Achievements despite limitations

Veronika Widya smiles as she crossed the stage. Wearing a costume like a princess' dress, the seven-year-old girl steps confidently and waves her hands. The song Eaaa Cowboy Junior and chorus of clapping by the audience adds to the festivities.

Veronika is one of 55 children with special needs who attended the Children Day celebration held by Wahana Visi Indonesia's urban Surabaya on 21 September 2014. The activity with the theme, "We are Indonesia children, growing with full talent" was dedicated to children with special needs.

Children with various conditions from mental to physical challenges, the children presented themselves on stage with confidence.

Rico, a blind child, sang an Indonesian song, Indonesia Tanah Air Beta. The trio of Monica, Diva, and Ninis performed the morena dance, and encouraged all those in attendance to join in with the dance together. The event became even more lively when Raven danced, accompanied by a Javanese song.

"However bad the condition to be faced, we should not be frustrated." - Anas

A short film produced by Anas Cahya was shown too. Anas, who participates in Wahana Visi activities, has physical disability. The ten minute film tells the story of a rangin (traditional meal with coconut ingredient) seller. Anas captured the long process of making rangin, the long road walked by the rangin seller, and the income he earned.

Anas's mother, Suyatmi, aknowledges that the tight family bond is key to facing mocking because of Anas disability.

"If someone mocks you, don't listen to his or her words. The most important thing is that you keep studying. Your future depends on your choices," Suyatmi says.

Suyatmi keeps motivating her son to study. She keeps in close contact with Anas' teachers too. Now, Anas who is a student of senior vocational school, often gets jobs to produce short films, advertisements, and other multimedia creations.

*Written by Agni Rahadyanti, Children Sponsorship Management Program Coordinator, Wahana Visi Indonesia at Surabaya Operational Office