It started in 2017
During our travels through Indonesia, our family had the privilege of spending time in Lombok and establishing relationships with some of the amazing local people in the areas of Senggigi, Mangsit and Klui, located in West Lombok.
Following a visit to the local elementary school, we thought, “why not try to make small difference by providing basic supplies and sport support to some of the schools in need”. We established Project Why Not in 2017, our main focus being to work with some of the local schools in Mangsit and Malimbu.
Upon returning to Australia we were able to raise a small amount of money to buy books, whiteboards and sporting equipment for the students.
Sadly, the island of Lombok was tragically hit by three significant and very damaging earthquakes in August 2018 and our fundraising efforts temporarily turned to a disaster relief effort. We personally distributed food, water, blankets and shelter to those in need and continue to monitor the needs of the local people in our area.
Following the earthquakes we opened the Klui Village Learning Centre in September 2018. Initially, the Learning Centre provided a haven of trauma healing for the children of the village. We continue to focus on maintaining our little learning centre into the future and hope to provide a scholarship program for high school graduates looking to further their education.
We have also established a Rescue, Hatch and Release Program for the endangered Sea Turtles that are native to the area as a way of educating the local people about the importance of protecting their precious wildlife.
We pride ourselves on being a small, grass roots organisation, where we personally oversee all projects and ensure funds go directly to those in need.
Project Why Not is committed to sustaining its current ventures with a focus on early childhood education. We are always open to exploring new ways of making a difference and any innovative ideas out there would be most welcome!
Feel free to shoot us an email at projectwhynotlombok@gmail.com if you want to get in touch!
Meet the Team
Patock - Co-Founder
I was born and grew up right here in Dusun Klui, and this village has always been my home.
I've always loved meeting people and sharing Lombok's culture with visitors; our traditions, language, and spiritual values. It's my way of bridging cultures and building understanding.
That's how I met the Callaway family. What began as a chance connection grew into something much bigger: together, we built the Klui Village Learning Centre, a place dedicated to educating our youngest children.
I believe strong families and strong communities are what allow people to truly grow, and I try to live that every day here. I think of our students as family, guiding them academically, personally, and spiritually. Watching them grow in confidence and curiosity is what fulfills me most.
Alongside my wife, Ony, our Head Teacher, we've built something we're both deeply proud of. I also care about the land we live on, and I teach our children why caring for nature matters, so Klui stays beautiful for generations to come.
This project is, at its heart, a story of service and commitment to community. I'm grateful every day to be part of it.
Ony - Head Teacher
I was born and raised in Mataram, where I studied Early Childhood Education at the University. Even then, I knew I wanted to spend my life working with young children.
Meeting Patock changed everything. We built a life together in Klui, and when the chance came to start a learning centre for the village's youngest children, it felt like exactly what I was meant to do.
As Head Teacher, I try to make sure every child who walks through our doors feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. I think about my own children too, and the same hope I have for them, I carry into the classroom every day.
I'm also a tailor, and I handcraft the uniforms our students and teachers wear. There's something special about making things with your own hands for a community you love.
Watching this centre grow, and watching our students grow with it, has been one of the great joys of my life. This is more than a school to me. It's my family, and I carry it with the same warmth and creativity I bring to everything I do.
Fritzi Callaway - Co-Founder
Originally, from California, I moved to Melbourne Australia in 1986 and have remained ever since.
Bali was always a part of the world I longed to visit. My first trip to Bali was in July of 2016. I, like many, spent time in Seminyak and Ubud but yearned for something more.
Later that year Michael and I travelled to Lombok and the rest of my story begins with sweet serendipity … That unexpected meeting that changes your life. I made new friends that would become my family and my passion.
Project Why Not was born following a trip with our children in 2017. Our story is pure and simple. We felt we could make a difference by providing support to some of the elementary schools in the West and North of Lombok.
Two years later, we established the Klui Village Learning Centre for pre-school aged children. I take an active role in raising funds to support our project, drawing on past fundraising initiatives.
I continue to visit Lombok as often as possible and love spending time with the children and wider community of Klui Village.
Michael Callaway - Co-Founder
My first visit to Lombok left a lasting impression on me. I was drawn to the island’s natural beauty, but it was the people of Klui, their culture, and their generosity that created the strongest connection.
After more than 40 years as an educator and teacher, I have always believed in the value of strong foundations. Education can change a child’s confidence, choices, and future. It gives children the tools to take part in their community and see new possibilities for themselves.
During our time in Klui, I became interested in the education available to the village children. It was clear that early childhood education was an important missing piece. Pre-school gives children the skills and confidence they need before they begin primary school, and I felt we could help create that opportunity in Klui.
Seeing the centre grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have watched children gain confidence in their earliest years, then continue to thrive as they move through their schooling. As an educator, that gives me great pride.
I have deep respect for Ony and Patock, whose dedication to the children and community is outstanding. Their care, patience, and skill have shaped the learning centre into a place where children feel supported, valued, and encouraged to learn.
As co-founder of Project Why Not and Klui Village Learning Centre, I feel proud to stand alongside the people of Klui and support a project that gives children a stronger start. My hope is that the centre continues to build confidence, opportunity, and a love of learning for many years to come.
Sierra Callaway - Co-Founder
From the day my parents introduced me to the local people of Lombok I knew they were special - positive, generous and eager to learn.
In 2018 made the decision to take a break from my legal career and spend an extended period of time on Lombok. I arrived shortly after the devastating earthquakes and was confronted by the ... But I also witnessed the reliance and positivity of the local community. I felt blessed to be able to contribute to relief efforts, made possible by the generous donations to Project Why Not.
Since then, I have experienced great joy in watching the Klui Village Learning Centre grow and provide incredible opportunities to it's students. I look forward to the Leaning Centre's future and it's continued growth.
I will always be grateful to my parents for sharing their passion and inspiring me to pursue...
Dayton Callaway - Co-Founder
The moment I first set foot on Lombok, something shifted in me, a perspective on life I hadn’t known I was missing. I kept finding reasons to return.
When the earthquake struck, I came over to help with relief work alongside my sister. What stayed with me was the extraordinary resilience of the people living through it.
In 2019, I quit my job as an electrician and spent the next 6 months on the island living with Patock and his family. What grew between Patock and I was quickly something unbreakable, we’re brothers now.
It also gave me the opportunity to spend a lot of time with all the students and the community.
Watching the learning centre evolve from a small idea into something with real, tangible impact on students and the wider community is one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever witnessed.
These days, a big part of my life still happens on Lombok. I go back as often as I can, stay closely involved with the students and the team on the ground, and keep showing up for the place and the people who changed how I see the world.
In our family we’ve always loved the great Australian musician Paul Kelly and his words ring truer here than anywhere: from little things, big things grow.