Irvan goes from shy to shining

"My name is Irvan. I am a third grader of junior high school. Next year I want to continue my education to senior high school level majoring in information technology," said a bespectacled boy from Jakarta.

He introduced himself during a meeting with Yohana Yembise, the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection on 15 January 2015.

"We are Indonesian children. Let's make a better future for our country!" said Irvan happily.

Irvan is known as a brilliant student in his class. He always gets a high ranking at his school and is active in many activities.

Who knew that previously Irvan was not brave as he is today? He was so shy that he didn't want to come out and meet his friends. However, his habits changed after joining with the Child Group initiated by World Vision in Susukan, Jakarta. Invited by his friends, he eventually became one of the most active members in Child Group. Together with other friends, he learned about his rights as a child. Also, he learned many things about leadership and other useful knowledge.

Last January 2015, Irvan met with 14 new friends from other parts of Indonesia in Jakarta through the Action 2015 movement.

Action 2015 is an alliance of organizations that reflect the diversity of activists fighting for injustice, inequalities, poverty, and climate change in 2015. Irvan was proudly chosen to represent children in his area.

Irvan spoke with the Minister of Culture and Education, Anies Baswedan about the issue that many children cannot continue their education due to economic problems and and lack of parent support.

Irvan never imagined that he would get such a rare opportunity. He also met with staff of the Health Affairs Ministry. He told the staff about the biggest problems faced by children and youth in his environment. Many youth are trapped in narcotic-use because parents and teachers don't pay much attention to them.

"We are Indonesian children. Let's make a better future for our country!" said Irvan as he delivered his message for Indonesian children.

*Written by Rena Tanjung, Field Communications Officer, World Vision Indonesia