Frengky Topa, Sponsorship Information Officer in Sipado

A letter from a child is what sponsors look forward to the most. When reading about the daily life or progress of the child being supported, a sponsor's heart is usually warmed and happy. For each of these meaningful correspondences, there is a "behind-the-scenes" figure who plays an important role. Wahana Visi Indonesia gives him the title of Sponsorship Information Officer (SIO). 

Frengky Topa, SIO of WVI's operational office in Sigi, Palu and Donggala districts, is one of the staff in charge of ensuring that children's correspondence with their sponsors runs smoothly. The 26-year-old has been in charge of the SIO position since November 2022. However, he was introduced to the world of humanitarian work in 2018. 

"I worked as a salesperson in a department store in 2018. Then I quit because of the Palu earthquake that happened that year. I chose to help one of the Non-Governmental Organizations conduct a public kitchen program after the disaster. At that time, we were in charge of providing food for survivors in various regions. We also distributed various relief goods," she says.

It was also during the disaster response period that Frengky was introduced to WVI. The WVI office, which covers three districts in Central Sulawesi, had been operating long before the earthquake hit Palu. When a disaster occurred in WVI's operational area, the program immediately changed to disaster response mode. That's when Frengky joined as an enumerator in charge of monitoring the condition of children after the earthquake occurred. 

"I decided to continue working in humanitarian organizations because, after the disaster that occurred in Palu, I saw that there were many people who really needed our help," said the native of Parigi Moutong. Working at WVI is one way for Frengky to contribute to people in need, especially children. 

Doing many activities with children is also one of Frengky's joys. He admits that seeing children smile and then telling them about the changes they have experienced is a source of encouragement for him in carrying out his work. The response of the villagers who are very open to WVI staff is also one of the things that impresses Frengky.

"But of course every job also has its challenges. Doing activities with children also tests patience. Not all children are immediately brave when I have to record them. So the process of taking Child Update Photo or Child Update Video is also hampered because of this," she said. However, despite the challenges, he remains committed to continue working in the humanitarian field. Frengky hopes that he can increase his capacity by looking for promotional opportunities to become a project coordinator. 

The man who once aspired to be a teacher also shared advice for young people who are looking for work or already in a certain profession, "Don't rush. Look for many references before you choose your job. And for those who are already working, there is no job that is immediately suitable. It is our mindset that must change in order for us to be considered suitable for a job. Do your job as best as you can with sincerity,". 

If you are looking for a place to work and are called like Frengky, WVI is currently looking for individuals who are interested in filling certain positions. For more information, please visit https://wahanavisi.org/id/tentang/karir and hopefully you can take part in the welfare of children in Indonesia.

Writer : Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)