Growing with Communities in Villages
It has been a year since Windri Rusli (28) became part of Wahana Visi Indonesia right after she finished her postgraduate studies at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. The reason why she joined was simple: a lecturer suggested it to her. Windri had asked which was the best non-profit organization where she could start her career in community development. The lecturer suggested Wahana Visi Indonesia.
"When I first entered WVI, my idealism was still strong so I thought "Ah, I can do it!". As time went on, meeting the community, traditional leaders, academics, and government really slapped me. I knew the theory, but what should I do?" said Windri, who now holds the position of Digital Marketing and Content Specialist.
"In about one to two weeks I told my Team Leader that I wanted to visit eastern Indonesia to learn. Suddenly, I got a call to be transferred to Flores Island. Instead of being excited, I broke out in a cold sweat!" she said. "I thought Manggarai was just a train station, but it turned out to be a big district!".
Although she was nervous about the change in work location, one of the things Windri is grateful for is that wherever she is placed, she is always surrounded by positive, supportive colleagues who share the same vision. This motivates her to continue serving and giving her best.
Although she has returned to WVI's operational office in Jakarta, Windri said she will remain open to learning new things. According to Windri, an attitude that is open to dynamics and new things is an important provision for working in a non-profit organization. "In fact, I learn a lot from my daily interactions with women in the market, playing with children, and listening to their stories, including the experiences of my friends in the field," she said.
When she says she is now a humanitarian worker, Windri laughs. She still feels she doesn't deserve the title. "At that moment, I realized that the more I know, the more I don't know. Society is complex, but if you sincerely want to help, you will find a way,".
