A Child Who Is Saved by WVI Advocacy

The financial issue made a Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) sponsored child, Ndami (17) from East Sumba barely able to continue her education. Through advocacy carried out by WVI together with the village government and families, finally, she can continue the studies even though she has dropped out of school for two months.

Ndami is the youngest of nine. Her parents work as farmers. Ndami's father fell ill three years ago and could no longer work in the fields, so her mother had to work to support the family income. Ndami completed her junior high school (SMP) in May 2020, but she was barely able to continue to the next level of education due to financial issues.

Ndami lives with relatives in other villages to go to school because there is no junior high school in her village.

Ndami was sponsored financially by her mother and one of her brothers, Simon Damu (36) during her junior high school. Simon works as a collector and seller of candlenuts. As the oldest brother, Simon is also the backbone of the family all this time.

After Ndami finished junior high school, Simon could no longer afford to pay for Ndami's school fees to the high school level. Just like Simon, Niwa Kababa, Ndami's mother had a similar problem.

“I can't afford Ndami's school. Her father is sick, and now I am the one who makes money by selling corn in the market every week, ”said Niwa.

As a result, Ndami had to drop out of school even though she had a strong desire to continue her education. When friends her age are busy enrolling in their favorite high school, Ndami only stays at home.

"I am disappointed and regret that I can't go to school. I want to go back to my hometown to sell turmeric so I can go to school, "said Ndami.

Ndami was disappointed until finally, she decided to return to her hometown and live with her mother.

One day the WVI staff came to monitor the sponsored children and staff found the issues. WVI staff also followed up on this issue by meeting with Ndami's family and the village government for discussion.

While visiting Simon's house, officers found Ndami and her family peeling the candlenut they had harvested. The officers also held discussions with the family about the reasons why Ndami could no longer go to school.

“I can't help Ndami anymore because I also have children who are currently attending school. I also don't have the money to buy a high school uniform for Ndami. It's also too late for the school enrollment," Simon revealed.

Then, the WVI staff stated that the candlenut harvest can be used to pay for Ndami's school.

“You can sell this candlenut to buy a uniform. If you don't have enough money, Ndami can wear the junior high school uniform, which you just need to replace the emblem before. It's a shame if Ndami has to drop out of school midway, at least she can finish high school for her better future," said the WVI staff.

Meanwhile, on a separate occasion, WVI staff also met with the village government so that they could approach Ndami's family. The village government, represented by the village secretary, Stefanus Bala Ndjurumana (39), immediately approached Simon and Ndami's older sister so that they could find solutions for financing Ndami's school.

Through the approach taken by field officers and the village secretary, the family finally agreed to work together to finance Ndami's school. Simon together with other brothers agreed to work together to finance Ndami's school.

Currently, Ndami is back in school, although she stopped for 2 months and was late registering. Niwa was very happy because all of her children help the sibling back to school and reach higher education.

"Thank you, Sir! Now Ndami can go to school anymore,” said Niwa.

Stefanus, the Secretary of Mandas Village, was also very happy because his approach to the family is impactful. He said, “I am happy because Ndami can go back to school. I thank the WVI staff who have provided advice on how to approach Ndami's family."

One of Ndami's siblings also admitted that she was happy because Ndami was able to go back to school.

"We are happy that Ndami is going to school again. She can have more opportunities and not only work in the garden like her siblings," said Martha Dembi Tamar (34), Ndami's older sister.

Ndami is now in a high school in the Waingapu area and lives with her relatives in Waingapu City. Ndami is currently majoring in social studies and aspires to become a teacher. After graduating from school, Ndami wants to be able to continue her education to higher education.

"I am happy because I can go to school. I can think about my future, ”said Ndami with a beaming face.
 

Written by: Robinson Edison Roga, Field Facilitator and Gisela Emanuela Nappoe MELC East Sumba Program Area, Wahana Visi Indonesia
Photographer: Gisela Emanuela Nappoe, MELC East Sumba Program Area Wahana Visi Indonesia