Students Contribute to Their Villages Vi & Mi (Village and Me) Program
Wednesday, 11 December 2019by adminstube
The opportunity for youths in Sumba to continue their studies to higher education is a valuable opportunity to improve their quality also the community life. The knowledge and skills they get in campus should also be felt by the villagers where they live. Stube-HEMAT Sumba as a student and youth mentoring service in Sumba encouraged them to pay attention to their villages and open opportunities through Village and Me program in the second period 2 of 2019, to ‘share blessings' of the knowledge and skills they learned in campus. The three-student participants are:
Bernadus Zakarias Weni Liwang, a seventh-semester student of Christian Religious Education at Theological college of Sumba Christian Church in Lewa, East Sumba. He was motivated to take part in developing human resources, especially children and young people in his village in Lewa Paku, Lewa sub-district, East Sumba. He designed a mentoring program for children and teens, especially for English language course in Pingi Ai Luri, one of the branch church of GKS Pametikarata, Lewa. This activity is carried out four times a week, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 16.00-18.00 during October-November at the church.
Dozens of elementary and junior high school children and teens learned English enthusiastically because they rarely get this kind of activity in their village. They learned simple vocabularies such as the alphabet, numbers, names of days, months and years, they also read short text. Then, they practiced the pronunciation in front of their friends. This method strengthened their confidence as an addition to learn English words itself. Even they wanted not just learning English but learning other lessons, so Bernad opened chance for his friends as facilitator for children and young people in learning other subjects.
Trisno Karepi Kahendu, a young man born in Praipaha, February 22, 1998. He lives in Pepuwatu village, where people depend on agriculture so that he is familiar with land management, preparing seed, formulating fertilizer and food crop preparation, such as rice, corn, peanuts, sweet potatoes and taro. Trisno is currently studying Agrotechnology at Wira Wacana Christian University, which equips him with knowledge related to agriculture and technology that support agriculture.
In November 2019, he and the residents of Pepuwatu village, Nggaha Ori Angu sub-district, East Sumba Regency gathered in Rawa Madap, including the local hamlet apparatus, Giling Kawara Konda and Yunus Ngamba Handa Mbewa to practice making bokashi fertilizer, both solid and liquid fertilizer. The basic ingredients used are fresh water, liquid palm sugar, em4, rice bran (pau) and animal dung (chicken, goat, horse). The material is mixed and stirred slowly in a plastic drum and closed, opened once a day, stirred slowly and closed again for one week to be ready to use.
Julian Huki Pahawali, from the village of Praikarang, East Sumba and is studying Agribusiness at Wira Wacana Christian University. He was eager to assist the children in Mbinudita parallel elementary school in Nggaha Ori Angu sub-district and together with the residents built the classrooms.
The existence of Mbinudita Parallel Elementary School itself is a response of the local village community to the long distance between the village and the closest education facilities, because the closest elementary school is 5-6 kilometers away from their village, so, it is hard enough for the first and second grade students to walk to school every day. Last year the community built temporary learning class with wooden frames, bamboo walls and alang-alang roofs, so that new classrooms were needed to facilitate children's learning process. This school faced consequences, such as limited teaching facilities and unavailability of permanent teachers to teach. Julian, as a young man and student from the local village was moved to share his time during study in campus and accompany the learning process there.
The works of these young people need to be appreciated, even though small activity in village but it has positive impact for the local community and village. This is our dream if every Indonesian student has concern to village. Indonesia with 83.931 village level administrative areas (BPS 2018) invites educated people to make villages continue improving and increasing people’s interest to live and work, so that villages develop and the welfare of the community will come true. (TRU).
A Girl Fights for Education Vebiati Lende
Friday, 29 November 2019by adminstube
"Women do not need to study higher, women work only in the kitchen, rice fields and farms, so what is having further education for?". Those were the words that my dad said when his daughters were eager to continue their education with no exception for me.
I am Vebiati Lende from Mareda Kalada, Southwest Sumba. Since I was in senior high school I wanted to continue my study and I told my mom about it. My mom really supported my wish. However, when I was in the second year of high school, my mother was sick and went to the hospital many times but she never recovered, even her illness could not be cured. In 2014 my mom, my loved ones left me forever, I was very shocked because someone who supported me to continue my study passed away. I thought my dreams had gone and it was useless to continue study higher because no one supported me anymore. In 2015 I was graduated from high school and I intended to work out of Sumba island because some young people in my area prefer to work out in other island.
Accidentally, I met a friend of mine at Children's Development Center (PPA), she got a college scholarship, then I asked her if she could inform the donor that I also want to get scholarship too. I thought my message was not answered, but when I attended in a PPA meeting, it turned out, the hope that I thought was lost was finally answered. I never imagined to get a donor for college study. My feeling was mixed, one hand I was very happy and wanted to give this news to my family, but on the other hand I knew that my father did not allow me to go to college. This was the beginning of my struggle.
I realized that my dad disagreed, so I had left my house before sunrise so that he did not know when I was out, walking down the path to the main road waiting for the bus from Southwest Sumba to Lewa in East Sumba. Finally, I registered as a student in Theology College of Sumba Christian Church in Lewa with a scholarship from PPA and my sister paid my boarding fees. For me, study at college is a struggle because I have to fulfill myself with money available for campus assignments and foods. Besides study, I also take part in campus activities, churches and organizations in order to increase my experiences. In semester five I got a miracle from God when my father said that he would support my study after seeing my determination to study, and now my dad also always goes to church. How God answers my prayers.
Everyone's life journey is not the same, my struggle to study at college is not just to continue my study but the struggle of Sumbanese women to get higher education opportunities for a better life, for themselves, families and the society of Sumba. For women who are struggling, please stay faithful, do not give up, broaden your network and keep on praying, because we do not know the God's answer to our lives and our time is different from God's time. Fight hard and achieve your dreams.
Being Smart to Aim Job Opportunities
Monday, 25 November 2019by adminstube
What is in mind of Sumbanese youth when they were asked about Sumba? The answers are likely savanna, livestock, tourism and culture. These are standard answers, in fact, they need to be more critical in seeing the reality of world challenges with its competition and temptation of youth lifestyle, such as hedonism, instant lifestyle, smoking, drugs, free sex, low work ethic, etc. In fact, they sell their land easily to buy vehicles just for prestige without knowing its economic value, even do not continue their studies after high school and apply work outside of Sumba island as laborers. However, some others are fortunate to be able to continue their higher education in Sumba or outside of Sumba, such as Kupang, Malang, Salatiga and Yogyakarta.
The data from BPS East Sumba 2019 illustrated the population aged 15 years and over, in which the main activity of 168.865 people is consisting of 128.308 people working, 1.852 people not working/looking for work, and 38.705 people are not the workforce because they are at school, taking care of households and others. It is interesting how to equip a group of young people to have economically valuable skills while studying that can improve their welfare. Stube-HEMAT Sumba responded to this challenge by conducting a training on Youth, Work and Other Alternatives at PPMT guesthouse, Lewa, East Sumba (22-24/11/2019) through personal capacity building, productive skills and attention to local conditions.
Thirty-two students from Theology College (STT) Terpadu, Wira Wacana Christian University, Theology College (STT) of Sumba Christian Church and church youth took part in the training that began with Introduction of Stube-HEMAT by Rev. Dominggus Umbu Deta, S.Th, the coordinator of Stube-HEMAT Sumba. He said that Stube is God's blessing from the offerings of churches in Germany and since 2008 serving students and young people in Sumba, so we must be grateful and diligent in participating in its programs including three participants of Exposure program to Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta who shared their learning experiences in Yogyakarta about growing vegetables, processing local food, making ‘colet batik’ and ecoprint and arranging accessories from beads and presenting videos as product of photography and videomaking. This program gives Sumba students opportunity to learn and do activities at Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta because by visiting other places and interact with people with different cultures, languages and ways of life these will enrich them in understanding people and life.
The current phenomenon of Sumbanese youth is that they tend to be instant rather than doing process of achieving results by looking for work outside Sumba island, such as to Bali that is considered to provide more promising job vacancies, but in fact they do not think that they also face hard competition there, and forced back to Sumba with no results, besides another threat of human trafficking because of the temptation of work abroad without sufficient skills. It was revealed by Drs. Banju Ndakumanung, Lewa sub-district head, he also offered alternatives in Lewa with its potency of livestock and agriculture as business base that can be developed creatively by applying technology into food products, crafts, agriculture supportings and other products. Even the sub-district government with the Manpower office of East Sumba regency has carried out life skills training for young people to create new opportunities and jobs.
The strategy to start local-based business was revealed by Florensius B.D.U Wijaya, a businessman in Lewa engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry and plantations that utilizes creativity and modern technology. The main capital to start a business is strong will and not to be easy to give up, equipped with knowledge and skills that are available on internet. Challenges exist but we should be sure and optimistic that we will produce something good for our lives. He reminded that any capital can start a business, clear goal as the direction of business and do not be bothered by pessimistic opinion from others. Don't forget to understand what is needed by market, observe what is the current trend by providing products that respond to these needs and to take advantage of technology, social media and various communities of young people to promote the products.
Regarding to millennial generation 4.0, Ev. Yosua Bulu Pada, S.Th, the PPMT manager, emphasized that millenial generation is those who are open-minded, creative, innovative, has entrepreneurial spirit, and adaptable with modern era. We cannot say no to technological developments because this is the reality, so we must be able to compete in mastery of technology that can be utilized in various aspects of life. Not just using technology for communication but also enrich knowledge and economy. As practical provision he worked with the participants to make taro chips and turmeric drinks, curcuma and ginger. These ingredients are easily found at the house yards and containing nutritious substance for health even economic value when they are marketed with a variety of flavors.
At the end of the training Rev. Dominggus reminded the participants that youth is actually in a productive period so that they should have positive creativity that bring good change, be tough in business, be ready to be a leader, be critical and be smart in building their own potency and be wisely utilizing technology. Idealism is important, but it needs to be realistic and make it happen because idealists are not only in mind but also actions according to the situation and condition of the community, so that they will be accepted by society.
Soni Kauki Ndala, a student at Unkriswina from Umamanu, Lewa Tidahu district expressed his gratitude for Stube-HEMAT activities because it contacts directly with real life and can be done by young people.
The learning opportunity to improve quality of young people have been available and a variety of local potency and business start-up strategies have been revealed, next how young people respond by preparing themselves and being smart to target work opportunities that are useful for themselves and the community where they live. Young people of Sumba, are you ready? (TRU).
The littering passangers and the scattered trashes on ‘Awu’ Motor Boat
Wednesday, 20 November 2019by adminstube
"... Attention to all passengers not to litter onboard, please throw the trashes in the provided rubbish bins", was one of the messages heard on the speakers on Awu passanger ship. This notice is always communicated by ship officers where ever they depart from the visited ports, covering Waingapu, Bima and Benoa.
Having voyage with Awu from Waingapu to Surabaya, the writer experienced uncomfortable things because the ship was so dirty, its garbages were scattered everywhere, such as plastic cups, instant noodle cups, beverage bottles, cigarette butts and other rubbishes. Formerly, the writer thought that the ship is clean, but the reality was not as imagined.
Awu is one ship belongs to PT Pelni, a company that manages sea transportation in Indonesia. Awu is a product from a shipyard in Papenburg, Germany in 1991 with 6.000 Gross tons (GT) heaviness, 99.80 m dimension lenght, 18.00 m width, and 15.00 Knots cruise speed. It is capable to carry 969 passengers, similar with Sirimau and Tatamailau motor boat. The name of Awu itself is taken from the name of the mountain in Sangihe Talaud islands, North Sulawesi.
This ship usually serves passenger mobility and goods distribution among islands in Indonesia, especially the shipping lines of Kalabahi (Alor), Tenau (Kupang), Ende (Flores), Waingapu (Sumba), Bima (Sumbawa), Benoa (Bali), Surabaya (East Java) and Kumai (Central Kalimantan). Looking the route, it is apparent that Awu has significant existence to connect these areas so that the ship had to be well maintained. This is not only the responsibility of the ship company but also the passengers. It is important that everyone has to be aware of cleanliness starting from oneself, such as throwing trash in the rubbish bins.
In addition, it needs a strict action from ship officers so that passengers are aware on ship cleanliness, for example, giving direct warning, sanctions for passengers who are caught red handed throwing trash into the sea. Each passenger is responsible to remind others to maintain the ship’s cleanliness.
Feeling comfort during the voyage is the hope of ship officers and passengers, so both are responsible to implement it, started from cleanliness, passenger will feel comfort and the sea remains clean. Hopefully. (Vebiati Lende).
Igniting Ideas, Making Actions Exposure Program to Yogyakarta
Thursday, 24 October 2019by adminstube
God is always near and He knows His children’s needs. The dream of three young Sumbanese girls, Vebiati Lende, Kristiani Pedi and Naomi Mora Kalak to get to Yogyakarta, finally came true. Yogyakarta on the Java island has become a magnet for young people across Indonesia to come to this city. However, not many students have opportunity and ability to realize their expectations to study in this city due to various things, especially economics.
Exposure Program to Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta is one of Stube-HEMAT Sumba programs that gives Sumba students opportunity, especially for those who have never been to Yogyakarta to study and to do activities in Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta for approximately three weeks effective. The opportunity to visit other places, to interact with people who have different cultural and language backgrounds or have a different way of life will enrich participants to understand humans and life.
Three young students who had the opportunity to study in Yogyakarta were Vebiati Lende (Theology college of Sumba Christian Church); Naomi Mora Kalak (Terpadu Theological College); and Kristiani Pedi (church activist and leader of Sumba youth community). During the visit, they explored Stube-HEMAT's vision and mission and concerned with young generation, sharpen their critical abilities through journalism, discussion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and homosexuality seminar. Regarding the SDGs, as a global determination to achieve world development goals for human welfare and preservation of nature with 17 indicators, Naomi was interested in a topic of clean water availability because not every people in Sumba get clean water supply; Vebi paid attention to stunting cases among Sumba children; and Kristiani focused on education because Sumba still faces challenges for qualified teachers, schools distribution in each district, and more educational opportunities for Sumba women.
As learning context of Sumba which has agricultural area, they discussed vegetables, especially mustard greens, cherry tomatoes, green lettuce, and fruit in Kuncup garden and observed hydroponic and aquaponic farming systems in Indmira. These activities continued with local food processing from black glutinous rice flour processed into steamed bread, corn for pudding, pumpkin for steamed cake and breadfruit for chips.
In addition, kruisteek or cross-stitching arts became one of the topics to learn many kinds of handicrafts, enriched with batik that uses colet technique and ecoprint which uses leaves to print motifs on fabric. Also, the art of stringing beads, muti, yarn, wire and other accessories into necklaces, bracelets and headbands, which will be marketed in Sumba, provided skills for them. Photography and its tricks such as techniques, angle taking, speed and lighting, became their additional skills to make a product branding. In addition, they joined Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta training on ‘Learning from Failure’ to open up participants' thoughts about failure and how to make a life strategy, not to be easy to give up.
A visit to Borobudur temple, experience of travelling by train, and a walk along philosophy axis of Yogyakarta completed their understanding about living outside Sumba Island. At the end of the program, they designed a follow-up what will be done on Sumba, such as sharing experience and knowledge with friends in Stube-HEMAT Sumba, producing handicrafts, processing local food into marketable food and giving motivation to church youth to optimize bare land by growing vegetables. From Jogja for Sumba, keep moving and dynamic! (TRU).
What's going on with Sumba Education?
Monday, 16 September 2019by adminstube
Education is one of ways to improve the quality of human life, even education becomes one of the indicators of achievement in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2020. Education does not talk only schools, but also the way to educate children at home, schools and community as communal responsibilities. Indonesia as an archipelagic country with more than 254 million people, has many challenges to educate its population with quality facilities and teachers in each region. It should be admitted that the quality of education in outer islands is still low because of the limitations of teachers and facilities.
Sumba as one of the outer islands in Indonesia, has a such condition with all limitations so that, there is a decrease of children's interest to continue their education to higher level, especially women, for economic reason and other reasons. East Sumba regency itself needs to increase the quantity and quality of education services in order to respond the needs of the community. The data of school distribution showed that from 22 sub-districts in East Sumba, 11 sub-districts do not have kindergarten and 5 sub-districts do not have high school/vocational school. Data on school participation in the age range of 7-24 showed that 27% of the population or around 21.000 residents do not continue their education and most of them are women (East Sumba in number, BPS East Sumba, 2017). This is a major challenge for East Sumba regency to provide educational services for the people and ensure them to continue their study.
This situation encourages Stube-HEMAT Sumba, an institution mentoring students and church youth in Sumba to hold a training on Education with a theme "What's going on with Sumba Education?" At GKS Okanggapi, the branch of GKS Umamapu (13-15/09/19). Thirty-two students from campuses and communities in East Sumba, such as Ukriswina, STT Terpadu, STT GKS, Akper, IKPML and Ana Tana community, enthusiastically attended training to find out education problems in Sumba and its analysis, formulating activities to promote education in remote villages, connecting stakeholders in education field, find information to access scholarships and non-formal education or strategies to deal with education problems in Sumba.
Oscar A. Djara, a practitioner at the Adjarmanu Foundation, an institution that focuses on education in Waingapu, East Sumba, explained the challenges and obstacles in managing education in Sumba, especially in remote areas that are difficult to reach, the location of schools far from residential areas, lack of transportation to schools and lack of Strata 1 graduated teacher committed to teaching. In general, the teachers prefer teaching in cities with higher salaries, while public awareness of the importance of education is still low.
"This must be realized by young people so that the next generation does not have the wrong perspective on education, people think that education is only for those who are economically capable, and this causes many children drop out of school. Please change such a perspective. All must go to school," he stressed.
Yusuf Waluwanja, M.Sc, the head of Education Office of East Sumba regency, presented material of the description of education in East Sumba and the government's strategic steps in overcoming problems of educational facilities and personnel. He revealed the government's way to improve the quality of education in the remote area of East Sumba, by building schools, opening parallel schools and improving teachers through education and training.
As a breakthrough in overcoming the problem of education in Sumba, the manager of Hamu Wangu Reading group, Ferlyn Paramba was invited to this training with a topic of building a reading space to build intelligent people. The presence of reading groups support the early child development and gives them an understanding of education in gentle and friendly manner so that young children understand and are not awkward in learning. “If young students are involved in teaching, they must be smart and creative, so that children do not get bored," she said.
One of the trainees, Kristiani Pedi revealed her experience accompanying children's learning, "Because I have an interest in early childhood education, so I also learned it. I found different character of each child, so in this training I was motivated to initiate learning groups for children, especially characters, because if they learn good manner now, they will know the benefit in the future," she said.Youth and teachers are required to understand education and right strategies used in teaching, especially for children at early age. Furthermore, youth is expected to be an active actor of education, especially in rural areas and to be good example for their students, the generation that will be the backbone of this country. (Naomi, Vebiati, Ina)
General Election & Position Transaction Krisdayanti Wola, Theology Scholar, STT Lewa-Sumba
Monday, 8 July 2019by adminstube
Position transaction after general election or “democracy party” isn’t something strange nor new in Indonesian politics. Presidential, governor, regent, and legislative candidates require plenty of capital and resource to ensure their campaign during the election. Many corporations, businessman, and certain actors tap into this opportunity by providing funding in order to promote their objectives, such as winning tenders without going under a normal bidding process or to put their people inside the government, etc. A term commonly found inside politics is there’s no free lunch.
It has become a big question not only for me but also others whether it is legal for executive and legislative candidates to receive big funding from individuals or certain groups? The writer has an opinion that the answer could be both, true and false. It is true if the candidate who receives the funding pays it back by working honestly, not preferring to certain actors or groups, being fair, creating good work programs and also supporting the marginalized. It is false, when the candidates bring a message from the donor to prioritize the donor’s group than public interest when they win the election. It is such practise of colution, corruption, and nepotism.
Akin to the news collected by the writer from one online media kompas.com related with position trade in Indonesia that; Head of the State Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN) Sofian Effendi admits having detected the existence of position transaction in several ministries in the past two years. “Actually since 2019, we, KASN, have created an analysis on transactional practices in the appointments of high-ranking officials, position trade of high-ranking officials. We are shocked on how massive is the practice,” said Sofian in a discussion at Presidential Staffs Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (27/3/2019). Sofian said that the practice of position transaction occurs in the ministries having duty to develop human resources. Specifically, he mentioned three ministries, that is, Ministry of Health, Education, and lastly, Religion. This article has been issued in Kompas.com entitled “Since 2017, KASN has detected position trade practices in multiple ministries”, https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2019/03/27/15115231/sejak-2017-kasn-sudah-cium-praktik-jual-beli-jabatan-di-banyak-kementerian.
Last but not least, the writer emphasizes how important is the spirit of integrity (alignment between utterance and action) that must be possessed by the country’s leaders. The spirit of integrity e.g. is to be brave enough rejecting interesting offers with nuance of corruption, collusion, and nepotism within. With good spirit of integrity and patriotism, we can exterminate the rot inside politics. Good spirit of integrity can be achieved if leaders are aware that they have to work for Indonesians prosperity. Finding intelligent people in Indonesia is easier than finding people with good integrity. If leaders have such high level of integrity, then Indonesian’s hope for prosperity can be achieved. Let’s continue nurturing the spirit of integrity inside us. ***
Religion Role To Shape Leader’s Character Aprialdo Altrians Hermanus, Theology, STT GKS Lewa
Thursday, 27 June 2019by adminstube
The Indonesian government understands a term of ‘government is from people, by the people and for the people’ so that sovereignty is in the hands of the people. Simultaneous elections to vote leaders have been held on April 17, 2019. People have high hopes for the leaders who have been chosen, therefore the leaders must keep their promises made during the campaign by doing their duties as best and fair as possible. The community has responsibility to control and even ask promises or work programs to be carried out. Unfortunately, political promises during the campaign were often forgotten when the leaders got a comfortable chair and strong authority. Worse they committed corruption, did power abuse, involved in prostitution even domestic violence, and so on.
The importance of religion role
What kinds of effort should be taken to reduce those bad things above? We know that success of a country is closely related to the leaders’ ethics and morals. Indonesia is a country that upholds the values of divinity, proven from the first principle of Pancasila, Believe in one supreme God. It means that religion has strong influence on the whole life of this nation in which every religion teaches good ethics and morals in establishing good relations among people.
Any religion has a role and responsibility to prepare qualified leaders and to respect the existing norms in life. Religion is one of the drivers in creating nation leaders with good integrity values, daring to criticize when leaders violate norms of life. The magnificent worship construction should be in line with human quality development. The reinforcement of ethics and moral aspects in educational institutions from kindergarten to college, even workplace should be maintained continuously.The writer believes that religion can play a role in creating cadres of honest leaders with good integrity that is supported by families at the basic level. Let us prove it to achieve Indonesia’s dreams to be fair, well-developed and prosperous.***
Empowering Farmer Through Credit Union Nina Ndoda, a Theology Student, Theological Institute of Lewa-Sumba
Tuesday, 25 June 2019by adminstube
Lewa, one of sub-districts in Eastern Sumba regency has inhabitant majority working as farmers, relying on their farms to earn for living. If you have ever visited Lewa, your sight will be delighted with the sprawling beauty of paddy fields. No wonder if Lewa has become East Sumbanese’s granary and Lewa rice is dominating Sumbanese markets.
Unfortunately, Lewa farmers are still living far from prosperity, even though if we analyzed, actually farming will give big profit, because Lewa farmers can harvest 3-4 times a year and receive money up to fifty million rupiahs at the minimum. But there are many farmers in Lewa that couldn’t afford to feed themselves everyday, many children dropped out of school, many of them are living in dilapidated houses, etc. It is very ironic that a place rich with arable land but many of inhabitants not living in prosperity.
Many farmers went debt-ridden with loan sharks became one of the reasons for the stagnation of the farmer’s living standards. Their freshly harvested rice is instantly given to loan sharks to pay their debt. When its time to sow the lands, farmers borrowed money from loan sharks to buy fertilizers and other accommodations, neglecting the high-interest rate, just focusing to have some money to start sowing rice. It is what is often called “digging a hole to close another”.Empowering farmer through Credit Union is one of the methods to solve current issues. The principle of a Credit Union is togetherness and mutual cooperation with low interest, and of course, it will help farmers fulfill their economic needs. Farmer Credit Union, built upon the foundation of togetherness and mutual, CU will not be easy to break because it has a good foundation. Not only aiming to improve economic backgrounds, but CU also functions to accommodate farmers to be able to share their farming experiences. So, farmer’s CU can be a venue to share information and experience.
Attention from the government is very expected to get rid of loan shark practices that harm the farmers’ life, and to help them to manage CU through proper management training and many more. Let us empower the farmers through CU because it is rooted deep in one of the basic Indonesian values. Through high mutual spirit and empowering of CU, then our common goal, to eradicate hunger, to have bed-ridden free, and to enable farmers to have good health can be achieved. Long live our farmers!
The Awakening Presence For Togetherness Reflection on the presence of Exploring Sumba Participants in Sumba Christian Church of Kaliuda
Saturday, 22 June 2019by adminstube
Kaliuda is a small village, part of Pahunga Lodu district located on the eastern tip of Sumba Island, about 110 km to the east of Waingapu, the capital of East Sumba regency. Pahunga Lodu means Rising Sun because the sun rises earlier here than other districts in Sumba.
In this village I am serving a congregation of Sumba Christian Church (GKS) Kaliuda. My name is Mora Henggi, born in Mburukullu from Umbu Nggaba Kahu and Rambu Hada H. Mila, from a common farmer family that formed me to be diligent in worshiping, honest, kind to others and independent. I graduated from Theology Faculty of Kupang Artha Wacana Christian University in 2006 and became a vicar at GKS synod. On December 12, 2008 I was ordained as a pastor at GKS Kaliuda having 2.148 members, consisting of 1.068 adult members and 1.080 teenagers and children. Based on the vision and mission of GKS and Church duties there are several forms of service that I do, namely worship, preaching, fellowship prayer, spiritual guidance or catechism, evangelism, pastoral, and social services to society.
My recognition about Stube-HEMAT Sumba started in 2010 during a seminar on Law and Human Rights at GKS Kaliuda with students and youth participants. It gave us a new understanding of Law and Human Rights in living in a community so that we are aware of respecting human rights, not committing violence and respecting the law. Besides new material, the church members worked together to support the event. We wanted to regain the atmosphere by keeping contact with Yulius Anawaru and Rev. Dominggus, Stube-HEMAT Sumba team, and wished a chance of activity involving GKS Kaliuda.
This longing was realized in 2014, Novia Sih Rahayu was sent to Kaliuda as a participant in Exploring Sumba. She came from Yogyakarta and brought training material how to be event leader or Master of Ceremonies (MC) for youth and church youth. At first they were not confident enough to speak in public, but Novi was patient enough to train them so that they slowly dared and were confident to come forth and practice leading an event. At present some of them become leaders of the youth fellowship and leader of Sunday worship liturgy.
The following participants of Exploring Sumba came in 2016 was Imelda Dewi Susanti from West Kalimantan. She delivered material and training on hypertension and how to deal with gymnastics and traditional medicines. Imelda's presence greatly helped the church members to behave healthy and diligently go to church. She often visited church members’ house and had dialogue with them, giving advice on healthy living and checking heart rate and practising exercise as a cheap, natural and simple medicine.
From both of them, I found memorable experiences when Novi woke up early and went to beach, took selfie photos during waiting for the sunrise, after that we went home and visited one house of the church member. The family felt so happy because of the visit and then gave Novi a hen to be taken home to Java. When I was with Imelda, she often woke up early to visit the house of church's koster and waited for him from the palm tree to harvest ‘tuak’ tree water.
I hope Stube continue to strive to realize its motto, through its programs and activities that are beneficial and needed by the young generation of Sumba as assets of church and society. For the Exploring Sumba participants, it needs seriousness in preparing materials and training contents so the guidance and training can be optimally obtained.So, young students, take the opportunity to leap on to other areas with different cultures to share knowledge and discover new experiences and enlightenments that are 'exciting' and growing you and others up. (TRU).
Reading and Writing Habits Among Students Netyana R. Boba Joru, Christian Education, Lewa - Institute of Theology
Saturday, 11 May 2019by adminstube
Reading and writing are basic skills that must be owned by young people and students in facing global challenges. There are many benefits they get when reading and writing a lot. However, the habit of reading and writing among young people or students in East Sumba is still low. Based on my experience, campus environment actually should be bookworms’ nest, but ironically I rarely find students reading and writing. The campus library is always quiet, not because of respect to other readers or writers, but students rarely visit it.
It is such a pity when an undergraduate student has no expertise in writing and reading books. Based on my experience, if we, as an undergraduate student or scholar return back to our home or village, we will be asked by village officials and community to help them in writing letters, proposals, reports and so on. Of course it is ironic if we cannot do these.
For me, it is not too late if we keep on practising in writing and reading. We can spend 15-30 minutes per day to write and read. It is hard in the beginning but if we are eager to do it, it will be easy and fun. We can start writing from things that we often see, hear, and worry about. It will be easy for us to start writing from our surrounding because we only retell everything that we often see, such as our village where it has high level of violence against women or children, the difficulty of getting clean water, electricity that has not yet cover all area, and so on.
The habit of reading and writing brings positive impact to the writer, such as, development of thinking skills, being able to think critically, improvement of knowledge, finding ideas, gaining new knowledge, and being able to get solutions to solve problems. While for someone who does not like reading and writing, he is unable to think critically, low level of knowledge, complaining when facing problems and unable to solve them.
It's time for youth and students in East Sumba to have writing skills and love reading, because the region requires good human resources, able to create ideas, care with environment, be critical, and intelligent. Quoting Pramoedya Ananta Toer, a novelist and human rights activist, said that people may have high intellegency, but as long as he does not write, he will disappear from society and history.
So what are you waiting for? Young people should be ready to do self-equip. ***
Pluralism Test In General Election Marinus Padjaru Djowa, Faculty of Law, Unkriswina Sumba.
Wednesday, 8 May 2019by adminstube
Indonesia is a large nation with its 1340 ethnic groups, 300 tribes, 17.504 islands, and 6 official religions. Besides being rich in ethnicity and cultures, Indonesia is also rich in natural resources. Various kinds of flora and fauna throughout the world are found in Indonesia. Indonesia is likely a small miniature representing the entire population in the world. As Indonesian people, of course we have to be proud of all beauty given by God to us, the Indonesian.
The struggle of Indonesian people in maintaining integrity and secure stability of the country was tested when Indonesia carried out democratic party in the election of President, Governor, Regent and members of Representatives, because conflicts occurs in the community in the name of ethnicity, religion and races to fight for their own interests.
General Elections is designed for Indonesian citizens to choose leaders who maintain citizens’ rights. It is an implementation of democratic country that guarantee freedom of people to make their choices. But I saw the elections process that is being carried out has led to many conflicts among communities.
The General Elections still left many problems and needed to learn more to implement honest, fair and harmonious elections. Some people took part in elections only to win their candidates without observing the vision and mission first. Sometimes, the elections is used as media of gambling or betting to get money.
We are really tested whether our plurality during elections can still exist or not in the eyes of the world. The government has big roles in minimizing inter-community conflicts that occur when elections take place by continuing to socialize concept of unity in diversity to community. In addition, the fight of elites in the political arena should perform battle of ideas rather than blasphemy and slander one another. The goal is to give an example to public that elections are truly high-quality, calm and peaceful elections.
Let us continue to maintain the diversity of Indonesia, never let this great and beautiful nation be ruined only for the sake of group’s interest. ***
Civil State Aparatus and Neutrality in General Elections Marinus Padjaru Djowa, Law Faculty, Christian University of Wira Wacana, Sumba
Saturday, 4 May 2019by adminstube
The Indonesian state law No. 7 of 2017, concerning on general elections, article 282 and 283 verse 1, clearly regulated the neutrality of the state cilvil aparatus in elections and those who violate can be subjected to criminal sanctions. Recently, we were surprised by the dismissal of 6 state civil aparatus in Tangerang, Banten, after they were known to pose two fingers in favor of one of presidential candidates. Tribunnews.com, online news on March 2, 2019 had interviewed the head of Tangerang regional personnel agency (BKD), Komarudin. He said, "Those six are also called violating the rules because of using attributes such as uniforms and logo of Banten Province on their arms. The dismissal of the six teachers is in accordance with the regulations, where one of them should not campaign at educational institutions including schools. There are many other stories that prove the non-neutrality of state civil aparatus in our democratic party. (http://www.tribunnews.com/nasional/2019/03/22/6-guru-di-tangerang-dipecat-karena-foto-pose-2-jari-sambil-pegang-stiker-prabowo-sandi).
Responding to the non-neutrality of state civil aparatus in the election, the writer felt disappointed. When they became state civil aparatus they have bound themselves to regulation as condition and obligation that should be carried out based on the principle of justice to serve the state and society. Their tasks as designers, supervisors, implementers, and organizers of public duties must be free from political intervention and free from corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) practices, especially their salaries are using public budget, so they must be truly pro-people. Non-neutrality of state civil aparatus will be contra-productive for the community.
Finally, the writer came to the conclusion of the idea of this writing, the writer saw the need for strict action on the non-neutral state civil aparatus. The regulations made by the government regarding to civil state aparatus’ neutrality in election is good initiative, however, only the implementation is still challenging. The government should act decisively and fair. Not just being brave to those with low rank, and avoiding the stigma of law that’s blunt upward and sharp downward.
Let us maintain the democratic atmosphere in Indonesia by complying with applicable laws in order to implement a strong and great Indonesia. ***
Vocational School Graduates Dominate Unemployment in Indonesia Solfina Lika Lija, Theology, STT Terpadu
Wednesday, 24 April 2019by adminstube
Indonesia is a country that rich in natural resources, both at sea and on land. However, the unemployment rate is quite high. One of the contributors to the unemployment rate, according to data in August 2018, came from graduates of Vocational Schools (SMK) which reached 11%. Online media Detik.com (11/11/2018) posted news entitled "The Unemployment in Indonesia is Mostly Graduates of Vocational Schools, Jokowi Said" https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-4289489/pengangguran-ri-paling-banyak-lulusan-smk-ini-kata-jokowi.
The vocational school slogan ‘ready to work’ infact is not proportional to real condition, because data showed many vocational school graduates who have not worked yet. The government program has been very supportive by making Vocational Schools directly focusing on a job by training students continuously at school, and being ready to work after graduated. Unfortunately, the intention and good start to prepare the nation's cadres who are ready to work is not comparable to availability of job opportunity provided by the government.
There are still companies that are not sure to vocational school graduates, even some companies hired foreign workers. It is ironic that we lose competitiveness with foreign workers. In this case the government should act decisively, giving warning to private sector which employ less of Indonesian workers. Further, responding to this, government should take action quickly by providing jobs for vocational school graduates. I observe that vocational graduates actually have high and good working spirit.
At last, I invited all young people, besides wishing for the government's responsibility in providing jobs, we have to improve our soft skills (communication skills, hard work, honesty etc.) so that we become qualified young Indonesians who are ready to face global competition that is full of competitors. ***
Involving Students To Make Campus Regulation (Jitro Tamu Ama, Mathematics, Unkriswina-Sumba)
Wednesday, 24 April 2019by adminstube
Pro and contra will always appear toward new policies issued by a party that bind others. It is natural dynamic. It also happened when the leader of Wira Wacana-Sumba Christian University issued a regulation regarding with smoking prohibition and disposing betel nut spit carelesssly in campus area. The regulation itself has been effective since the beginning of new periode 2018/2019. The rector announced the regulation in the prayer & worship of civitas academica Unkriswina attended by all lecturers, staffs and students.
The regulation made by campus and announced by the rector surprised all students, even some were rather shocked and then asked why such rules should be made, while some others gave opinion about smoking ban was not needed to be implemented by considering that all in campuss are mature and not high school students anymore. The parties who agreed with it, said that campus should be smoking-free area in order to avoid disease. Actually the regulation itself was related with problem of campus cleanliness.
The involvement of student is part of democracy
The existence of pro and con parties towards new regulations made by campus, could be understood by the writer, the writer didn’t disagree with the regulation as it related with health and campus cleanliness. However what the writer regretted was campus did not involve students to make the regulation and there was no regulation publication to students but it must be followed by all campus stakeholders.
Student involvement to make campus regulation showed that campus respected democracy. In this case, campus should invite student organizations to discuss first, because they were some representatives of students.
Campus should provide specific space for students who eat betel nut and smoke, also realizes that there are many students eating betel nut, even smoking. In order to accommodate everyone to be happy in campus, campus should provide a space for those who eat betel nut and smoke.
In conclusion, the writes did not reject the regulation because it was a good will, considering students were not aware of maintaining cleanliness when smoking and throwing away betel nut spit. The writer just needed to criticize the campus which did not involve student organizations to have discussions about it first. The regulation should be obeyed by all campus stakoholders, such as lecturers, staffs and students. The regulation should be obeyed by all stakeholders without exception. It reflects that democracy works well. ***
Livestocks Theft In Sumba Island Rambu Melani Konga, Husbandry, Unkriswina
Saturday, 20 April 2019by adminstube
Sumba Island is well-known for producing livestocks, its nature with savannas is modal and motivation for the community to raise animals such as cattle, horses, buffaloes and pigs. Livestock is very beneficial for the community, in addition to financial benefits, livestocks is needed to fulfill custom needs. Nearly in every house has one of them.
Sindonews.com (5/07/2012) released an article ‘sumba island, livestock potency of the savanna". "Livestock in East Sumba has good potency. This is supported by geographical conditions that are indeed very suitable. Savanna is an excellent natural means for livestock on Sumba Island. The availability of natural food sources for livestock make savanna very feasible location for livestock development,https://ekbis.sindonews.com/read/657227/36/pulau-sumba-potensi-ternak-padang-sabana-1341462367. However, in the past few years, the Sumbanese have been troubled by cases of livestock theft, which is certainly harming them. Maxfmwaingapu.com, one of online medias in East Sumba (02/20/2016) put the headline "The rise of livestock theft in East Sumba", http://maxfmwaingapu.com/2016/02/marak-pencurian-ternak-besar-di-sumba-timur. Another news gathered by the writer from online media, tribatanewssumbatimur.com (9/02/2019) reported that "East Sumba Regional Police Revealed Theft of 19 Cows", http://tribratanewssumbatimur.com/tim-gabungan-polres-sumba-timur-ungkap-pencurian-19-ekor-sapi/. These news revealed condition of Sumba which is prone to cases of livestock theft. Our question is what should be done so that such cases can be vanished from this Marapu island?
Livestocks theft should be completely handled by police. The cases have occured for years. They are increasing and causing anxiety among people, as livestocks are main income that support economic needs. During investigation, the police should not focus only on the perpetrators who were found stealing livestocks, but also the syndicate. The absence of in-depth investigation will make the theft more widespread. It is important to involve all stakeholders in fighting livestock theft. This is the responsibility of all members of the community, not only the police. It is time to reactivate night watch and every livestock is given an identity stamp and identity card. The stamp will make easier for the owner to identify the livestocks well, while the identity card informs clear and legal data of the livestock.
Finally, the writer invites all elements of society to join hands in hands eradicating livestock theft cases, while the police really thoroughly investigates the case to its root, in order to get rid the cry of people who lost their cattle. ***
Can Indonesia Be Free From Corruption? Tamu Ina Rambu Hudang, Management, Unkriswina
Wednesday, 17 April 2019by adminstube
Corruption cases in Indonesia is now at an alarming rate. Almost every month we see news of corruption in the media. As if corruption has already ingrained, which cannot be separated from government officials, even officials of Ministry of Religion. The ministry that’s supposed to teach ethics and morality isn’t free from corruption and position trading.
Vice chairman of KPK (2015-2019) Saut Situmorang said that many corruption cases came from the country’s national budget (APBN), which in 2019 values more than two thousand trillion. If 20% of it is corrupted, it means that the country lost around 200 trillion each year. Of course, this number is huge. If the country’s budget is truly spent for public interests, especially those who live on the poverty line, there will be no more cries from them because of hunger or difficulties to sustain their livings. High level of corruption is also the cause of the increase of poverty in Indonesia, and the increase of students who are drop out school due to lack of funds. Therefore, the government must be more assertive on eradicating corruption. My little heart asked me whether Indonesia can be free from corruption.
To answer the aforementioned questions, we must start from our current steps in eradicating corruption, which will affect the future course of the nation. If we are still in doubted to combat corruption and still selfish, corruption will not go away. Anti-corruption culture must be taught since childhood. Family, the smallest institution has a major role on teaching the nation’s future generation. Family must teach the value that taking something that is not their belongings is wrong. School also plays a great role on teaching the nation’s future generation. School is expected not only to focus on the children’s knowledge but also ethics and morality must be taught too. Leaders must be good examples, so that, they must be free from issues of corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN). Leaders must be aware that he works for people and paid by the people and not only for his own or a certain group’s interest.
National institutions, in this case, Corruption Watch Commission (KPK), judiciary, police and other institutions that handle corruption issue must be really assertive to give sentences to the corruptors with fair justice. If every stakeholder plays their role precisely, then our nation’s hope to be free of corruption could be a reality. Let us teach honesty since childhood and keep working together against corruption. ***
Preparing Earnest Writer
Wednesday, 10 April 2019by adminstube
“The writing ability of East Sumba youth is still minimum, either writing opinion or report style. Further, writing is important skill to master by youth and moreover by college students. In this global era, youth is required to develop many skills, covering writing, as it can be used to voice aspiration, justice for marginalized people and so on. There are many more usage of writing mastery”, Yulius Anawaru one of Stube HEMAT Sumba team said when he was interviewed at the secretary, on Monday, April 8, 2019.
Next, Yulius told, “We expect that through journalism training, youth of East Sumba will have good writing ability, critical attitude and social care on the surrounding issues. Besides, we also expect that their writings as the result of the training will be worthy for local or national mass media”.
Apriyanto Hangga, onother Stube HEMAT Sumba team members said, ”This training is under coordination with Stube Hemat Yogyakarta and there are two locations of the training, that is, in Waingapu and Lewa. The participants are students studying in some colleges in Waingapu and students studying in Theological Institute in Lewa. Total participants in two locations are 20 students. The training will be held for 10 meetings in the period of 2 months”.
Rudyolof Imanuel Malo Pinda, S.Sos, became the training facilitator and first he shared some tips how a writing is worthy for mass media, “In writing either opinion or report, one should be diligent to read and up dated with new information. He/she should write actual themes or themes that will be actual among people’s life. Interesting and actual theme is much worthy for mass media”. 
“I’m happy and so grateful to both Stube HEMAT Sumba and Jogja having such training. I hope that it will make my writing ability better. I love writing articles related to social problems in my surroundings, mainly in my village”, Solfina Lika Lija, a student of Christian University of Wira Wacana, one of journalism participants said.*** (SLL, Theologi, STT Terpadu-Waingapu)
General Elections 2019: Know and Participate! Student Discussion at Stube-HEMAT Sumba
Monday, 25 February 2019by adminstube
Entering 2019 Indonesia keep on preparing a ‘democracy party’ that will be held on April 17, 2019. A type ofdemocratic country is the best choice for this nation, therefore general election is the legitimate way to elect state leaders and representatives of the nation having ethnic diversities, languages, cultures and religions.
Every citizen should have awareness to take part in the party. Even each is expected to be proactive supporting the steps of implementation of the general election. Also the young and millennials group that reach more than 60 million from more than 190 million voters (according to KPU RI data) are expected to use their rights to vote. This is a significant numbers of young and millennial voters for such election, asthey will also determine the future of the nation.
As the follow-up of church and political training at GKS Okanggapi, branch of GKS Umamapu (15-17/ 2/2019), Stube-HEMAT Sumba held a discussion with East Sumba Regional ElectionCommission (KPU Sumba Timur) on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Stube-HEMAT Sumba Secretariat. Oktavianus Landi, the chairman of East Sumba Regional Election Commission, was the speaker at the discussion. Eighteen students, youth and Stube team took part in it. Most of the participants were currently previous trainees.
Octavianus, in his presentation conveyed several matters relating to the implementation of elections, voters, thecandidates of legislative, and the challenges faced in general elections. This year's election is much challenging because it is simultaneously vote covering president, regional representatives, Indonesian House of Representatives members both in Provinciallevel and regional level. Let us make our participation realby giving vote to credible leaders. If we abstain, leaders who are not qualified can be in power. In addition, young people and millennials need to be smart againsting the hoax news sent via mobile phones or social media aiming for anxiety.
In the discussion, Andani, one of the participants, a student of Unwina Sumba asked about how to explain the detailed technique of election to elderly, because the election is not easy with five kinds of vote cards and five boxes. Answering that question Octavianus explained that there will be volunteers who will explain the voting steps in the five boxes and also the responsibility of the legislative candidates during the campaign to publish and make socialization of the party numbers and candidates on the vote sheet.
Finally, the discussion participants committed to support the election by sharing knowledge about politics for the community and participating in elections. Let us establish good cooperation with various parties to succeed the election without scoffing others or spreading hoaxes either before orafter the election in order to realize the welfare of the nation. (Meliani).
Opening New Perspective on Politics Church and Political Training
Monday, 18 February 2019by adminstube
April 17, 2019 is the most challenging general election for Indonesians because they will elect legislative members in 3 levels covering regional, provincial,national DPR, Regional Representative (DPD), and the President and Vice-President simultaneously. It is admitted that the general election is the most democratic tool for electing representatives and leader. According to General Election Commission (KPU) data, young voters, aged 17-30 years, reaches 60.345.070 people. It means that young voters have big contribution in determining the direction of this nation ahead.
This reality becomes a concern of Stube-HEMAT Sumba, an institution mentoring students and young people in Sumba, byhaving a training on Church and Politics with a theme, "Are we ready to give our best for Nations and countries in the general election?". It was held at GKS Okanggapi, a branch church of GKS Umamapu (15-17/2/2019 ), that attended by twenty-eight students from various campuses in East Sumba, such as Unwina Sumba, STT Terpadu Waingapu, Lewa STT GKS, AKN of East Sumba, and Ana Tana Community.
"The training on Church and Politics is a kind of activity to prepare young people to welcome general election on April 17, 2019. Hopefully they will realize their responsibility as citizens to participate in elections and be able to determine the best choice for this nation. In addition, laterthey will be able to be agents to give correct understanding to public about politics", said Apriyanto Hangga, one of the working team of Stube-HEMAT Sumba.
Some figures and practitioners who are competent in their fields provided reinforcement to participants, including Rev. Alfed Djama Samani, S.Th, general chairman of GKS Synod. He explained the role of the church in political life. He revealed, "People who think that politics is dirty are wrong, but it can be understood that politics is also the same with other fields to pay attention to all groups, because politics concern the lives of many people." So young people need to improve their perspective on politics.
Next, Umbu Pajaru Lombu, SH., MM delivered a material for Beginner Voters and Their Impacts on Election Results. He encouraged millennials to realize the role of voters, map and determine the right choice for people who are fighting for the right politics.
Then, Hina Mehang Patalu, SE, a member of the East Sumba Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) explained the Bawaslu's task as the election organizing body to carry out prevention, supervision and enforcement so that the Election ran well and smoothly. Basically, every Indonesian citizen has the same right to oversee the implementation of elections, especially millennials who are familiar with technology can play role more to oversee the election.
Vebiati Lende, a student of STT GKS Lewa revealed, "At first I was not interested in politics because I thought that politics was dirty and evil. But in this training, my perception changed, it turned out that politics was initially good, but politicians who cheated caused people considered thatpolitics is dirty. In fact, I want to participate in the election because the government has tried to make the election run well. Young people must vote to find the right person having leaderships and integrity".Young people need to understand that church and politics because they are in different spaces and cannot be united, but both aim to realize human welfare. Young people, let’sparticipate in elections for Indonesia's progress. (Naser Randa Hailu Poti).
Spreading Love, Growing Hope Students services for people in Bondomaroto, West Sumba
Wednesday, 30 January 2019by adminstube
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 tostop 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 Icalled 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 easierfor us to build togetherness and prepared activities, especially for local village children because they neededpsychological support.
Our first step was on January 11, 2019. We visited the village and met the head oflocal 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 agreedthat 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.
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).