The Little Teacher to Support Other Children
Not only adults who can become teachers, but children too. Not only teaching other children, the little teacher can also teach adults many things. Not only sharing subjects in school, but also lessons about courage and caring to develop the capacity of children in the village.
Sesti, a 12-year-old girl, is a little English teacher in her village in South Central Timor District, East Nusa Tenggara. It has been one year since Sesti joined the children's group facilitated by WVI in partnership with the Gereja Masehi Injili di Timor (GMIT). "In this group, my friends and I learn English, reading, writing, and play together. Before this children group established, my friends and I always played together, but we didn't have any learning activities together," said Sesti.
The children's group meets regularly once a week. This children's group is like extra tutoring for children outside of school activities. Every meeting, the children who attend will start the activity by reading a book together. WVI and GMIT work together to provide children's story books, tables, and other equipment to support the activities of this children's group. "After reading the story book, I will retell it to my friends about what I have read and we do it in turn, then the younger children learn to read and write," the Little Teacher explains the routine of the children's group meeting.
This group means a lot to Sesti as it allows her to act as a teacher to other children, especially the younger ones. In addition to learning together, Sesti also develops the ability to be a leader, express her opinion, and become a role model for her friends.
"Because I diligently participated in the children's group activities, my friends and I who didn't understand before can now write and read in English. My English grades at school are also good," said Sesti proudly.
In addition to being a girl who is able to lead and proficient in English, Sesti also wants to show that, "Even though I am from a village, I can also learn English, which I know is the language of the world". Sesti does not see the location where she lives as a limitation to learning many things, even in the midst of these limitations she is willing to share her knowledge with other children.
Sesti's passion for learning and not wasting opportunities is why WVI and local partners consistently provide assistance to children. WVI and local partners ensure that children like Sesti can continue to ignite the spirit of learning even though they live in less than ideal conditions.
Let's walk together with WVI to keep every Indonesian child’s hope light up. For more information about supporting us, please visit wahanavisi.org/sponsoranak.
Author: Randi Tafuli (GMIT field officer, WVI local partner in South Central Timor)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
