Don't Let Hope Fade: Help Ana Achieve Her Dreams
"I like learning at school. I like learning Maths the most because it's good," said Ana, a third-grade student in Asmat Regency, Papua. Every day Ana is excited to go to school even though she only eats sago for breakfast. There are also days when there is no food for breakfast. Ana has to go to school with an empty stomach.
Sago is not only Ana's breakfast menu, but also her lunch and dinner. "Every day I eat sago and drink tea. I rarely eat fish or vegetables," she said. With a diet that is not varied and lacks protein, Ana often feels weak when she arrives at school. Her enthusiasm for school comes only from the joy she feels at being able to learn Maths.
The 10-year-old girl is also a regular participant to the Rumah Baca in her village. "At Rumah Baca I like to sing and hear storytelling," she said. WVI works with the community to facilitate Rumah Baca in the village so that children have easier access to literacy. Outside of formal learning hours, children can read, listen to stories, sing, and play at Rumah Baca.
Currently, school and Rumah Baca are the means Ana uses to continue to achieve her goals. "I want to be a nurse so I can help heal the sick," she hopes. If Ana manages to work as a nurse when she grows up, the school and Rumah Baca must exist. In fact, they must grow so that Ana's knowledge will increase. Ana must also eat fish and vegetables every day so that she can grow healthy and ready to explore her potential.
All aspects of Ana's life as a girl in a remote area must undergo transformation. Ana must live like a child and currently she has not experienced a proper childhood. Ana's hopes and dreams will be very easily deprived if the surrounding environment does not change. Change in the village where Ana lives can happen if everyone takes a role and takes action. Including you.
Let’s join hand to help Ana and other Asmat children find hope and make it come true. Check the Childhood HOPE program on our website.
Author: Mariana Kurniawati (Commuication Executive)
