Child Forum helps change the future for Alor's children

To encourage community child participation in Alor, Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) a partner of World Vision, created the Child Forum in 2010.

The forum sought to improve knowledge in any many areas such as reproductive health, child rights, and leadership. There was also practical learning through practicing with a marching band or community radio programme. The children also learned about how to identify areas of concern in their school and their community. 

Members of the Alor Child Forum represent Alor children and voice their issues at the provincial and national levels during meetings held by WVI and the government annually.

Ariance, who has led the Alor Child Forum, was chosen to receive a full scholarship from Pelita Harapan University, Jakarta, in 2011. Yohana and Adimas were selected to be the leaders of student organizations in their schools.

Young Yohana provided advice for other Alor children and adults during the opening ceremony of National Children's Day.

"For parents and leaders in Alor, please be good role models for children and protect them so that they can grow up well. For you, my friends, use every chance that you get to explore. Together with my friends in Alor Child Forum, I got so many advantages like expanding my potential, channeling our aspirations to be heard by the adults. I'm sure all children could join and participate in this forum."

The Family Planning and Women's Empowerment Agency agreed to adopt Child Forum last 2012 of which members are spread in 17 areas in Alor. In July 2013, Alor Regent also agreed to adopt Alor Child Forum.

"We all have many duties to support and protect them for the better future of Alor Children because they could be the next leaders," said Denny Lalitan, the Vice Chairman of Alor Regional Representative Council.

The assistant of Alor Regent, Hopni Bukang, said that the Regent of Alor really appreciates all efforts carried out by WVI which has inspired Alor government to build Alor Child Forum.

*Written by Meiseany Hortensia, Area Development Program Manager, Wahana Visi Indonesia at Alor operational office