Parenting: A Never Ending Learning

In one of the villages supported by Wahana Visi Indonesia in Sintang Regency, West Kalimantan, Syli dedicates herself wholeheartedly to her role as a congregational pastor. She actively participates in various activities, both within and outside the Church. She finds particular joy in serving her community. 

Beyond her daily activities, Syli has also become a driving force for change in parenting patterns. She embraced this role after attending the Parenting with Love (PDC) training, facilitated by Wahana Visi Indonesia and its partners. 

She felt a great many benefits from this opportunity. "I'm very happy to be able to learn from many places. Not only learning about ministry in the Church, but learning a lot about family and serving children well," she stated. 

Before Wahana Visi Indonesia's involvement, the village where Syli serves tended to be passive. "In the past, only a few people wanted to participate in activities, especially those related to ministry. Many people didn't dare to," she recalled. However, over time, the community began to show courage in getting involved. 

"Now, many people are brave enough to participate in activities because they, and even I myself, have re-learned that ministry isn't just done in the Church. It's also about how we can serve our families well, serving our husbands and children well," Syli explained. 

This change is evident in the community's openness to sharing experiences and learning from one another. "We learn to get to know our family members, not just judging them by their behaviour and actions, but learning to be friends with our children and husbands so we can share many things about what they like and don't like," she added. 

Now, Syli and her community demonstrate that the courage to share and learn together can bring positive change. "I still worry about my child's future, but I try to calm myself down and give my child trust by discussing with them what they're feeling," Syli concluded, emphasising the importance of communication within the family. 

Author: Anissa Christin Sepenriana (Freelance for Sintang Area Programme) 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)