Children's Group Opens Access to Achieve Dreams

Twenty-one years ago Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) came to an elementary school to socialize about children's rights and distribute school supplies. It was then that Yanto (27) who was still in grade 2 of elementary school got to know WVI and became active through activities organized by WVI. Starting from participating in the Children's Study Group (KBA) to competition after competition, Yanto did not miss anything.

“I have participated in singing competitions, and playing guitar, until finally when I was in junior high school, WVI was selected to take part in the 2010 National Children's Day (HAN) event in Jakarta with other friends. The HAN event that I will never forget because it opened access for me to achieve my dream of becoming a teacher,” said Yanto.

Through the HAN event, Yanto's path to unforgettable experiences is increasingly opened. One of them met with Prof. Yohanes Surya, a professor who teaches Papuan children to be good at physics and supports children to succeed.

“I am very inspired by the story of his journey and struggle to provide access to education for underprivileged children. Since then I have been determined to become a teacher,” said Yanto, recalling the experience that made him now able to become a science & mathematics teacher at a public junior high school in East Sumba.

Yanto's active participation in WVI activities made Yanto the first Deputy Chair of the Na Anamu Studio when he was in high school. Sanggar Na Anamu is currently known as the East Sumba Children's Forum (FAST). Sanggar Na Anamu is used as a forum for teenagers to be able to share and fight for children's rights.

FAST also often holds various activities such as the Na Anamu Cup (soccer competition), Na Anamu Writer (writing competition), and Na Anamu Voice (vocal group competition). This Na Anamu activity was the first major activity in East Sumba which was held in many schools from the village to the district level.

"It was great to be able to make Na Anamu with WVI brothers and friends, even though we were still confused about how to organize an event, but after a while, we learned how to manage events well and especially how to get involved in the organization," he said.

All the experiences and learnings while active with WVI have made Yanto a person who is always willing to fight for the interests of children, especially in the field of education. His struggle to become a teacher was not easy because of limited economic conditions. However, Yanto continued to study hard until he was able to pass the selection of teacher schools in Undana, Kupang, and received scholarships from Bidik Misi to the East Sumba Regency government.

“I learned a lot to have the heart to serve and be more sensitive to the problems that occur to children and continue to fight for what must be fought for. I hope that the children of East Sumba can get protection and access to good education in the future," Yanto hoped for the future of the children of East Sumba.

Written by: Gracia Thomas, Volunteer Engagement Executive Wahana Visi Indonesia