Nothing Can Hinder Every Child’s Potentials
Every child has the right to grow up in an environment that acknowledges and values their existence. When parents, teachers, peers, or other adults uphold a child's rights, their self-esteem can develop to its full potential. They will have a self-image as a child full of potential and be motivated to develop it. However, if the individuals around the child choose to ignore them, they will become a person with low self-esteem and no hope. In such conditions, a child will internalise the belief that they are a person without potential and powerless.
This less-than-ideal environment for a child's growth was experienced by Arsi, who is now a young woman studying to be a nurse. In her village in East Sumba, Arsi lived with her father, mother, and six siblings. Electricity and internet access had not yet reached her home. Her family's economic condition was far from sufficient. Access to basic facilities was an expensive luxury for Arsi. When she was little, she grew up to be a very shy person who felt incapable.
"Initially, parents in the village didn't understand what a child's duties were supposed to be. There was once an instance of violence against children; the child was ostracised, forbidden from going out or participating in various activities, and no one took care of household chores," she recounted.
Arsi and her peers didn't dare to dream. Not even big dreams; simply continuing their education was unimaginable. Because they didn't realise their own potential, the children weren't motivated to develop.
"After WVI came, I became more motivated. The support and guidance from WVI brought about a change in my life. I realised that I actually could do it, but I was just shy. But if I had the intention to learn, I could definitely move forward. I could realise my dreams because of WVI and my sponsor," said this former Wahana Visi Indonesia sponsored child. Arsi was a WVI sponsored child from 2011 to 2020.
WVI has implemented a long-term community development programme in East Sumba. Various activities and advocacy efforts are implemented with one main goal: for children and communities to experience sustainable transformation. Change must happen within every child and community, just as Arsi experienced. She transformed from a child previously engulfed by feelings of "not being able" to a child who believed she "could."
When she was a child, the Village Children's Forum was where Arsi realised her potential. She shaped her organisational skills and public speaking. Together with other members of the Children's Forum, Arsi organised many competitions for other children and educational activities for parents. "From 2017, children have been given the opportunity by their parents to freely participate in any activities. Now there is no more oppression or violence against children. Now children are free to do anything that is beneficial for themselves," she stated.
Being a member of the Children's Forum also allowed Arsi to contribute to other children. This also proved to her that developing potential is not only meaningful for oneself but also for others. Simple activities like leading prayers or reading scripture in front of other children were ways Arsi boosted the confidence of other children in her village. "We've been able to train younger children to be brave enough to speak and know many things so they don't feel inferior," she explained.
The presence and assistance of WVI kept Arsi motivated to dream. She pursued scholarships so she wouldn't drop out of school. Arsi's father also participated in the children's education savings programme that WVI facilitated at the time. These savings were very beneficial when Arsi wanted to continue her education to high school and university. "I didn't want to stop my education at a higher level because of economics. I'm the youngest of seven siblings and the only one to go to university. As a child, I must be able to make my parents proud," said the aspiring nurse.
From primary to high school, Arsi also received support from her sponsor. Once every month or two, a letter from her sponsor would arrive at Arsi's home. Regularly exchanging letters made Arsi know that there was someone else who cared and prayed for her life. "My sponsor gave me gifts like clothes, bags, a doll, stationery, and toiletries. Although we never met, these gifts made me happy, and my father and mother were also helped," she said.
In her life now, Arsi continues to hold onto some advice shared by the WVI staff who used to mentor her. "I still remember it now; the WVI mentors always said that village children shouldn't be outdone by city children. And, don't prioritise what we can't do, but look at what we can." This advice continues to ignite Arsi's spirit to keep developing. She still dreams. Now, she hangs her hopes on becoming a professional nurse who continues to study at a higher level of education.
Author: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
