Staff's Story: When Children Free to Choose Their Sponsor in the CHOSEN Program
#CHOSEN - The Landak Program area where I served became the first area where the latest Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) program called CHOSEN was held. My friends and I are grateful to be involved in this program to give new hope to the children and communities in Landak Regency.
Initially, I saw this as an ordinary child sponsorship program, but when I saw children have the opportunity to choose their sponsor, I realized that this program was very special, especially for children.
We made various preparations to run the CHOSEN program. For example, coordinating with the community, cadres, ensuring data on children who will participate in the program, and preparing for activity funds. Together with cadres, we made preparations such as scheduling time to introduce this program to parents and children. We also compile a schedule of activities, determine the location of the implementation, ensure safety during activities such as the situation of the place, weather, duration of implementation, consumption, and light medicines. And most importantly ensuring how this activity can be carried out by following the Covid-19 health protocol.
For me, this program is different, CHOSEN is very special. In my opinion, through this process, WVI and potential sponsors give children appreciation by allowing them to be able to choose their Sponsor, who will be part of their life story.
I saw their eyes sparkle as they stare at the photos and smile proudly then show their choice to parents and friends. There are proud gazes of parents who see their children choosing Sponsor of their own choice.
As they sat down, specially called one by one to come forward, prayed silently, and then determined whom they chose, I saw each child being treated special. When kids take a photo of their sponsor and stare at it, I see that they have confidence and hope that the person in the photo is the right person for them. The person who gets the trust and hope of the child.
I am also a child sponsor. Even though I didn't choose my sponsor's child myself, and the child didn't directly choose me either, I still feel happy to be able to support a child and be part of his life story.
Especially if I am a Sponsor chosen by a child through this program, I feel special. I am sure that the commitment to provide support as a carrier of change for children is getting stronger because we know that someone has given us their trust and hope. The bond that will be established will be even stronger and it is hoped that changes will occur on both parties, both the child and the sponsor.
I remember when a child named Oknaberti said, “I feel happy to see photos of Sponsor and photos of people I like. I hope the Sponsor can support me. " It brings new energy to our staff and the kids as well. The hope of a better life for them now really exists.
* Register yourself in the CHOSEN program starting June 2021 at: https://chosen.wahanavisi.org/
Rewritten based on the story of Rista Matondang staff by Putri ianne Barus, Communications Officer of Wahana Visi Indonesia
