The Village Leader who Cares for Children’s Rights

It takes a 30 KM journey from the city centre to reach one of Wahana Visi Indonesia's assisted villages in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Most of its people work as farmers. This village is an example of how the role of a village leader greatly determines the well being of children's lives though the community is living a simple life, far from the city. This village is not without problems, in fact, almost all of the existing village problems have an impact on children's lives. Yohanes, as the Village Head, felt called to address this issue. "In the past, this village lacked special attention for children. Sanitation issues are still a concern, the clean water network is still lacking, and there are no child participation groups that support children to play and develop," he said. 

The partnership built between the village government and WVI has been going on for quite some time. Yohanes feels that this partnership can have a sustainable impact so that the quality of life of the 350 children in his village can continue to be improved. Yohanes himself feels that currently awareness of the importance of a child has begun to emerge among children and adults. The presence of WVI has given its own colour, but his role as a village leader is also crucial in fighting for the fulfilment of children's rights in his village. He wants every child in the village to be able to live healthy, happy, and empowered. 

In the second year of his leadership, Yohanes realised a great commitment that had never been realised before. He decided to budget for child-based programmes, such as the celebration of National Children's Day. His reason for initiating this change was simple. "I am happy to see children, many of whom have talents that need to be developed both through formal education and by opening up spaces for child participation," said the 52-year-old man. 

He not only allocated funds, but also encouraged community involvement, especially through the Village Children's Forum. The Village Children’s Forum is actively involved in the implementation of these programmes. Yohanes also invited and involved children in village meetings such as the Village Musrenbang. In meetings that are usually only attended by adults, the Children's Forum is given the opportunity to convey children's issues that occur in the village. "I am proud to be in a meeting with adults. This is the first time we have been able to submit proposals to the village," said Dini, chair of the Village Children's Forum. 

In addition to the activities above, Yohanes also initiated capacity development programmes and creative activities that focus on fulfilling children's rights. This programme targets the education, health, and child protection sectors. "I want to ensure that every child in the village receives proper attention and feels involved in the village development process," said the Accounting graduate firmly. 

The 2024 National Children’s Day celebration in the village that Yohanes initiated was lively. The series of events for two days was well organised. He not only held children's games competitions, but also held a village parade and arts and cultural performances which were attended by all the children and community. 

Yohanes was touched to see the happy smiles and cheerfulness of the children involved in the National Children’s Day activities. "This success is not only about achieving numbers and allocating budgets, but more than that, how the programme brings direct positive impacts on the lives of children in the village," said the father of eight children. 

Yohanes' leadership shows his strong commitment to the future of children in the village. He also promises to continue to support programmes that benefit children's growth and development. "I will continue to support the National Children’s Day celebration with consistent budget allocation during my leadership, with the hope that this village will become a child-friendly village that prioritises the wellbeing of the next generation," he concluded. 

This success has inspired many people in the village and Yohanes is seen as a visionary leader who cares about children's rights. Figures like Yohanes are a reminder that the future of a village starts with children who are healthy, happy, and empowered. 

Author: Bernadinus Jomo Lus (Programme Coordinator for WVI’s Manggarai Area Programme) 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)