Joshua and His Third Teacher who Transform His Life
As a child, Joshua lived in a village without electricity and proper roads access. Today, he is a nurse at the Waingapu Health Center in East Sumba Regency. As a healthcare professional, Joshua provides daily services to the elderly, infants, and outpatients. "Currently, I'm entrusted with managing the Prolanis program, a special program for the elderly. I also assist in serving two Posyandu centers in the village and attend to patients in the health center's polyclinic," he said.
Besides being raised by his grandparents, Joshua was also accompanied by Wahana Visi Indonesia during his childhood and adolescence. Living in a village with limited access did not hinder his ability to thrive. Support from his family and WVI enabled Joshua to shape his future. Joshua's family always prioritized the importance of education. "When I was little, Grandpa always taught me to be brave and to always manage my time to study more," Joshua recounted. Meanwhile, WVI became a loyal supporter, motivating Joshua to continue pursuing his dreams. "WVI is like a third teacher for me, after my family and school," he said.
For 12 years, from elementary school to high school, Joshua was one of WVI's child sponsor, who at that time operated in East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. In addition to participating in various child and family support activities, Joshua also took part in the Tabunganku program. In collaboration with Bank NTT, WVI's operational office in East Sumba initiated a fixed deposit program for children's education. Parents or caregivers in the village also agreed and committed to participating in this activity because they realized the importance of education for children. "I used the savings to help pay for my college tuition," said Joshua.
Until now, Joshua still remembers how WVI field staff continued to guide him to focus on positive life goals. The message to always be a diligent student to achieve his dreams has always been planted in Joshua. This has guided him to continue his life as a successful person and be useful to others.
"Because of WVI, my friends and I learned how to see what our lives would be like in the future. We learned to be responsible for the future, to become better people," said Joshua.
The reason why WVI is committed to being among vulnerable children and communities for 10 to 15 years is to witness the transformation of lives like Joshua's. How, since childhood, a child recognizes the potential and hope within them. Then, how they continue to grow in an environment that supports their development to the fullest. Until finally, they become empowered adults who are beneficial to their families and others around them.
This transformation can also occur because of the loyalty of each Child Sponsor. Your monthly donation enables WVI to continue to drive change within each child, within each home, within each school, in every effort to fulfill children's rights. If you long to see how Indonesian children can recognize hope, feel joy, and fight for justice, become a Child Sponsor who participates in witnessing how change happens.
Author: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
