A Meaningful Figure for Sambas Children

"WVI is the first organisation I have worked since 2005 until now. For me, WVI is not just an office but my second home," said Kak Nerry, a Sponsorship Information Officer for Sambas operational office in West Kalimantan. For 18 years, Kak Nerry has done tremendous work for the lives of children and communities in several districts in West Kalimantan. "Working in a humanitarian organization trains my sensitivity and empathy. But more than that, it makes me more confident and brave to fight for something. Fighting for children who drop out of school, accompanying children when dealing with the law, also providing parents with various capacity building," she said. 

Her figure has importante role to the lives of children and communities in the village. From many experiences assisting children, Kak Nerry never thought that what she felt as a job responsibility turned out to have a very deep meaning for children. 

In June 2023, Kak Nerry was able to meet with one of the former sponsor child from the office in Singkawang. "I was surprised when I met him. He told me that I used to accompany him to the hospital because his right hand was broken due to a fall. When he told me that story, I forgot about it because I felt that everything I did was my obligation as a worker and servant of children," she said.  

This nostalgic moment with one of the former sponsor child brings joy to Kak Nerry. As a humanitarian worker, moments like this are precious. When a child can say that because of the mentoring he received, he became a confident person and persevered in completing his education until he can be a bachelor, despite coming from a poor family. "He even told that I was like his second mother," said Kak Nerry.  

In addition to the former sponsor child, it turns out that many children still remember Kak Nerry as a figure who plays an important role in changing the lives of people in the village. Kak Nerry became a figure who made children and communities successfully empowered. "I am touched that they still remember me, and I see through social media, they are all living happily with their respective families. Success with their dreams,". 

Nerry first learned about WVI through a church activist who is also one of WVI's staff for Singkawang area. "At that time, I was pursuing my dream of becoming a female soldier but failed the entrance test several times, so I needed a job. My meeting with the Singkawang office staff who is also an activist in my Church led me to WVI until now," she said.  

The position that Nerry held when she started her career at WVI was as a Development Facilitator (DF) in Singkawang. She held this position for nine years. As an DF, Nerry often interacts with children and communities in the village. In fact, if calculated, most of her working time must be in the village, discussing with the community. Kak Nerry's figure is so important to the people in the village because she is both a representative of WVI and part of the village community.  

"My first day at work, I was immediately assigned with one of the staff directly to the village. I was surprised because it was a long journey on a motorcycle, entering villages with simple and makeshift people. I had lived in the city since I was a child, this experience makes me see life differently," says the mother of one. "For me, it all starts with the children. This means that the services and assistance must have an impact on the child, then the family and the community. Over time, I believe that working at WVI has given my life meaning and impacted others." 

Currently, the Sambas operational office will end the program implementation period. Kak Nerry chose to return to focus on being a housewife. However, in her heart, Kak Nerry also still has a dream to contribute to children and society by serving as a member of the local government. Because for Kak Nerry, work is not just about income. "Look for a job that can support you fully. A job that will bring you the true values and meaning of life," said Nerry. 

Writer: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)