Upgrading Self Potential while Educating People

Talking about ending violence against children will never end, as well as taking action to stop violence against children. Voicing that people care about children will not be enough with motivation and desire alone, it must be supported by good self-capacity, networking, and opening up to learn and share with people who care about children.

Nurdin (52) is a resident of Cipta Karya Village who decided to become an activist for Community-Based Integrated Child Protection (PATBM) in his village. His care for the children in his village who had experienced a lot of violence encouraged him to become an activist even though he didn't know what to do.

"I feel a lot of shortcomings because as an activist I and my friends are required to have more knowledge about child protection and good communication skills to facilitate activities in the community," said Nurdin.

Nurdin's doubts were then conveyed to his fellow PATBM activists and assistants from Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) Bengkayang Program Area in the monthly PATBM meeting. They then agreed that each monthly meeting should be filled with exercises to facilitate activities.

Through the training conducted by WVI and the opportunity to facilitate activities at the sub-village level, Nurdin's self-confidence and communication skills have increased. Nurdin was then entrusted with being a facilitator in the Workshop on the Development of a Child-Friendly Village in Bengkayang Regency, which the Village Head attended, the Head of the BPD village officials.

"Thank you to WVI and friends of PATBM activists who have allowed me to be able to share in this activity. Because of my friends' support, I can perform well, which helps me improve my ability to deliver materials,” said the father of five happily.

The noble work of Nurdin and his friends turned out to be fruitful. Not only increasing his capacity, but Nurdin also began to see changes in the behavior of the people who received training from him. According to him, more and more people care and are aware of wanting to protect children from violent practices.

Written by: Yan Riwu, CESP Coordinator Bengkayang Area Program Wahana Visi Indonesia