, the idea for Taman Cipta Karya Nusantara (TCKN) was born.

After returning to Indonesia, Crista Tri Rahayu was able to put her Professional Diplomas in Montessori Teacher Education and Business and Communication Skills Management to good use, initially working as a consultant, and a curriculum coordinator for Montessori preschools.

Then in 2021, together with another former migrant worker and TCKLC Co-Founder Chris Drake, she co-founded TCKN Foundation in Yogyakarta and later that year the Foundation opened The Lilliput World in Yogyakarta.  With Crista as school Principal, this gave local children the chance to learn and explore in a friendly, open and values-based environment, where they could feel as valued, loved, and understood as they do at home.  

Likewise, Nur Hasanah utilised her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and her Master of Arts in American Studies to work as a freelance English teacher and translator in Indonesia; she has also worked as an education content creator and scriptwriter.

Having experienced first-hand the struggles of adapting back to life in their home country, Crista was enthusiastic for there to be a centre in Indonesia to help ease the strain of adjusting by lending support, education, and a sense of community for repatriated migrant workers. 

The number of people and organisations who wanted to offer assistance was heart-warming. “Only a few weeks ago, we had 17 medical students from both Hong Kong University (HKU) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) come over to Indonesia and visit remote villages to do medical outreach with us,” Chris shares with a smile. 

“In partnership with the local Community Health Centre, they conducted various examinations such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and general health consultations. The students also provided education on healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. They explained the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and doing routine health checks. This activity not only benefits the community but also provides valuable experience for the students in applying the knowledge they have learned,” says Chris. “I can’t believe how much dedication they had, going to these remote villages with us!” he exclaims.

After more than a year of construction, which began with the groundbreaking ceremony in January 2023, TCKN’s Hanoman Building opened its doors on 8th September 2024, with more than a simple inauguration. The event was a celebration of cultural and spiritual diversity, where interfaith prayers were performed by different religious leaders. Guests were also treated to traditional dances and captivating musical performances. 

Each aspect of the celebration highlighted the foundation’s dedication to inclusivity, unity, and the cultural richness it seeks to promote. The opening ceremonies were honoured by the presence of H. GBPH Prabukusumo, S.Psi, HB IX, brother of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, as guest of honour, and other distinguished guests including Mr H. Sarbini, Sariharjo Village Head; Mr Agung Endarto, Ngaglik District Head; and Dr. A. Bambang, Supervisory Board Member of the Foundation, all of whom contributed to the memorable occasion.

The building itself has five functional floors and a rooftop area for a hydroponic garden and solar panels. There are six Montessori classrooms and two classrooms for adult education, alongside a multi-function hall, library, dining room, gym, napping room for toddlers, silent room, and other rooms used for offices, meetings, storage, equipment, and other miscellaneous uses. 

“All of our activities interconnect, utilising our resources with a holistic approach to the community. We help migrant women coming back home from Hong Kong; we welcome enrolling not only their children but also children from our own surrounding village. We offer adult classes and also aim to have a senior centre for the elderly,” shares Crista, Chairperson of TCKN Foundation.

“We also care for the health of not only our students but our neighbouring villages too. Aside from the medical outreach, we also have a Healthy Kitchen where we prepare healthy meals with locally sourced ingredients,” adds Nur, now Head of Community Service Department at TCKN.

As the TCKN team navigate the endless possibilities of their warm and welcoming community abode, they stand testament that with dedicated and passionate people, hard work, and a heartfelt motivation to be of service to those in need, anything is achievable. As Chris says, “We named our building Hanoman – after the monkey deity in the Ramayana – who is the embodiment of courage, devotion, and service. Even though humans are imperfect, we too can help others in need.”