We Have Changed by The Group of Children

Playing is the passion of every child, including Yani (16) an assisted child of Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) Sekadau Program Area, West Kalimantan. The eldest of two admitted that she enjoyed spending time playing without any meaningful things. However, Yani's meeting with WVI gave a significant change in his life.

“Previously, before joining the children's group, my only activities were schooling, staying at home, and going to the field. I only spent every day playing,” Yani recalled.

The condition of the village is quiet, and Yani has no peers. It has made Yani follow her parents to the fields. The difficulty of accessing the city that can be reached for 3 hours, with damaged roads and crossing rivers, has often discouraged Yani from exploring her activities outside the village.

The 2nd-grade senior high school student is now actively involved in activities with children's groups. Yani and her peers did not hesitate to speak up about their rights as children.

“I joined the children's group in 2015. I have participated in many activities since joining this children's group. I learned about children's rights and how to do good public speaking. I understand many things related to child protection and children's rights, environmental hygiene, understand the importance of handwashing with soap, and dare to speak in public,” said the child who dreams of becoming a teacher.

Yani's activity in the children's group turned out to be a change for her, even in her family. She explained, “My parents care more about their children and respect my rights as a child and fully support my activities outside the home with friends in the children's group. They educate and love us according to the guidelines for children's rights. "

According to Yani, changes have also occurred in the village community. The community understands more about children's rights and fully supports them when their children participate in activities and join children's groups. Parents and village government are often involved in children's group activities. Children's groups also monitored toilets to assist the village government in getting used to a clean and healthy life.

"I hope the children in my village will continue to progress and can continue their studies at university. We can also continue to voice our rights as children, especially in our village,” Yani hoped.

Written by: Herliani, SIO Area Program Sekadau Wahana Visi Indonesia