Traditional Game Festival Enlivens National Childrens Day

Traditional Game Festival that involves 1,000 children marks the opening of the 2014 National Childrens Day celebration in Baliem Valley, Jayawijaya district, Papua. The celebration is held to develop the children potential in the area.

In the first day of the celebration, children march the city, bringing posters that encourage parents to pay attention to their children rights. Being encouraged by the boom of drum band, the children ask people they meet to sign commitment to realize children rights.

"By celebrating the National Children Day, I hope that my friends who are lazy to go to school will be aware of the importance to go to school," says Dede, student of SMA 1 senior high school in Wamena.

"I feel that I am special to be invited to attend the celebration of the National Children Day. I hope the government will be more caring children and in the future there will be more children invited to celebrate the National Children Day," says Nanda, a scout member and student of SMA 1 senior high school in Wamena.

Meanwhile  Fitri, member Voice Baliem of Children (VBC), says that she is happy to be able to voice their rights and that they have place to improve their creativity. According to Fitri, it is part of Pakima Hani Hano spirit (unity is good and beautiful). In the opening of the National Children Day celebration, more than 300 children from various villages around Wamena city fly their dream to the sky as a symbol of their high dream to be achieved.

Misam from Air Garam elementary school flies his dream to be a pilot, Gabriella from Wamena city flies her dream to be a president, and Derenus flies a dream to be a teacher who will not beat students. Johanis Yalilo, Jayawijaya district Secretary who opens this celebration says that National Childrens Day celebration is important because it will give positive values to children as the future generation.

"Therefore you need to be diligent to reach your dream. With hard work, there is no impossible thing. Listen to your teacher and all the advice in these activities," says Johanis.

Meanwhile, Monika, elementary school supervisor in Jayawijaya district says that by attending the activity children will be motivated and are able to achieve their dream.

*Written by Frida Siregar, Team Leader Papeda Quest Project, Wahana Visi Indonesia at Jayawijaya operational office