Beyond the River: New Adventures Await for Children
Every child has the right to experience the joy of being a child. One activity that reflects the happiness of children is playing. But of course, children don't just play carelessly. It is better if playing is done in a directed and safe manner as possible. This is something that the children who live in one village in South Bengkulu are also aware of. The children in this village long for meaningful play activities.
"We hope to have learning or fun activities around the house. So that we don't just play ordinary games every day, or even play in a river with a strong and dangerous flow," said Rizky, 10 years old. Rizky and other children in his village often play in the river because there are no other playgrounds in the village. Parents are often worried about the safety of their children when they play in the river.
Hearing these aspirations, parents, the village government, and WVI worked together to initiate more positive activities for the children in the village. This activity must be fun but also provide new insights for the children. In addition, activities must be carried out regularly so that transformation occurs.
After being discussed, it was agreed that children in the village aged 6-11 years could participate in life skills activities in the village. The topic of life skills is considered important because it will help children recognize their potential and arrange their dreams from an early age.
In the first meeting, the children were invited to learn about the professions of doctors and police officers. Rizky, who participated in the activity, said, "I am very happy to be able to participate. Learning to be a doctor and a police officer so that when I grow up I can make other people feel safe and healthy." Another participant, Fernando (10 years old), hopes, "If only there could be activities like this every day!".
Parents in the village also feel that this activity is very helpful in nurturing children. When parents have to work or go to the fields, the children no longer play in the river without supervision. Children can be more protected and also gain many new skills that are useful for their future.
Together with village stakeholders and parents, WVI is present to build villages that are more child-friendly. One of the initial steps towards a child-friendly village is the availability of activities that can facilitate children's potentials. And this is possible thanks to the commitment of sponsors and donors. The Child Sponsorship Program is one of the channels to realize the hopes of children who live in remote places. For example, the hopes of the children in South Bengkulu. Your commitment as a sponsor has made their hopes a reality to hold fun and meaningful activities for all the children in the village. Thank you, Sponsor.
Author: Freddy Alpino (Field Facilitator in South Bengkulu Area Programme)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
