Faith Leaders Participation in Child Protection
Churches play a crucial and strategic role in child protection initiatives. In this regard, since 2023, Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) has been promoting the implementation of Child-Friendly Churches in its assisted areas, one of which is in Bengkayang Regency. This initiative has received positive responses from the Bengkayang Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs office and 22 churches committed to becoming Child-Friendly Churches.
"In our church, there are still junior high school-aged children who have difficulty reading and counting. Additionally, some toddlers are still stunted. I also still find children being treated harshly by their parents. This is a concern for me as a pastor and makes me interested in implementing the Child-Friendly Church programme," said Heri (44 years old).
After attending several seminars and training sessions on child protection, gender, the elimination of sexual violence and child marriage, and Child-Friendly Churches, Heri and his congregation became increasingly committed to becoming a Child-Friendly Church. "After signing the Child-Friendly Church commitment, I and the Task Force members started developing several programmes such as a reading corner, supplementary feeding, the installation of No Smoking Area stickers, and church nutrition garden activities. These programmes were also discussed and proposed by the Church Children's Forum, which we also formed as a platform for child participation," said the pastor, who enjoys playing football.
"I am very grateful that this programme is supported by my congregation. They donated books to the church, helped as tutors for the reading corner, and worked together to build the reading corner and church garden," explained Heri. To support the Child-Friendly Church programme, the congregation also committed to the 2,000 Rupiah for Healthy and Smart Children Movement initiated by the Task Force.
The Child-Friendly Church programme has had a positive impact on children. "Thirty children participated in the reading corner activities, and now they are more fluent in reading, writing, and counting. Their school achievements have also improved. With the Church Children's Forum, children have positive activities such as regular sports and learning. The health conditions of toddlers have also improved. Our church has become more concerned about children," he said proudly. The congregation's self-support efforts have successfully activated the reading corner activities and facilities, which are now a place where children can engage in positive activities.
"I sincerely hope that my congregation sees children as they see God. Children are the image of God whom they must love. Parents can also be more aware and open to the needs of their children," hoped Heri.
Author: Sebastian Rengga (Manager for Bengkayang Area Programme)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
