Thursday, July 3, 2025

The 2nd Learning Community International Life-Work Conference

Remaking My Life; Together We Move Forward

May 29 - June 2, 2025

As Co-Organizer, it was a remarkable experience for us. Our team, Sekolah Rekonsiliasi (SR), was heavily involved in the conference, from attending regular planning meetings to being part of the core organizing committee, including the Design and Participant teams. We arrived early to assist with extensive logistical preparations and took a part in performing a traditional Dikir Barat dance during the Opening Night. 

(The committee preparing nametags one day before the event—every detail matters.)

This conference was not only enjoyable but also rich in learning experiences for us. We will holding this conference for 5 times. The the 3rd conference will be in Penang, Malaysia (2027), the 4th conference will be hosted by Sekolah Rekonsiliasi, Bandung Indonesia (2029) and the 5th will be hosted by Taiwan team (2031). So we really took this chance to learn from experiences to prepare ourselves to host the 4th conference. 

In this conference, the team shared our good practices such Hayati led the Quiet Time for Inner Listening session on the first day, Nenden and Meir shared on the Pleanary session. And Hayati, Nende, Meir and Pipit shared their story in the Living Library Book sharing.

(Samrotul Mufidah in the Living Textbooks session"Falling is part of the journey. What truly matters is knowing when to rise again and keep moving forward."A reminder that growth comes not from perfection, but from resilience.)

The conference featured a diverse range of activities, including Quiet Time for Inner Listening, Plenary sessions, Living Library Book sharing, Open Space Technology, and creative performances. Participants thoroughly enjoyed the blend of inner-growth and outer-exploration with others.

(Everyone has their own time and space.”A gentle reminder from Rinni Meir during Plenary 2: Action as the Foundation of Society’s Future.)

The conference's take away to be followed up is a new collaborations between IofC Philippines and Sekolah Rekonsiliasi as the Philippine team plan to open the class as SR's. As well as an initiative to expand the space especially for men in MENTALK (in the local context) to be "Men Awakening" forum globally with AKASHA and the South African team.

Some testimonials from Indonesian participants include:

"Today, I'm sharing my reconciliation journey with #sekolahrekonsiliasi to help others who are struggling with family relationships and may have lost hope. DON'T GIVE UP, THERE IS HOPE!"

"How long will I keep complaining, avoiding fear, and escaping? How long will I demand change from others? Let's keep growing and expanding with love."

"I discovered that I've been avoiding my family, especially my mother, because facing her is difficult for me. This realization was profound. Will I continue to avoid or face my challenges?"

" I learned the importance of Quiet Time for Inner Listening in my daily life. Connecting with my inner child, who carries many wounds and traumas, is as essential as breathing and eating."

"The experience of attending the conference for almost 5 days felt surreal, and returning to reality felt heavier than usual."

(Indonesian and Philippine participants at the Akasha office — a moment of cross-cultural connection, collaboration, and shared purpose.)

These testimonials reflect the impact of the conference on the participants and the potential for growth and transformation that it gained.

 

Writer : Hayati 

Editor : Ari Budi Santosa