Spreading Love, Growing Hope

 Students services for people 

 in Bondomaroto, West Sumba 

Bondomaroto is one of tourist villages in sub-district of Waikabubak, West Sumba. Geographically the village is located on a hill and residents have livelihoods from gardens and rice fields. A few months ago the village was hit by severe fire that burned traditional houses there. All property and even pets were in fire. Villagers were shocked  and they decided to stop their daily activities to build shelters for temporary stays. But luckily they rose again to work and together built their homes.

I was encouraged to do activities with them during college vacations. I realized that I could not make it myself, so I called some friends for help. They were Niga and Jekson who studied Informatics in Ukrim Yogyakarta, Ayu, accounting student at UKDW Yogyakarta and Erik who had worked at village office in Sumba. We have known each other that it made easier for us to build togetherness and prepared activities, especially for local village children because they needed psychological support.

Our first step was on January 11, 2019. We visited the village and met the head of local village. He responded well and was very grateful for the activity planning with the children. He suggested us to make appointment with them because after school they usually went to fields to help their parents on their rice fields. Although they were young, they have to work to fulfill their daily needs. Finally, we agreed that our activity would be held on January 14, 2019 after they returned from school. Even the village head was ready to help gathering the children to join the event. After observation we discussed our preparation and distributing our jobs, such as ice breaking games, songs and material about children's rights that we had learned before. We wanted to invite children to 'learn and play' together. Besides the program, we also prepared equipment and snacks for them.

Several hours before the event, the rain fell quite hard and hampered our journey. The road to the village became slippery and we had to walk so we wouldn't slip off the cliff. Arriving in the village, we were surprised by the large number of children and parents who had gathered to take part in the event. At first we had difficulty involving children to talk and sing because they were still shy, but we approached them by playing games and telling stories. After that, they were so enthusiastic to share their experiences at schools and the rice fields. Furthermore, I delivered material about the importance of paying attention to children's rights, such as the opportunity for children to play, grow and avoid violence.

The program ended with having snacks with children and residents. Some parents wanted this activity to continue so that the children in Bondomaroto village will learn many things. They also wanted to explore children's rights so that they can remind each other if there is improper treatment of children. We also thanked to them because we were allowed to hold joint activities. Our big dream together is that there is a children's reading house in Bondomaroto village.

We are aware that a major change should be started by small actions. The attention to children is an investment for the future, especially in Sumba. For all young Sumba, never be afraid to do good and beneficial things for yourself and others. (Magdalena Titin Huri Roga *).

* The writer is currently a theology student of STT GKS in Lewa, East Sumba. She has participated in several trainings at Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta (2017) and Journalism training at Stube-HEMAT Sumba (2018).