It started in 2017
During our travels through Indonesia, our family had the privilege of spending time in Lombok and establishing relationships with some of the amazing local people in the areas of Senggigi, Mangsit and Klui, located in West Lombok.
Following a visit to the local elementary school, we thought, “why not try to make small difference by providing basic supplies and sport support to some of the schools in need”. We established Project Why Not in 2017, our main focus being to work with some of the local schools in Mangsit and Malimbu.
Upon returning to Australia we were able to raise a small amount of money to buy books, whiteboards and sporting equipment for the students.
Sadly, the island of Lombok was tragically hit by three significant and very damaging earthquakes in August 2018 and our fundraising efforts temporarily turned to a disaster relief effort. We personally distributed food, water, blankets and shelter to those in need and continue to monitor the needs of the local people in our area.
Following the earthquakes we opened the Klui Village Learning Centre in September 2018. Initially, the Learning Centre provided a haven of trauma healing for the children of the village. We continue to focus on maintaining our little learning centre into the future and hope to provide a scholarship program for high school graduates looking to further their education.
We have also established a Rescue, Hatch and Release Program for the endangered Sea Turtles that are native to the area as a way of educating the local people about the importance of protecting their precious wildlife.
We pride ourselves on being a small, grass roots organisation, where we personally oversee all projects and ensure funds go directly to those in need.
Project Why Not is committed to sustaining its current ventures with a focus on early childhood education. We are always open to exploring new ways of making a difference and any innovative ideas out there would be most welcome!
Feel free to shoot us an email at projectwhynotlombok@gmail.com if you want to get in touch!
Meet the Team
Patock - Co-Founder
Good things take time... stay with us!
Ony - Head Teacher
Good things take time... stay with us!
Sierra Callaway - Co-Founder
From the day my parents introduced me to the local people of Lombok I knew they were special - positive, generous and eager to learn.
In 2018 made the decision to take a break from my legal career and spend an extended period of time on Lombok. I arrived shortly after the devastating earthquakes and was confronted by the ... But I also witnessed the reliance and positivity of the local community. I felt blessed to be able to contribute to relief efforts, made possible by the generous donations to Project Why Not.
Since then, I have experienced great joy in watching the Klui Village Learning Centre grow and provide incredible opportunities to it's students. I look forward to the Leaning Centre's future and it's continued growth.
I will always be grateful to my parents for sharing their passion and inspiring me to pursue...
Fritzi Callaway - Co-Founder
Originally, from California, I moved to Melbourne Australia in 1986 and have remained ever since.
Bali was always a part of the world I longed to visit. My first trip to Bali was in July of 2016. I, like many, spent time in Seminyak and Ubud but yearned for something more.
Later that year Michael and I travelled to Lombok and the rest of my story begins with sweet serendipity … That unexpected meeting that changes your life. I made new friends that would become my family and my passion.
Project Why Not was born following a trip with our children in 2017. Our story is pure and simple. We felt we could make a difference by providing support to some of the elementary schools in the West and North of Lombok.
Two years later, we established the Klui Village Learning Centre for pre-school aged children. I take an active role in raising funds to support our project, drawing on past fundraising initiatives.
I continue to visit Lombok as often as possible and love spending time with the children and wider community of Klui Village.
Dayton Callaway - Co-Founder
Good things take time... stay with us!
Michael Callaway - Co-Founder
Good things take time... stay with us!