Once a Sponsored Child, Now a Lecturer, Next a Hope Bearer

"The spirit of 'not dropping out of school' is what WVI has plant since childhood. And it really inspired me and my friends," said Salfius. Currently, Salfius works as a lecturer in the faculty of law and also a researcher at a university in Pontianak. He was formerly WVI's sponsored child from Sanggau District, West Kalimantan. 

For Salfius, when he was a child, the assistance from WVI become a very memorable moment. It was more meaningful than the various donation provided, more tangible than the programs implemented. "As a child, we felt embraced. When we lost motivation, we were always guided by WVI staff who were like our second parents," she says. 

This assistance also motivates and gives hope to Salfius to continue pursuing knowledge to the highest level. This is also what makes Salfius aspire to become a lecturer. Apart from the fact that education can be the bridge in achieving dreams, Salfius also feels that being a lecturer can be a channel to share inspiration. "The goal for me and the children who were assisted by WVI was to pursue dreams. Now the dream has been achieved and is ready to be shared with others so that it really benefits like WVI benefits us," he said. 

Salfius began to be a sponsored child from elementary to junior high school. He still remembers how little Salfius was very happy to participate in children's activities held by WVI. In 1991, WVI's Sanggau operational office organized an activity with all the sponsored children in West Kalimantan. "I still remember, when we gathered in one meaningful and fun activity for children, it was recreation. At that time, my family can not afford a recreation, it was very expensive. So this experience made us very happy, to meet many friends from other regions," he said. 

In addition to participating in children's activities, Mr. Salfius also received various educational and health assistance. As a child, he was very happy when he could go to school with new uniforms, shoes, books, bags and stationery. He described the gifts to a ‘durian runtuh’. That means, being lucky or receiving something very good. "Now I can understand that all of that is one of the encouragements for me to continue my education," said Salfius, recalling his childhood with WVI. 

Working as a lecturer, Salfius also hopes that every child in West Kalimantan and also in Indonesia can get the best education possible, as high as possible. He is very grateful to be one of the children who felt the assistance and received a lot of inspiration from WVI. Now, Salfius is happy to take charge in transferring hope to other children. "Keep up the spirit to go to school. Dreams can be achieved if there is a strong motivation," he said. 

Author: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)