Mobile Library Brings Joy to the Children on the Slope of Mount Semeru

The volcanic activity of Mount Semeru has increased since December 4, 2021. As a result, hot clouds and ash fell to residential areas in Lumajang Regency and Malang Regency, East Java and caused damage and casualties. As of December 15, 2021, 48 residents died and 18 people have been seriously injured. A total of 10,185 residents fled to safer places due to this disaster. Thousands of children who are the most vulnerable groups in disaster situations are also affected. To respond the situation, many parties must cooperate  each other to meet their needs during displacement.

Seeing this condition, Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) in collaboration with the Office of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection provide psychosocial support through mobile library activity at the evacuation post. This is a part of WVI's response in the child protection sector. In the mobile library, the children can play, color pictures, and read books and recover their psychosocial condition. One of the coordinators of WVI's response, Jimmy, is happy because many children come to the mobile library area.

“The children are enthusiastic to come here. Some read books and some take part in coloring pictures. They seem happy to participate in the mobile library activities,” he said.

The mobile library is also viewed positively by the child's parents, including Martoni, 40, who always takes his son, Marfian, 7 years-old, to join mobile library activities.

“I like coloring and drawing activity. My child can thrive with activities like this. I hope that tomorrow there will be another activity so that children can join in," he said.

Cindy, 9, one of the girls who comes to mobile library is also happy. Because the books she reads are very entertaining.

"I like reading in the mobile library because the books are interesting. There are comics and books about puzzles here," said Cindy happily.

In addition to the mobile library, in the child protection sector, WVI also provides support for child-friendly space, psychological support and education in emergency situations. WVI also supports the health and sanitation sector through aid distribution and health promotion. The emergency response to the Mount Semeru carried out by WVI is planned to take place from December 2021 to February 2022.

Written by: Rena Tanjung, Communications Officer, Wahana Visi indonesia