Grace, the brave girl from Sikka

Grace, 12, comes from Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Her eyes look fierce like her young age, like her spirit. Although she is young, she was chosen to represent Sikka children at Koalisi Aksi 2015, part of Action 2015 last January in Jakarta. She had many amazing experiences there.

Grace was not alone. She came with 14 other youth from across Indonesia. Action 2015 is a movement that urges global discussion around post Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) that will end in 2015. With this movement, they hope that poverty, injustice, and global climate change will end when governments are willing to be involved in the movement.

“I have a spirit to study and to organize with other children because I have many advantages by joining organisations like Child Group.” - Grace

Grace, who is often smiling, learned about how to be active in an organization after joining a World Vision Child Group. There, Grace learned many things, especially about leadership. Her enthusiasm brought her to Jakarta.

"I like to join in any Child Group activity because I learn many things there and meet my friends," Grace explains.

Learn and learn. It is Grace's key to success. She was never afraid to try something new and when she didn't know the answer, she would never stop asking her seniors.

January 14, 2015, Grace and her 14 friends met with Anies Baswedan, the Minister of Culture and Primary and Secondary Education of Indonesia. Here, she spoke for the children of Sikka and what they faced in school. In Sikka, it was common for teachers to be absent from classes. By speaking directly to Anies Baswedan, Grace hoped that government could pay more attention towards Sikka's educational needs.

The experience of meeting government officals, helped Grace bravely speak. It was a big opportunity for her to motivate other children in Sikka.

“I have a spirit to study and to organize with other children because I have many advantages by joining organisations like Child Group."

Grace is now sharing her experiences and knowledge with her friends in Sikka Child Group.

*Written by Herning Tyas Ekaristi, Child Sponsorship Management Program, Wahana Visi Indonesia at Sikka operational office