Diva (7) and Lionel (7) live in a village in Central Sulawesi. Like other children there, they play after school. Lionel enjoyed playing under his neighbor’s elevated house and often spent time watching television. On the other hand, Diva, aspiring to become a doctor, splits her time between playing with friends and dedicated studying at home.
Diva is afraid of not advancing to the next grade as before. Even though it happened because the minimum age requirement, she still feels sad because she can’t be with her classmates anymore. Therefore, Diva diligently studies at home with the help of her parents. While her mother is pleased with Diva’s enthusiasm and high aspirations, teaching proves challenging for her and her husband.
Their story takes a positive turn when they join a children’s study group organized by the Community-Based Integrated Child Protection group (PATBM). PATBM is a community-driven movement at the village level initiated by the national government.
In the village where they live, the PATBM group was formed and assisted by Save the Children and local partner, in collaboration with the village government, as part of a child protection in the agriculture sector supported by Cargill. Through PATBM, village residents are supported to better understand children’s issues, identify children’s rights problems, and refer or assist in addressing these problems.
The children study group was reactivated by PATBM as an alternative space for children to learn and steer them away from juvenile delinquency. One of the main facilitators is Elmiatika (42), affectionately known as Mama Ilo. The activity takes place at Mama Ilo’s home every Monday afternoon and she teaches the children. The children learn to read, write, draw, and study English.
Diva and her mother heard the news about this group. Diva felt happy and immediately went to Mama Ilo’s house to join the activities. Thanks to the children’s group, Diva’s mother’s concerns about the difficulty of teaching her child had now diminished. She also relieved as Diva is once again smiling happily and learning together with her friends.
“I am very grateful. Her development has been extraordinary. She often studies, she’s happy again,” said Diva’s mother.
Meanwhile, Lionel knew from his friends. Lionel’s grandmother allowed him to participate in the children study group. She shared that Lionel’s older sibling had participated in a similar child group six years ago.
“I learn to write, read, and draw. I can already read and write. I like writing the most,” said Lionel.
Lionel’s grandmother is grateful because now he not only spends time watching television and playing, but also learning. In fact, Lionel can already write short story. He is always enthusiastic about participating in the children group and has become more diligent in learning.
Diva, Lionel, and the other children in their village now have positive additional activities after school. Save the Children and local partner also distributed reading books and notebooks for this children’s group, in addition to supporting the PATBM group to advocate for village budget allocation to ensure their sustainability.