The High and Low in Pursuing Education until College

Nuria is a former sponsored child from WVI's assisted area in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan. She is the only child in her family who managed to go to college. Her parents only finished education up to elementary school, as did her seven siblings. "I never hoped to go to college because there was no money. My father is 66 years old, works as a farmer and only enough to feed his children," Nuria began her story. 

Being in a classroom of one of the universities in Sambas Regency still feels like a dream for Nuria. Her status as a student of the food agro-industry program seemed impossible. Nuria's journey through education was full of drama. Many obstacles made her spirit up and down. Nuria is very grateful that WVI has been faithful to accompany her along the way. 

"I was a sponsored child from age 6 to 18. One of the things that encouraged me to go to school was when I received a gift of school supplies from the sponsor," said Nuria. Nuria's enthusiasm for studying had dimmed because she felt unable to have adequate facilities for learning. However, the support from the sponsor reignited Nuria's enthusiasm. 

However, Nuria faced another tough challenge when her beloved mother passed away. A sense of loss and hopelessness made Nuria, who was in the first grade of junior high school at the time, intend not to continue her studies. She often skipped school, deliberately making sick leave letters to teachers even though it was just an excuse. 

In the midst of digesting her grief, Nuria felt strengthened as she continued to be assisted by WVI. This assistance, which is like a second family, has reignited Nuria's spirit. She was able to return to school diligently and even become a straight A student. 

The next challenge came when the pandemic hit the whole world. Nuria felt that the online learning method was not suitable for her conditions in the village. "During COVID-19, my enthusiasm for school dropped again. But then I was introduced to the Children's Forum by a friend and was even elected as chairperson," she said. 

At that moment, Nuria regained a glimmer of hope because she participated in many Children's Forum activities. "I can learn many things beyond what I get at school. I can also make a lot of friends. I was a very shy girl, but then started to become more confident, open, and socialize with others," she said. 

Another good influence that keeps Nuria's spirit up comes from WVI's staff. Nuria learned a lot from the staff who were very enthusiasticaly teaching and mentoring her and other children. "I am motivated to be like Kakak-kakak WVI. So even though I was still afraid of leaving my father alone at home, my campus was far from home, I still decided to go to college. Although it actually took a lot of courage to make this decision," said the 19-year-old girl.  

Successfully navigating the ups and downs of pursuing the best education possible, Nuria now has the courage to set big dreams for her future. She hopes to become an entrepreneur who specializes in developing Sambas local food. Not only that, she wants it to be globally known. 

Author: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)