The Beginning of A Dedicated Teacher

Every day, Sarlotan (24) greets the morning with enthusiasm because she teaches at a primary schools with the most beautiful views in Palu City, Central Sulawesi. This view is only visible after traversing a rough and uphill road. Her job is not just teaching; it is also caring for her students. It is not uncommon for Sarlotan to have to fetch her students from the plantation so they do not skip school. Her current role is not easy, but Sarlotan is committed to ensuring every child has access to the best education. 

“Because of our spirit, cooperation, and genuine dedication, we are confident that we can create a better environment for our students. Besides teaching, we also help cut their hair and nails, even bathing them at school, so they always learn in a clean condition. Their parents work on the plantation, so they cannot prepare the children properly before school,” said the young woman, who comes from a village assisted by Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) in Palu. 

When she was little, Sarlotan never dreamed of becoming a teacher placed in one of the remotest primary schools in her area. Forget dreaming of a profession; she was even terrified of meeting other people. Sarlotan was also often afraid of making mistakes, afraid of trying. Furthermore, she was raised quite strictly by her parents. She experienced a childhood marked by verbal and physical abuse. This made Sarlotan even more insecure. Consequently, she lost the opportunity to voice her opinions, participate, and develop as much as possible. 

But now, Sarlotan has become a different person and is doing a noble job. The change began when she became a WVI sponsored child. “WVI's presence in our area seemed to offer new hope, that I could be brave like other children. My family also started parenting more positively. At that time, both my parents were involved in WVI activities as social volunteers and were active in the Church,” she said. Sarlotan was a WVI sponsored child from the age of 9 to 18. 

Since WVI began assisting her village, various children's activities have been implemented, from simple routine activities like study and play groups to larger, more organised ones such as the National Children’s Day celebration and the Children’s Forum. The villagers became aware that children needed to be noticed, heard, and respected. At the same time, the children themselves realised that they could speak up and participate. This allowed Sarlotan to transform from a timid child into a leader, for herself and for other children. 

“I feel like a different person. Like a cocoon that transforms into a beautiful butterfly. I think this metaphor illustrates a significant transformation process, from an initial condition or form to a final one that is much better, beautiful, and mature,” revealed the holder of a Bachelor's degree in English Education. 

While still a WVI sponsored child, Sarlotan managed to become the head of the Children's Forum. As an adult, she has successfully performed her role as a dedicated teacher. She tries to overcome various challenges, both internal and external. Together with her parents, her community, and WVI, Sarlotan built dreams that she previously did not have. 

Now, she does not forget to return to serving the children and the village community as a social volunteer. Sarlotan serves as a facilitator for a parent support group that advocates for non-violent parenting in her village. 

For her, this is the right time to extend the chain of transformation. The change she experienced as a child, she is now transferring back to other children. Sarlotan hopes that more children and adults around her will experience change and live better lives in the future. 

Author: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive) 
Contributor: Henny Sitto (Sponsorship Officer in Central Sulawesi area programme)