by Hollie Nielsen, AWCC Scotland
The Rainbow Troops by Andrea Hirata
The Rainbow Troops is Andrea Hirata’s closely autobiographical debut novel of 2005. The story follows Ikal and his friends, nicknamed the Rainbow Troops, as they struggle to get an education in the poorest village school on the Indonesian island of Belitong. The children of the Indonesian Tin Company employees receive a good education at their school, but the children of fishermen, coolies and other laborers don’t have equal access to a good school. In fact, Ikal’s school is under constant threat of closure from numerous sources, including physically falling apart due to a superintendent who is determined to shut down the school. Their teachers, who are not paid but must work a second job to survive, are dedicated and inspirational. From these teachers, Ikal and the Rainbow Troops receive hope as well as an education. They learn to appreciate education, fall in love with school, celebrate the joy of learning and dare to dream. More importantly, they learn “the spirit of giving as much as possible, not taking as much as possible.” Ultimately, this is a hopeful story and we root for the the Rainbow Troops to win the education challenge trophy and keep their school open.
Photo credit to Hollie Nielsen
