Children Organized National Children's Day Celebration
Children in a village in South Nias Regency celebrated National Children's Day with great fanfare. The event was full of messages that the right to life, the right to growth and development, the right to protection, and especially the right to participate must be fulfilled. The children in the village not only had the opportunity to express themselves through art performances, but they also had the opportunity to become the committee for the celebration. This means that the children lead and organize the activity from preparation to implementation.
"I am very happy because I can participate when I was chosen to be the head of the HAN committee in the village. At first, I refused and did not expect it because I doubted my ability to lead my friends," said Gian, a girl who is also a member of the Village Children's Forum. "I didn't know how to be the head of the committee, what to do, what to prepare, how to organize everything later so that it reaches the peak of the event. I said I couldn't do it. But the village head, child facilitators, and friends motivated me to try this challenge," he said. Gian's willingness to become the head of the committee was a means for him to learn to be confident so that he could lead well until the peak of the celebration.
In addition to developing self-confidence and leadership skills, Gian also became more aware of the meaning of the HAN celebration. By celebrating the existence of all children in Indonesia, it means that children's rights must be prioritized. Children must be protected from violence, beatings, bullying, and many more. If every child is free from these things, children will feel comfortable, safe, and can express themselves without pressure from anyone. "Even though we are still children, our existence is respected. That's why, for me, HAN is an honor and affirmation of children's rights to be fulfilled. We tell our parents to love us with love," Gian said excitedly.
Gian hopes that next year the HAN celebration in his village can take place again, even more lively. Of course, with children as the main event organizers.
Author: Theoli Gulo (Staf CESP LOB Ministries)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
