Taking a Role in Making The Children Happy
"I have big dreams for my students. I want them to be happy children," said Ibu Ecak, a teacher and facilitator of a children's group in a village in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. In addition to carrying out her noble role as an educator, Bu Ecak also took the initiative to form a children's group in 2021. She formed this group because there was no place to accommodate children who were full of talent and creativity in her village. This children's group is open to all ages ranging from PAUD to high school which is a child-friendly forum while also carrying out activities that nurture the children's talents.
In the last three years, Bu Ecak has also managed to get several children in her village to continue their education to the university. This means a lot to the children and families in the village because it is not easy for a child in the village to become a university student. Transportation access and road facilities to the village are difficult, so children and communities also need a lot of support to access higher education.
In the classroom, Bu Ecak teaching methods are very fun. Classes are not only in the school building but can be in the nutrition garden or by the river. Science, math and other materials become more interesting for the children. What is written in textbooks becomes easier to understand. "I have a dream to be a teacher who is loved by students. I want to have students who love me because I am sure that when they love me they will love the lessons I deliver too," said Bu Ecak who has also been involved with many WVI programs since 2019.
The new insights about children that Ms. Ecak has gained through WVI's assistance since 2019 have had a big impact on her work as a teacher and as a volunteer in the village. She has received capacity building on child nutrition, child protection, child participation, and technical matters related to student literacy and positive parenting. Currently, Bu Ecak is also actively involved in the Build Our Kids' Success (BOKS) project.
In addition to being a volunteer who has the initiative to advance the potential of children in the village, Bu Ecak is also an advocate for parents. She strongly supports the ASCA, the nutrition garden, and the Parenting With Love training. This woman with a sweet smile also passes on her teaching methods to other teachers. As long as the activities have a positive impact on children, Bu Ecak sincerely supports and takes part.
"Dream as high as the sky because if you fall, you will fall among the stars," says Bu Ecak, sharing her enthusiasm.
A figure like Bu Ecak deserves to be called as an agent of change. However, even a change agent needs support and assistance. The programs that WVI implements in villages in Manggarai Regency are a meaningful support for Bu Ecak and other change agents.
There are thousands of other remote and underdeveloped villages that need someone like Bu Ecak, a woman with a heart and sincerity for the welfare of children. We can play a role so that every village has at least one agent of change. Let's unite your role with WVI and build the hope of Indonesian children living in prosperity.
Writer: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
