Harmony Festival 2024, also known as HarFest 2024, by Project Child Indonesia was more than just a celebration—it represented a harvest of harmony encompassing mindfulness, self-awareness, and environmental advocacy. Topiku had a front-row seat to this spectacular event.

HarFest 2024 embraced the mantra of ‘Be Mindful, Be Impactful’, with its programs meticulously designed to reflect this principle. The Harmony Stage provided a platform for Sekolah Sungai children to express themes of nature and sustainability through captivating performances encompassing plays, dances, poetry, and storytelling. Simultaneously, the Harmony Talkshow facilitated insightful discussions led by experts and practitioners, delving into mindfulness and sustainability actions, and underscoring the significance of self-awareness and environmental connectivity. The event further offered a diverse array of activities, including a Bazaar, Harmony Exhibition, and Eco-print Workshop, inviting participants to explore and engage with eco-friendly initiatives and products. Mindfulness practices including nature walks and meditation were also seamlessly integrated into the event, fostering holistic well-being among its over 200 attendees.

Topiku took part by donating 80 sustainable hats for Sekolah Sungai children. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment, underscoring the alignment of values between HarFest 2024 and Topiku in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.

HarFest 2024 also demonstrated a steadfast commitment to minimizing waste and reducing single-use plastic. Volunteers proudly sported eco-friendly hats and locally-made t-shirts,complete with bamboo name tags. Attendees indulged in snacks thoughtfully wrapped in banana leaves, while refreshments were served in glassware to eliminate plastic waste. Even the event's decorations echoed eco-consciousness, crafted from repurposed tree branches and other recycled materials. Separate recycling bins were also placed on the venue, encouraging responsible waste disposal.

Amidst the inspiring atmosphere of HarFest 2024 stands Project Child Indonesia, a beacon of change in Yogyakarta since 2011. This local non-profit organization has devoted itself to supporting vulnerable children in Indonesia, particularly in riverside and coastal areas, fosteringsafe environments and providing sustainable learning programs addressing mental wellbeing, health, environmental awareness, and disaster resilience.

To ensure a truly bountiful harvest, the seeds of change must be sown. This is what HarFest 2024 and its collaborators embody—a collective dedication to cultivating a greener, more harmonious world, one mindful action at a time.

Works Cited

Instagram. (n.d.). https://www.instagram.com/project.child

Project Child Indonesia: 12 Tahun Mengabdi di Bantaran Kali. (2024, January 30). Wartafeno.com. https://wartafeno.com/2024/01/31/project-child-indonesia-12-tahun-mengabdi-di-bantaran-kali/

Project Child. (2023, August 14). About – Project Child. https://projectchild.ngo/about/

Harmony Festival 2024: Sowing the Seeds of a Sustainable Future