Gandhi school donates Rp 20m

JAKARTA (JP): Gandhi Memorial International School presented a donation of Rp 20 million (US$6,666) yesterday to the Gerakan Orang Tua Asuh (national foster parents movement) in celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's 128th birthday.

The school's principal A.P. Singh gave the donation to Mrs. Uga Wiranto, the executive chairwoman of the foster organization.

Mrs. Uga, who is the wife of Indonesia Army chief Gen. Wiranto, said the donation would be immediately sent to the needy -- 100 elementary school students and 100 junior high school students in 22 areas throughout Greater Jakarta.

The spirit of Gandhi lives on among the students and the teachers of the Gandhi school and they wanted to share their happiness with the unlucky, she said.

"I personally thank you for this attention."

A.P. Singh said: "It is the second time we have donated to the foster parents movement. We hope to collect more money next year so we can help more children here."

Yesterday's celebration included colorful performances by students. A variety of dance routines were staged, with ballroom dancing and Taiwanese, traditional Indonesian and Korean dances.

Other performances featured the angklung (a bamboo musical instrument from Sulawesi) and a piano duet. (04)