Plan Indonesia Newsletter No.1/2012

Newsletter Plan Indonesia No.1/2012

ANTARKITA

SC and Former SC Gathering in Semarang

Farewell Party of Our Beloved CD

Celebration of Plan’s 75th Anniversary

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Antarkita Director: John Mc Donough Chief Editor: Isni AhmadManaging Editor: Paulan AjibrataEditors:

Irsyad Hadi, Imung Yuniardi, Ibrahim Takoy

Graphic & Artwork: Arief DarmawanSocial Media: Wira A. Wibowo Research and Documentation: Katharina M. Anggraeni

These messages from CD will be my last messages as Plan Indonesia Country Director. I have been enjoying working

with Plan Indonesia ever since I started working as CD in July 2007, as you might find about it in some stories,

opinion, pictures, comments, and reports that have been published in Antar Kita.

In this edition of newsletter, you will find some articles about Plan’s 75th anniversary: a celebration of the anniversary in Plan Soe Program

Unit which was enliven by skype conference between sponsored children in Soe with their counterparts in Cambodia; and a birthday party in Semarang which

involved 19 sponsored children from Program Units of Rembang, Kebumen and Grobogan, and eight former sponsored children of Plan.

The success stories of the former sponsored children show how Plan’s work in Indonesia for 42 years has had a positive impact on the life of children. Through

their experiences in this edition, these former sponsored children share some tips and tricks of to get successful in life with some sponsored children. Thanks to the media who attended the anniversary celebration in Semarang, the success stories

of these sponsored children can now reach millions of readers in Indonesia.

You can also see the photos and some birthday wishes in this edition. Smiling faces, cheefulness, creativity, have colored the

celebration of Plan’s 75th anniversary. Those things indicate the spirit, determination and integration of all Plan Indonesia staff in

facing the years to come after celebrating the 75th anniversary. And I do hope that Plan Indonesia will go through the glorious

days in the years to come.

Finally, through this newsletter I would like to say happy anniversary to Plan. I hope that we learned some inspiring lessons and keep up

the good work to help children in Indonesia. Happy reading!

John Mc Donough

Frenki, SoEI’m really excited that I can come to Plan Soe Office to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Plan International. I hope that Plan will continue its programs in the world. I hope that all childen in the world will be assisted by Plan. And, on behalf of the children in my villlage (Mnelaanen), I’d like to say, “Happy 75th Anniversary to Plan International.” Mardi, SoE

“I’m grateful that Plan has made many contributions in Soe! I do hope that Plan will help more children so that they can pursue their studies and get more fresh water in their communities.”

Ri, SoE“I hope that Plan will continue to work and help children in our village, especially through the programs which are still running now. I always make contact

to my sponsor parent, Bryan.”

Contents Antarkita No.1/2012

A Message from CD

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Sharing for Children’s Better Future

Petition from Indonesian Children

Celebration of Plan’s 75th Anniversary in SoE Program Unit

A Story of Former Sponsored Children

Photos on Parade – Plan’s 75th Anniversary

From OB to CTA: Plan is a Blessing

“The Journey of The Red Beetle”

40 Community Based Total Sanitation Villages in TTU and TTS

Four Students of Al Jabr International School Visiting Plan Indonesia

Farewell Party of Our Beloved CD

Birthday Card from SC

GNO Visit to Girl Football Project School

Tips and Tricks To Use Pocket Camera (3 – end)

Celebration of Plan’s 75th Anniversary in Semarang

plan.indonesia @planindonesia

“Birthday Wishes” from Plan Indonesia StaffFree KickChildren’s Talk

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ANTARKITA Newsletter No.1/2012

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I Celebrate Your BirthdayA long way of tracing time Answering the calls of children in the country They are indeed the foundation of the nation’s future time That should never be left behind, lacking of self integrity

As a hero fights selflesslyYour existence fulfills thousands of hopes endlessly Burning continuously like a candle of whiteYou’d be a light in the darkest night

Today you reach seventy five I celebrate your birthday with millions of children world wideI do have one wish to verbalizeThat you reach your vision to fulfill what children desire (Yahya Ado)

Plan Trees of friendship, spreading seeds of humanityIn the shade of equality which make glittering smile like sparkling starsAnd cheerful clear mind for unlucky future holders, Makes the world brighter, Touching each lucky hearts with tender feelings, Extending love which never end To grow more and more caring by lending the power to make “the little” feel stronger, to make the unlucky feel blessed Blessed wishes for you to be more shining… (Silvia Lona)

Plan...!!! The struggle has not finished, the age might grow but the spirit must continue to keep blazing to reach the world where children can bring in their potential in a society that respects human rights and dignity.

Millions of children in the world that is still bound by the various interests, hope to get a chance to express their voices, just like children who want to know about their world.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ...! FIGHTER HUMANITY.Keep exist for the children in the world, they are proud of you. (Agus Haru)

From Timor Tengah UtaraPlan Indonesia PU Kefamenanu wishes Happy 75th Birthday to Plan International Your vision and mission to build relationships with everyone are still onYou never discriminate peopleYour job is very precious as it always gives the best for childrenYou always sincere in giving attention to the children growth and developmentYou always provide some space for children’s participation

Thank you, Plan, for always strive to build a viable world for Children Your world is the children’s world (Vinsen Kia Beda)

Happy Anniversary, Plan.75 years you have worked in 49 countries ..Since the Spanish Civil War in Spain to the present millennium ..Some are against you .. suspicious about your motive .. even kick you out ..All these are no barriers, but merely challenges..Your vision to create a world where children can bring in their potential really inspires us ..Your mission to promote the rights of children has become a role model for many people ..Long live Plan. Let’s make the world viable for children. (Mutmainna Suriyanti)

To commemorate Plan’s 75th anniversary, Communication Department of Plan Indonesia held a competition of birthday wishes in 75 words. The competition is for Plan’s staf and the 5 winners of this competition are Agus Haru (STBM-SoE), Mutmainna Suriyanti (PU Rembang), Silvia Lona (PU Rembang), Vinsen Kia Beda (PU Kefamenanu) dan Yahya Ado (PU Nagekeo). Congratulations to all winners! The following are the wishes.

Intan Wahyuningrum’s eyes (21) were filled with tears. Occasionally, she paused and looked down as she recounted her past when she was still Plan’s Sponsored Child (SC). Sometimes she uttered the sentences with her emotion.

“Plan is a half of my life. Plan helped and taught me a lot of things for my future life so that I can be like I am now,” she said quietly.

Intan is one of eight former Plan’s Sponsored Children who shared her experiences when she was still a sponsored child. The story was told to the 19 sponsored children from from three Program Units in Java: Rembang, Grobogan and Kebumen.

The sharing session was a part of the celebration of Plan’s 75th anniversary, which was held at the Ibis Hotel, Semarang, on March 23-24, 2012. Besides this session, there was also an exhibition of children’s work and the petition’s reading on child abuse, birth registration and education.

Intan’s compassion was also felt by seven others ex-sponsored children. Some of them were still in college,

or working while attending the college at the same time. They are from the phase-out Program Units of Surabaya, Makassar, and Bogor. Some of them are from the soon-to-be-phase-out PU of Kebumen.

During the sharing the session, especially when the former sponsored children told their stories of obtaining the scholarships while they were in college, the current sponsored children looked amazed and hopeful.

“My father is a driver of an urban transportation and my mother sells fried food. I am grateful that I’m a doctor now. You need to believe that if you want to be a doctor, you can do it if you have a strong determination. You don’t to worry about the expenses, there is always a way if you really have a strong intention. One of the things you can do is by being active in Plan’s activities, because these activities will be very useful someday,” said dr. Dewi Sartika, a former Sponsored Child in Bogor.

Intan’s, Dewi’s and other ex sponsored children’s stories were so inspiring and affecting everyone who listened to them.

Children’s great enthusiasm on Plan’s birthday.There was no sign of tiredness appeared on the faces of six children from Rembang Program Unit who had travelled from their villages to Semarang for Plan’s birthday celebration. Some of them were not feeling well during the journey, but when they arrived at Ibis Hotel Semarang where the event was held, they would do the general rehearsal right away. The general rehearsal was for the performance by these children to commemorate Plan’s 75th anniversary on March 23, 2012.

And yet, their hardwork -- the trio performers of Iie, Eka and Maria from Kebumen PU – paid off. They performed the traditional dance of Peacock remarkably. The stage’s size which was not so spacious could not prevent them from giving their best performance.

“The children of Grobogan were so enthusiastic when they learned about Plan’s anniversary. They made handy crafts and other things to display in the exhibition to commemorate Plan’s anniversary. They also discussed things to be put in a petition,” said PUM of Grobogan, Lukas Kristian.

Sharing for Children’s Better Future Celebration of Plan’s 75th Anniversary in Semarang Presents for

Country DirectorAs a token of appreciation for Country Director who would soon leave Plan Indonesia, Plan Grobogan presented a gift for John McDonough.

Following Grobogan, two other Program Units also gave the Country Director some special presents: batik of Lasem from Rembang and batik of Kebumen. Following the presents giving, John was asked to blow candles and cut the cake. It would be the last chance for the children, the former Sponsored Children and the staff of Programs Units to meet John before he left for his new post. So, the moment was exceptional, and all of the staff and children really took advantage of the situation. When some journalists asked John for an interview, John said, “Wait, I have

to make sure that there is no photo session anymore.” The reporters were laughing at the statement from this “new celebrity.”

Dozens of journalists who attended this event were not merely just doing their job of covering an event. They were given a special opportunity to share experiences with the children, as it was done by Wardah Fajri of kompas.com and Dwi Pujiastuti of Bobo Magazine.

Some of them were amazed to see children’s work on display, such as D’Star magazine. And when Iie, Wulan and Tiara, who read a petition on behalf of the children answered their questions fluently with their own simple but concrete ‘language,’ these reporters then realized that the children would bring something positive if they were give a chance to express their opinions. (editor)

Besides the former sponsored children, there were also Plan’s staff from Program Units of Rembang, Grobogan, Kebumen, and some the managers from the Country Office.

Sponsored Children who attended the party made the party more lively. They showed their works such as a bulletin board, photographs and some handicrafts. They even performed poetry reciting and the traditional Peacock Dance from Kebumen. In addition, they also shared their opinions during the discussion which generated a petition.

This spirit of sharing is one of the goals in Plan’s 75th anniversary. The banner during the celebration reads “Make Link, Start Sharing.” It was installed in the vicinity of the event, clearly showing that the network of former sponsored children is one important thing that should begin now.

Sharing experiences will give inspirations and lessons learned Plan Indonesia. It will enable us to work and learn more about the future of children in Indonesia.

Grobogan team gave some gift and thank you to John (right) who would soon leave Plan Indonesia. Photo: © Plan Indonesia/ Arief Darmawan.

54 ANTARKITA Newsletter No.1/2012

Photos: © Plan Indonesia/ Arief Darmawan and Budi Purwanto.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS ON BIRTH REGISTRATIONDelivered by ii Pujiyanti, a high school student, representing children of Kebumen.

1. We, the children of Indonesia, urge the Government of Indonesia to register and acknowledge our existence by providing us with birth certificate.

2. We, the children of Indonesia, demand that the Government of Indonesia to make it easy and free up the cost for birth registration to all children regardless their social status.

3. Registering children means protecting them from crime acts such as identity fraud, child trafficking, and exploitation.

4. We are the future generation of this nation. Cherish us, acknowledge our existence, and fulfill our needs. Building children means building civilization.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS ON EDUCATIONDelivered by Tyara, a high school student, representing children of Grobogan

1. We, the children of Indonesia, urge the Government of Indonesia to ensure that all children, be it the poor ones and children with special needs, attend schools.

2. We, the children of Indonesia, urge the government of Indonesia to improve the quality of teachers.

3. We, the children of Indonesia, urge the government of Indonesia to support the facilities and infrastructure for education especially in the remote areas.

STOP VIOLENCE ON CHILDRENDelivered by Wulan, a high school student, representing children of Rembang

1. We, the children of Indonesia, refuse all forms of violence on children conducted by anyone, physically or non physically.

2. We, the children of Indonesia, urge the Government of Indonesia to protect us and to find a mechanism to prevent violence on children in the family, village and national levels.

3. Free from violence

My Name is Sophak…

A smiling face of a young boy appeared on the big screen. Six village children who happened to attend the meeting in Soe PU watched the screen attentively. One of them, Deni (15), asked a question, “How are you, sir?” And suddenly all people in the room burst into a laughter, realizing that the face on the screen was not an adult face buat a face of a child. It was the face of Sophak (16).

Sophak is a teenager who is active in Plan Cambodia programs. Together with other children, 2 boys and 3 girls, they participated in the inter country dialog (Soe, Indonesia and Cambodia) via skype on March 20, 2012. The video conference happened between 4 and 5 PM of Soe time. On Soe’s side, there were Deni and five other children.

Besides to commemorate Plan’s 75th anniversary, the video conference, with a theme of ‘make a link, start sharing,’ is meant to be a medium for children to make network with their friends in other countries. During the conference, the children from both countries introduced themselves, asking the names, ages, educational background and location. One of the participants, Da, a girl of 18 from Cambodia, said that she was very exicited to communicate with her new friends from Indonesia.

“I’m very excited to meet my new friends. I’m concerned about the environment and sanitation condition in my place,” said Da.

Da, Sophak, and four other children from Cambodia (Raksa, Tlar, mao, Thong) have a common concern about the condition in their community. They describe their concern in pictures, showing how difficult it is to get fresh water and to defecate. The pictures were sent by email to the six children in Soe and the children in Soe will add something to the pictures when they see fit.

“In return, we sent a picture of Plan’s birthday cake to the children in Cambodia and we asked them to add things to the picture,” said Frenki (15).

Deni, Frenki and four other children (Mardi, Debby, Yunri and Ricardus) added something to pictures sent by the Cambodian teenagers. Finally, they showed the two pictures during the video conference.

The conference ran for one hour. And to conclude the conference, the children from Soe sang happy birthday. The song was applauded merrily by the Cambodian children. (editor)

Petition from Indonesian Children

Celebration of Plan’s 75th Anniversary in SoE Program Unit


Intended for government of the Republic of Indonesia from Indonenesian children that represented from Rembang, Kebumen and Grobogan’s distric.

Photos: © Plan Indonesia/ Arief Darmawan and Budi Purwanto.

Photos: © Plan Indonesia & Plan Cambodia/ Ibrahim Takoy.

Dr. Dewi Sartika, an ex Plan’s sponsored child in Bogor, is now a public figure for people in Tana Toa village. The health center she works in, is the only health facility for the people in the village.

“I enjoy helping and assisting people in this village. Though the village is quite remote, I feel at home here. That’s because the villagers have considered me as their family,” said Dewi.

Living far from the family is not a new thing for Dewi. After finishing her high school in Bogor, Dewi had leave her family. This eldest child of Suradi and Dwi Suryaningsih had to continue her studies to the Medical School of University of Diponegoro in Semarang. It took her six years to become a medical doctor.

She hoped that after finishing her studies she could go home to Bogor. However, she applied to be a civil servant at the Ministry of Health in 2010. She was accepted and soon she was stationed in Bulukumba, about 8 hours driving from Makassar, South Sulawesi. When she was a little girl Dewi did want to be a doctor.

Ujud still remembers when he participated in Plan’s activities some years ago. With his friends, he formed a circle and then one or two children came to the center of the circle to tell the messages which had been told to them previously by a facilitator. The game is called rujakan.

To Ujud, the game was very interesting, as all of them – including the facilitator – were involved in it. From this game, Ujud learned about togetherness and courage to manage an organization.

“I was in the third grade of elementary school, then,” said Ujud.

Ujud said that he still remembers some slogans mentioned in that game, “Playing is important, learning is a must!” The slogan has been kept in his mind since then. He has always learned things without having to give up his time to play with his friends. Ujud was a good student who always got satisfactory scores in every exam.

When studying at MTs Padureso, Ujud didn’t stop his extra curricular activities. He still took part in many activities conducted by Plan. He was once sent to Yogyakarta, Kebumen and other places to participated in some events. In 2003, he went to Jakarta to participate in Temu Anak Nasional (National Children’s Meeting).

“Going to Jakarta to participate in Temu Anak Nasional was a remarkable experience. I learned a lot from it,” explained Ujud.

Ujud had more activities when he was elected the chairman of OSIS (students’ organization) at his school.

Dr. Dewi : Getting More Confidence Because of Plan

Ujud Supriaji : Exceeding His Mentors

Dewi has always wanted to be a doctor ever since she was a little girl. She knew that to be a doctor, she had to work very hard.

Her family is just a simple family. Her father is a taxi driver and her mother works at home as a housewife. She also helps the family by selling some friend cakes. However, the condition has never discouraged the woman who was born on September 5, 1987 from pursuing her goal to be a doctor.

The area where Dewi and her family lived in Bogor was then Plan’s working area. After becoming Plan’s sponsored child, Dewi took part in every activity involving children in Bogor. She even participated in the events of Temu Anak (Children Meetings) in Malang, Lombok and Makassar. Eventually, Dewi became one of committee members of Children Meeting in Jakarta.

“I learned a lot through Plan’s activities. One of the positive things I learned is to build self confidence. I actively made contacts with people, including with my foster parents in Europe,” said Dewi.

Being with Plan strengthened Dewi’s courage and confidence to pursue her ideal. And with these courage and confidence, Dewi accepted her assignment in sub village of Balagana, Tana Toa village, a remote village with very limited facilities and infrastructures. (editor)

Five years ago, Dewi had to move thousands of kilometers from her family. She would have never thought of that. But that was one consequence of being a doctor: to be stationed in a remote area far from the city. Everyday, this young doctor gives her services to people in a Puskesmas in Tana Toa village, sub district of Kajang, Bulukumba, South Sulawesi.

Thanks to his persistence and determination in doing the things he loves, Ujud Supriaji is now in the process of obtaining

a Master’s degree at Universitas Sains dan Al Quran, in Wonosobo, East Java. Ujud Supriaji is a teacher at Madrasah

Tsanawiyah (MTs – an Islamic Junior High School) of Padureso. He is also a trainer in Boy Scout Movement, and a treasurer in

his village of Padureso.

Thanks to his excellent time management, he could handle everything and did his job well. His activities didn’t make him abandon his school assignment. These experiences made him confident in teaching English and Computer in his almamater.

Selepas MTs Ujud melanjutkan ke pendidikan umum. Ia masuk SMA I Prembun. Kegiatannya bersama Plan dikurangi, meski saat itu ia masih tercatat sebagai Ketua Sanggar Belajar di desanya.

Graduating from MTs, Ujud continued his studies to SMA 1 (High School) of Prembun. During his three years in this school he limited his activities with Plan, though he was still the chairman of study group in his village.

“In the end, I had to give up my position in the study group because I couldn’t manage it anymore,” said a man who was born on January 27, 1998.

Ujud continued his under graduate education at STAIN Kebumen. During his activities as a college student, he also taught at MTs Padureso, his former school. He taught English and Computer.

Graduating from his college, this oldest son of two brothers was appointed Treasurer in his village. He became very busy with his activities then, i.e. working at the village office, teaching at MTs Padureso and being active as Boy Scout trainer at quarter of Kebumen.

“Thank God everything went smoothly and none of my work was overlooked,” he said.

These varied activities didn’t discourage him from pursuing a Master’s degree. He enrolled in post graduate program at Universitas Sains dan Al Quran in Wonosobo. In mid 2012, he will start this program, attending weekend classes. If everything goes well, he will be a Master of Islamic Education in the near future.

When asked about Plan’s programs, this former Boy Scout’s trainer of Kebumen Quarter said that he was quite familiar with them. It is not only because he was Plan’s sponsored child, but also because his mother was one of Plan’s volunteers.

He added that what Plan gave – be it in the forms of physcal or non-physical supports – was really beneficial to the community.

“We have to give thumbs up to Plan’s CTAs in our village. They are so professional and they have high enthusiasm. I take them as my role model,” he added.

Little Ujud was a Plan’s sponsored child, but now he is a teacher at a school and a trainer in his community. He will exceed his mentors when he obtains his Master’s degree. However, he would have never said it, because he knows that what he has obtained is partly because of them too. (Triono Wahyu)

Eight ex sponsored children are posing on Plan International’s 75th anniversary in Semarang, last March. Photo: © Plan Indonesia/ Arief Darmawan.

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Photo: © Plan Indonesia/ Budi Purwanto.

Story of Forme SC

9ANTARKITA Newsletter No.1/2012

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The words were uttered by Tisna Sukarsa, an ex sponsored child from Wonokromo, Surabaya, to sponsored children who attended the gathering to commemoreate Plan’s 75th anniversary in Semarang, on March 23-24, 2012.

Tisna didn’t talk nonsense. He had proved it. Though he has no diploma in anything, with his skills and strong will, he is now working at BC TV as an editor and camera

Tisna : Plan Builds

My Self Confidence

“To me, someone should be judged by his or her work, not his or her diploma. So, you need not to worry if you cannot continue your studies to the college or not. Do the positive things, do your best at work and you will find your opportunities.”

person. BC TV is a local TV station in Surabaya which has been acquired by Kompas TV.

Tisna became a sponsored child when there was a baseline survey in his commuity. He was sponsored by Mr. Faris from the USA.

“I have been a sponsored child since 1996 to 2004. Initially, I was asked to go around with other children and then I took part in many activities, including training. These training sessions are quite affecting my life,” said Tisna.

According to Tisna, Plan had helped him with the school fees since he was in primary school until junior high school. When he was at the vocational high school, Plan’s policy was changed regarding the school fee. Plan did not continue to give the school fee, but giving the sponsored children some useful training to build up their capacity, instead.

“One of the training sessions I took part was a training on Audio Visual. The training has helped me in realizing my goal.” After graduating from SMK, Tisna applied in some offices and eventually he was hired at Konica Foto. After that, he worked in Yogyakarta at a production house called Axis Production. “After working with the Axis, I moved back to Surabaya and worked in many places. I even worked as a typist in a small office which provides computer rental service,” he added.

With his experiences, Tisna tried to apply in one local TV station in Surabaya. After working for 1.5 years he moved to BC TV. He is still working there.

“To me, Plan’s influence is huge. Plan taught me how to organize things and how to make myself more self confident.” (editor)

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During her times as a sponsored child, Nani was so active in many activities in her village. Without realizing it, she learned how to socialize with others, manage and organize things. She also had a chance to participate in some children forums, be it in her village or in other villages where Plan is working.

One of memorable moments for her is when she had a chance to represent Kebumen in the event of Temu Anak Nasional (National Children Meeting). In this forum she learned more about the issues related to children, and was trained how to impart her aspiration. She also met many children from some parts of Indonesia.

All of these activities made her realize that the future will be brighter when there is sufficient education and strong will to learn.

She changed. She was no longer a simple girl from a village who thought that life was decided by the fate, with her just having to live it. She became an active girl

I became Plan’s sponsored child when I was nine. That was in 2000, and I’d been Plan’s sponsored child until 2006, when Plan left my community. My sponsor parents are the Borns. I don’t really remember where they come from, but I do remember that they live near the beach and own a small shop. We interacted via mails.

I can talk alot about Plan. There are so many experiences I can tell you. I used to be active in some activities, such as KAS (Kelompok Anak Surabaya – a group of Surabayan Children) and Wonokromo Drama Club. I also took an English class, recycled paper class, audio visual

Nani : Plan Helps

Me Realizing My Dreams

Intan : Plan Gives Me

Life Skills

Nani was a sponsored child from Plan Kebumen. She started becoming a sponsored child at 7 and stopped when she reached 18. Nani is the oldest child of four siblings. Her father is a simple farmer in Rembang and her mother is a housewife.

My name is Intan Wahyningrum, and I live in Wonokromo, Surabaya. My home is not very far from the former Plan Surabaya Program Unit.

with her own dreams of a better future. These dreams encouraged her to keep pursuing her studies. Now, Nani is chasing her Master’s degree in one of universities in Central Java.

When she was a child, the government was not too advanced in giving education services to children. Every student had to pay for the school tuition. And it was quite difficult for poor children to attend school as their parents didn’t have enough money.

Nani’s sponsor parent was Mrs. Storm, from Sweden. She received a letter from Mrs. Storm once. Nani is very thankful for her support and contribution. She knows that without a sponsor like Mrs. Storm, it would be difficult for her to get opportunities and pursue her dreams of becoming empowered and independent person.

Nani wants to be a lecturer. She wants to share her knowledge to other children so that they can have better chance to grow just the way she did. (Sinaryatie Saloh, Building Relationship Manager dan Sanisa Sanusi Najib, CTA Senior-OIC BRC)

class, and many more. In short, there were so many activities that I’d been involved with. All of them were fun and very useful.

We also learned about the organization structure and its functions. We learned how to solve problems by using the problem tree. Now, when I have a problem, I always refer to the problem tree to solve my problem.

These activities were so important for me. I was quite a naughty girl. It might happen because my parents would always argue at home. I became rebellious, not caring about anything, and I couldn’t stand staying at home.

I was lucky to have some friends in my activities with Plan, such as Mas Tisna, Mbak Sanisa, Mbak Yanti and many more. They made me realize that I had to think positively and do something positive. Thanks to them I can be what I am now.

All experiences I gained while I was still with Plan was implemented in my college and my work. Now I’m studying at Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Indonesia (STIESIA, a college of Economics) and at the same time working as an admin staff at AJBS. I still have to time to take part in an organization at my campus.

Plan is half of my life, which helped, encouraged, and taught me many life skills for my life. I have a dream that someday I’m going to have a kindergarten for children. And it’s free of charge for unfortunate children and street children. (editor)

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Story of Forme SC



Program Unit Lembata Program Department

Program Unit Nagekeo

Communication Department

Photos on ParadePlan’s 75th Anniversary

“The Journey of The Red Beetle”

From OB to CTA; Plan is A Blessing

Determination. It might sound naive! But actually, it is the main capital for a community mentor and trainer.

Apart from his prowess or knowledge of CCCD, the community mentor should remain humble, willing and able to serve the community. They should learn the differences of cultures and faiths in the community. They even should ignore the fact that they are not paid very well.

If determination has strata, then the lowest stratum is how to pull yourself together in order to visit and meet the community in every condition. This is my story during my service as a CTA in Plan SoE. At that time I assisted two villages of Pili and Falas Kie in the sub district of Kie, TTS, East Nusa Tenggara Province.

It was a rainy season. The journey to the workplace was a big challenge. Muddy, slippery and rocky roads are the challenges you faced when you need to reach the village. The temperature during the rainy season ranges between 200-250 Celsius. Not to mention the drizzle, fog and wind. Soe is indeed cold! But, anyway I finally decided to go.

Yesterday is historyTomorrow is mysteryToday is gift Start!

I was equipped with my standard combat equipment: my worn out “North Face” backpack which was given by a friend who had resigned. Inside the backpack, there were CPR, some documents, and bills. There were also an imitative ‘Fox’ vest, raincoat, and the Red Beetle, a 160cc motor cycle of Honda Megapro.

Pit Stop 1: Lake SupulThis is the first pit stop. I always stopped at every village I came into. I had a chance to see the lake in one village. Sometimes I met other CTAs just to share information or experiences. When I met someone who worked as a motor taxi driver I would asked if the river was flooded or not, or if a motor cycle can pass through it or not. In the case of flood, one should detour to Oenay village, making some 15 kilometers extra. I had a bad exprerience of crossing the river when it was flooded. I got swept away. Fortunately, there were some people who helped me out.

Pit Stop 2: The Border of Falas VillageMy second pit stop was at the border of Falas village. At this point I could see the vast area that I would ride through. I imagined that I would face some challenges while working with people: conflicts, administrative problems, and other things that must be addressed.

Fortunately, the Red Beetle had been modified for the condition of roads that I had to pass through. Thank God, the Red Beetle never ‘complained’ whenever I had to take it even to the farthest hamlet of Fatukusi, in Pili village, during my work in Soe.

Finish!The Red Beetle always finished in one of five primary schools in Pili and Falas villages. Many Plan’s sponsored children study at these schools. I used to go there during the break. I distributed small gifts, letters or took some pictures of some sponsored children. When the break was over and they had to continue their studies, I continued my journey to some hamlets. I do these activities regularly, taking a break only when I have my days off or travel.

I have worked in Soe for almost three years. There are some things that I will never forget: the smiles on the children’s face. These smiles are like the cure as well as a dope for to face the challenges. The smiles which can give me strength in working hard for the interest of children. (Nasrus Syukroni, WASH Facilitator - PU Dompu)

Smile was always seen in the face of this man. His way of singing, clapping and shaking his body radiated joy and made children of Woro village of Rembang smile too. There was no sign of tiredness seen on his face though he just had 10 hours of journey from his hometown, Pacitan.

The words of wisdom above, taken from the movie of Kung Fu Panda, suits him very well. Teguh Supomo (40), that is his name. He is a CTA (Community Tranformation Agent / Agents of Change Society) of Rembang Program Unit. When he first joined Plan 19 years ago, Teguh was an Office Boy (OB).

Yes, it is true. An office boy, or usually called OB, is a term for someone who gives services in the office. He does the cleaning up, and he can be ordered to do other things. Teguh joined Plan for the first time in PU Pacitan, East Java.

He learned many things when he worked as OB, including riding a motor cycle. Two years later Teguh was appointed a Utility Messenger. Actually, the work was more of less similar to an OB’s work, though the term sounded different.

“At that time I was thinking of continuing my studies which had to be stopped due to a financial problem. In 1996, I took the distance learning program at STKIP (Sekolah Tinggi Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan – the college of teaching and education) in Pacitan,” he said.

Besides studying there, Teguh also took a computer course for three months. And then, step by step he began to be involved for BR (Building Relationship) work as a data entry personnel.

“It was like a dream. When joining Plan I couldn’t ride a motor cycle at all, much less understand how to operate computers. Then I had a chance to learn and practice,” recalled Teguh.

And it didn’t stop there, for in 2000 Plan Pacitan needed an operational staff in its Program Department. Teguh, who just graduated from college then applied for the position. And then, he was accepted.

Four years later, Teguh was appointed an operational staff of BR until 2007. In addition, Teguh also worked to assist the community as a CTA in Rembang. At that time, he assisted three villages in sub district of Kragan, Rembang.

There might be some ‘heroic’ stories about CTAs who have to work in villages. But for Teguh, leaving his family (a wife and two children) who really needed his attention was his biggest and hardest decision.

He could not take his family, a wife and two children of nine and six years, to Rembang, as his wife worked as a civil servant in Pacitan.

Teguh is really firm, as its name means. His motivation is always high. He always has a positive attitude. Even when he got sick and had to be hospitalized for one month in 2010, he considered that a blessing. Everything he has been through in Plan is a blessing to him.

“All tiredness and exhaustion of work will be gone when I learn that I can help people solving their problems and when I see the children smile,” said Teguh with a broad smile on his face. (Maulinna Utaminingsih, CTA - PU Rembang)

Photos: © Plan Indonesia/ Maulinna Utaminingsih.

Photos: © Plan Indonesia


14

The project of Community Based Total Sanitation (STBM) in the districts of TTS and TTU is perceived by the people in the two districts. This can be seen by the declaration of 40 community based total sanitation villages in the districts, held on February 6 and 7, 2012.

In TTS the declaration was held in Tesiayofanu village, in sub district of Kie, about 57 kilometers from Soe. The event was attended by the Regent Paulus VR Mela and the Chair of District Parliament Eldtad Nenabu. In addition there were also some guests from PKK of Timor Tengah Selatan, government officials, heads of sub distritcts and villages.

In his speech, the Regent of TTS stated his gratitude to Plan Indonesia which had helped the government and people of TTS to improve the health and sanitation condition. The Chair of Parliament added that Plan had helped people aware of the importance of Community Based Total Sanitation in daily life.

Meanwhile, in TTU the declaration was held in Sainoni, sub district of Bikomi Utara. The event was attended by the Vice Regent Aloysius Kobes, with some government officials, and heads of sub distritcts and villages.

The Vice Regent also stated his appreciation and gratitude to Plan Indonesia. “The government of TTU would like to thank Plan Indonesia who have assisted people in this area and helped them to realize and impelement the Community Based Total Sanitation in each family.”

The two events were attended by Program Department Head of Plan Indonesia Nono Sumarsono and Area Manager of Plan Indonesia Syamsu Salewangan. Other Plan’s staff who attended the events were Pramodhana Purnalaksita

Friday, March 4, 2012, four students of Al Jabr International School, visited Plan Indonesia Country office in Jakarta. The purpose of this visit was to learn more how Plan and the Government work together in implementing social development in Indonesia. They want to know how Plan works in ensuring that unfortunate children obtain their rights in education, health and avoid the adverse effects of disasters.

This visit is part of the students’ final project called the Exhibition Journal. According to the students, the discussios with Plan’s staff have aroused their interest to engage in social activities in Indonesia.

Smile is always seen on Maulinna Utaminingsih’s face after this CTA of Rembang PU grabbed the first prize of the National Writing Competition of 2011. Besides Maulina, there was Vincent KiaBeda (SIP Officer, Kefamenanu PU), who was named the Champion of National Photography Competition and Rizal Zainal (PPM Coordinator-CO) the Runner Up. Meanwhile the best PU in producing paper and photos is Soe PU. As the runner ups there are Kefamenanu and Rembang Program Units. Thank you

(PUM of Soe), Ferdinandus Sudirman (PUM of Kefamenanu), and the team of Community Based Total Sanitation in Soe and Kefamenanu.

Commenting on the events, Nono Sumarsono said that the people in TTS and TTU had huge motivation to change their life for a better condition.

“This declaration indicates that the population in 20 villages have the willingness to help each other and to improve their lifestyle. With the supports and encouragement from the local Government and Plan Indonesia, they are now able to run the community based total sanitation in their daily life,“ said Nono Sumarsono.

The events of declaration in the two villages were quite festive. The events were filled with dance and song performances by students and children. There was also a demonstration of how to wash hands with soap (CTPS) using some simple equipment.

It was quite hot of the day, with the wind blew a little high. The inscribed banners stood tall at the gate of SD (Primary School) Tesiayofanu. All people of Tesiayofanu crowded to attend the declaration ceremony. They were filled with joy after their village is declared as a Community Based Total Sanitation village. Congratulations and may the good work is followed by other villages. (editor)

40 Community Based Total Sanitation Villages in TTU and TTS

Four Students of Al Jabr International School Visiting Plan Indonesia

Maulin Champion of National Writing Competition

Andien, one of the students, said that when she grows up, she will help children who are less fortunate from the profits of the sales of her clothes. Andien wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up. (redaksi)

to all participatns of National Writing Competition and National Photography Competition who have sent their best work. Congratulations to the champions. Keep writing and shoot beautiful moment to voice children’s rights to the world. (editor)

Regent of TTS Paulus VR Mella, Chairman of TTS Parliament Eldat Nenabu, and Chairman of the PKK TTS MS. Mella Atanau mingled with the children in the demonstration of hand washing with soap during the declaration of 20 Community Based Total Sanitation Villages held in Kie District, on Monday (06/02/2012). Photos: © Plan Indonesia/ Ibrahim Takoy.

The Vice Regent of TTU, Aloysius Kobes and Mrs. Kobes, together with the elders of Sainoni village, of Bikomi Utara district, are posing together with Director of Program of Plan Indonesia, Nono Sumarsono and some Plan’s staff during the declaration of 20 Community Based total Sanitation Villages in TTS, Tuesday (7/2/2012).

Photo: © Plan Indonesia/ Arief Darmawan.

Photo: © Plan Indonesia/ Arief Darmawan.


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Newsflash from PU Newsflash from CO

Photo: © Plan Indonesia/ Lena.

Created by Silvia, SC from Kebumen distric.

Created by Istikarini, SC from Rembang distric.

Created by Sisca, SC from Grobogan distric.

Created by Rika, SC from Lembata distric.

Created by Kelompok Anak children club, from Kefamenanu distric.

Created by Astuti, SC from Dompu distric.

Photo: © Plan Indonesia/ Rizal Zaenal.

Birthday Card from SC


1918

“John, we will miss you,” said Pak Sumarna with his beautiful voice while holding the puppet of Dewi Shinta (one of characters in Ramayana story). Suddenly all people in the second floor of Plan Indonesia Country Office burst into laughter. The puppet was then handed over to John McDonough as a souvenir for his farewell.

It was a surprised party. John McDonough was quite suspicious when he went to second floor. “I was wondering why everybody upstairs was leaving the room and the room was empty,” said John.

Almost all of Plan CO staff gathered on that day, March 26, 2012, to show their appreciation to AHO, the nick name given for John McDonough. AHO means Ayah Homey (Daddy Homey). Some CO staff name John McDonough after this to describe John’s positive personality which always gives comfort to all staff of Plan Indonesia ever since he started to work in July 2007.

Farewell Party to our beloved Country Director

Actually, all Plan’s staff in Indonesia were invited to take part in a video conference. However, due to some obstacles, only the Office Of Nusa Tenggara Area which took part in the conference. Dr. Johan was asked to read messages for John McDonough. In this messages he thanked John for his leadership and wished him good luck for his new position.

Following the video conference, some staff representing departments at CO gave speeches and tokens to John. Pak Wayan said that he really appreciated John McDonough who is always punctual, appreciative and devoted to address every problem. Pak Wayan added that John had made some fundamental changes to Plan Indonesia such as in organizational structure, talent management and other policies.

Some other colleagues said their impressions about John. They are Pak Nono, Vanda, Bu Ririt, Bu Yatie, Pak Sumarna, Desry, and the 3 “D” (Dinda, Dita and Dik Rani). In addition to speeches, John also received some souvenirs which will decorate his new house and office. Among the tokens received are a traditional calendar of North Sumatra, the puppet of Dewi Shinta, a travel bag, and i-pad. During the celebration of Plan’s 75th anniversari Semarang, John also received some souvenirs from Plan’s staff.

In his message before leaving Plan Indonesia, John wrote, “Thank you so much for your wonderful, plentiful and extremely generous gifts! They are greatly appreciated and will always have an important place in our home or office, serving as a reminder of the good times and people of Indonesia, and especially Plan Indonesia.”

Finally, to repeat what Dewi Shinta said in the previous paragraph, “We will miss you, Pak John! We hope to see you again sometime in the Regional Office, or Plan Myanmar Office, or in the future events.” (redaksi)


20

Photos on ParadePlan’s 75th Anniversary

NT Area Office

Program Unit Grobogan

Bussiness Service Department

With joy, they welcomed the guests from Plan German who visited their school. The joy and enthusiams of the students in playing the music instruments made Maria Groenewald and Lena Boeert of GNO pleased. It’s great. The children were so proud the they were appreciated by these bule. (note: bule is a term used to indicate Caucasians).

...it’s great! GNO Visit to Girl Football School ProjectIn the morning of Wednesday, March 7, 2012, there was a sound of gamelan (traditional Javanese music instruments) heard from one of the classrooms in one school in South Jakarta. The music was played by 11th and 12th grade students of SMK (Vocational High School) 20 Jakarta

Tips on Using a Pocket CameraSIMPLE AND USEFUL (3) by Arbain Rambey (Photo Editor of KOMPAS)

After learning the details of the auto focus and ready to shoot mode in a pocket camera, now we are going to learn about the third type of the camera, which is the most sophisticated one.

In addition to its ability to autofocus, this camera focal length can also be altered. In other words, we can zoom in and zoom out with this camera. We can use the tele lens and wide angle lens. Generally, this camera’s zoom ranges from 28 mm to 135 mm.

Remember, if you don’t need it badly don’t change the focal length too often. The movement happening when zooming in or zooming out the lense might wear out the fine cables in the camera. When the lense is in the position of its widest angle, it can take any picture you want.

Wide angle lenses are used for taking a group picture. Or it can be used to take a landscape with the widest angle as it can be. The use of wide angle for close up might result in a convex human face. For a close up, you had better use tele lense with the longest focal (135 mm is the best choice).

This lense will prevent you from having a cropped face. With a wide angle lense, you need to get close to the face for a close up. This will create an error in parallax. What you see is not always what printed in the film. When you see through the view finder, you might see that the object is in the center. However, it is not always like that, especially if the view finder is not placed in the center of the camera.

Actually, there are some lines in the view finder, which form rectangles. Use these lines when you shoot the very close object.

A pocket camera is a simple camera. But when used effectively and correctly, it can be very useful.***

Staff Update

After enjoying the music of the gamelan, the guests from Germany were then invited to chat casually with the girl football team and student council. Many things were discussed, including the bullying among the school children in Germany.

On this occasion Maria also gave some encouragement to the students of SMKN

20. “Everything should start from ourselves. You can show your parents that as girls you can make some achievement. There are so many women working in many sectors: teachers, doctors, or event athletes. Wome usually work better in a team. You can also tell your parents that playing football is fun and healthy. Indonesia can be a champion, the team practice regularly and the players become professionals,“ she said excitedly.

VISITING SMA 113 JAKARTAAfter visiting SMK 20, the two Plan German staff proceeded to SMAN 113 Jakarta. Unlike at the former school, at SMA 113 the two guests were welcomed by the principal Mr. Sunyono, teachers and 25 girl football players.

“We are proud because our school was appointed by the Education Office to welcome the guests from Plan Germany,” said the principal.

In this school, Maria and Lena also had a discussion with some girl students about Learning Without Fear through Football. This time, the students were asked to share their experiences when participating in Plan Indonesia’s program on bullying and football activity in their school. Students’ enthusiasm made the discussion more lively.

After having a discussion for about 1.5 hours about Girl Football

Project, Maria and Lena had a chance of taking a tour to the school premises. They also took some pictures with students and teachers of SMA 113 Jakarta. (Cicik Sri Rejeki, Girl Football Project Officer)

Photos: © Plan Indonesia/ Arief Darmawan.

New Staff from Januari - Maret 2012

New Assignment:• Vebiana Rinmalae: OS PU Kefamenanu

has been promoted to be OS Finance NT Area• Arsianus Nenobahan: CTA PU Soe has been

promoted to be Education Technical Officer • Robertus Rio Putra: CTA PU Kefamenanu

has been promoted to be CPO Nagekeo


2322

• Diana Novitasari: General Affair Officer - Country Office• Ade Darmawansyah: PME Program Manager - Country Office• Jakti Purnomo: School Construction Project Officer - PU Grobogan• Vitalis Egho: STBM Field Fasilitator - STBM Kefamenanu• Rayneldis Petrania Bana: STBM Field Fasilitator -

STBM Kefamenanu• Priscilia Elisabeth Surak: STBM Field Fasilitator -

STBM Kefamenanu• Hery Syamsius: Research and Evaluation Specialist - Country Office• Adrian Brahma: Inclusive Education Project Officer - PU Rembang• Nofri Yohan Raco: Safe School Project Coodinator - PU Rembang• Nurhasanah: Nutrition Project Officer - PU Dompu• Ira Reulita Siagian: Finance and Admin Officer Nutrition Project -

Country Office• Indri Hapsari: OSP CLTS Grobogan - CLTS Grobogan• Tari Pujiwati: OSP Inclusive Education - PU Grobogan• Gaspar Kopeng: OSP STBM Kefamenanu - STBM Kefamenanu• Kristoforus Handrianus Sanam: OSP STBM based Kupang • Eli: Nutrition Project Officer - PU Sikka• Hanggrik Asfriones Kadja: Monev Nutrition Project - PU Sikka

• Maria Kristina: Nutrition Project Fasilitator - PU Sikka

• Yulia Ratnasari: Nutrition Project Fasilitator - PU Dompu

• Yovita Goreti: Nutrition Project Fasilitator - PU Sikka• Arie Ramadhani: Nutrition Project Fasilitator -

PU Dompu• Dian Larasati: OS Program - CLTS Grobogan• Thersia Zachrias: OS Program - PU Kefamenanu

SC and Former SC Gathering Semarang, Maret 2012

Photos: © Plan Indonesia/ Budi Purwanto.

Plan IndonesiaMenara Duta Building 2nd & 6th Floor

Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. B-9 Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12910 Indonesia

T. +62-21-5229566 F. +62-21-5229571 www.plan-indonesia.org

Plan Indonesia Newsletter No.1/2012

Documents

Transcript of Plan Indonesia Newsletter No.1/2012