Project Why Not

Project Why Not is a non-profit education initiative that has supported children in Lombok since 2017. Based around the Klui Village Learning Centre in North Lombok, the project works with the local community to help provide children with access to education and opportunities for personal development.

The initiative was created after the Callaway family visited elementary schools in North and West Lombok and recognised a need for basic educational materials and support. What began with a desire to contribute to local schools developed into a long-term community partnership focused on early education, creativity and confidence building.

Funded entirely through donations, Project Why Not continues to work alongside local partners to support children and their educational journey.

The Klui Village Learning Centre

The Klui Village Learning Centre is at the heart of Project Why Not’s work in North Lombok. Established through a partnership between the Callaway family and local founding partner Patock Pathurrahman, the centre provides a dedicated learning environment for pre-school-aged children in the Klui community.

The centre was created approximately two years after the initial idea behind Project Why Not. Its purpose is to provide young children with a strong foundation for learning in an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and confidence.

The project places importance on the role of local leadership in education. Patock, who was born and raised in Dusun Klui, is closely connected to the community and plays an important role in supporting the development of the learning centre.

His wife, Ony, is Head Teacher and a project partner. With a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, she brings professional knowledge and experience to the centre while helping create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to learn.

Education, creativity and personal development

Project Why Not approaches education as more than academic learning alone. The initiative aims to help children develop confidence, curiosity and creativity from an early age.

The Klui Village Learning Centre provides an environment where children can learn and grow with the support of teachers, families and the wider community. Strong family and community relationships are considered an important part of the children’s development.

The project also reflects the experience and commitment of its founding partners. Michael Callaway brings more than 38 years of teaching experience, helping support the educational direction and ongoing development of the initiative.

The wider founding family has also remained closely involved with Lombok and the project. Their connection to the island grew through friendships and relationships with the local community, developing into a long-term commitment to supporting children’s education.

Community partnership in Klui

Project Why Not is built around collaboration between international supporters and the local community. Patock’s connection to Klui and his commitment to the younger generation have helped shape the project into an initiative closely rooted in the village.

Cultural understanding and community connection are also important parts of the project’s wider approach. Patock has a strong interest in sharing Lombok’s traditions, language and spiritual values with visitors, helping encourage greater understanding between people from different backgrounds.

This community-focused model allows the learning centre to remain connected to the people and environment around it. The children are supported not only by teachers but also through relationships with families and the wider Klui community.

Sustainability and environmental education

Environmental awareness is another important part of the work carried out through the Klui Village Learning Centre. The project partners are committed to encouraging sustainable practices within the community and helping children understand the importance of caring for nature.

Environmental education is incorporated into the learning environment, reflecting a broader vision for Klui as a community that can develop while remaining connected to and respectful of its natural surroundings.

By introducing children to these values at an early age, the project connects education with responsibility towards the environment and future generations.

A long-term commitment to lombok

Since its establishment in 2017, Project Why Not has developed from an initial effort to support local elementary schools into a long-term educational partnership in Lombok.

The initiative also supported local communities during the recovery period following the Lombok earthquakes, with members of the founding family returning to contribute to relief efforts alongside local partners.

Today, Project Why Not continues to focus on creating opportunities for children through education and community support. The Klui Village Learning Centre represents the project’s long-term commitment to early childhood education, local leadership and sustainable community development.

Through its work with children, families and educators, Project Why Not continues to invest in the future of the Klui community and North Lombok.