Orphans welcome Ramadhan in Ancol

JAKARTA (JP): Children from three orphanages enjoyed a rare trip Saturday to the Ancol Dreamland Park, North Jakarta.

They also took part in a drawing contest. The winning entry will be used as a design for the hotel's Idul Fitri cards.

The event to welcome both the New Year and Ramadhan was held by the Ancol Travelodge hotel.

Mosques were the most common drawings "because it's for Lebaran (post-fasting festivities)", one child said. Lebaran will fall on Feb. 9 or Feb. 10.

The hotel invited the children, aged between six and 15 years, from the Nurul Hikmah, Nurul Zahroh, and As Solihin orphanages.

Clowns also entertained the children.

Similar activities were held early December to greet Christmas. The winning entry of that drawing contest was reprinted for the hotel's Christmas cards.

Monica Gayondato, the hotel's resident manager, said such programs were held annually.

"We want to give something back to the people," Gayondato said.

She said since opening two years ago the hotel had held the program three times. Other programs were for people living in nursing homes and the handicapped, she said.

Sumiati, 11, from the Nurul Zahroh orphanage, said she loved the activities.

She said visiting the Ancol recreation center was a precious occasion.

"I hope there will be more such activities in the future," said Sumiati who wants to be a flight attendant.

Her friend, Sutriyani, 12, said she especially enjoyed the drawing contest.

The elementary school student also said she wanted to be a flight attendant so she could "see the world." (05)