10 Questions with Mercy Huts

1.) Full Name, Location & Project.

Matt Thistlewaite, Rote Island, Indonesia. Not for profit surf resort.

2.) Describe your project and what it does?

We are a small surf resort catering yo families and small groups on surf trips. We employ, train and support our local village community.

3.) What has been the reason for you to start up your project for the community in which you’re serving?

The main reason is to give back and help the community be sustainable with growing tourism. 

4.) How have you seen using the tool of surfing impacting your community?

The main reason people come to the island is for the waves. Surfing has the biggest impact, creating opportunities for hundreds of local community.

5.) What challenges do you face on a daily basis?

Juggling guests, and sometimes the language barrier.

6.) What has been one of the highlights or accomplishments of your project?

Taking a step out and looking back to see how far we have come. When you're in the middle of everything it's not often you do this.

7.) What are your goals for the future of your project?

Help develop a community centre that delivers quality education.

8.) Share your favorite picture taken of your project and describe why this is your favorite?

Bringing like minded people together is what happens at MercyHuts/ Rote Island Huts. Building relationships through many different cultures with surf culture being the glue.

9.) How has your project benefited from the Groundswell Aid community?

It has been great being connected with GSA. GSA has helped spread our reach with some urgent needs that have popped up in the past.

10.) Share with us a word of wisdom that will help your community or the world become a better place?

Take some time to listen to and chat to people in your community.