The creative house for children in Wangkung

At first, it was an impossible thing to do but we never give up that we succeed to build a creative house in Wangkung. The idea of building creative house for Pontifical Mission Society of Missionary Childhood (SEKAR and SEKAMI) in our parish came when I had a discussion with Egbert, the staff of Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) in Manggarai operational office.

"Sister, how if we build a creative house for children, the members of SEKAR and SEKAMI?" asked he at that time.

"Why not?" I answered him, "There was an empty house near church that we could take care of this house and change it into a creative house."

After that I also had a discussion with Pastor. He really supported us. I brought this good news to the children and they agreed to work together in cleaning and managing the house.

It was 2 p.m. Together with the children I cleaned up the house from room to room. We removed the spider webs, repaired the windows and repainted the old wall. We did it enthusiastically.

Look at the children! With high responsibility, they cleaned up the house. Every boy and girl worked hand in hand to paint the wall. I didn't believe that we could make up this house and change it into a creative house for children. However with WVI's assistance, we dare to bring our dreams come true. We are also assisted by Anton Ngasih, the clergy that helps us.

The creative house is now used for holding child meetings. We also use it as library where children could read, draw pictures, and share everything between the members of SEKAR and SEKAMI. The children are very happy with reading and drawing picture activity. The children could draw anything and read any book they want. They enjoyed every activity held in the creative house. We see that child's enthusiasm in reading book has increased. Because of the creative house, the number of children following religious activity also increases day by day.

"It's a comfort house to read. Can I come here every day?" said Jesi, the chief of SEKAMI telling her happiness.

No doubt, the simple creative house now becomes a comfort place for children, the members of SEKAR and SEKAMI in Wangkung. Every day, they come there to read, study and make crafts. We are really happy. Thanks for all people who have helped and support us with this creative house.

*Written by Sister Martha, Facilitator of SEKAR SEKAMI in Wangkung, Wahana Visi Indonesia at Manggarai operational office