Every July 23, Indonesia celebrates a moment for children, namely, National Children’s Day. This celebration is a reminder that children are the jewels of the nation that must be protected and given the space to grow optimally.
At the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, there is a Student Activity Unit (UKM) that deals with children, namely the Jatinangor 21 Group or KJ21. KJ21 is an organization that focuses on social programs, especially in the realm of children’s education. Various activities have been carried out by this UKM involving children in the Jatinangor environment and its surroundings.
Putu Silvia Sloka Sarasamuscaya or commonly called Oca, a student of the Communication Studies Program who is one of the administrators of UKM KJ21 said that the biggest challenge faced by Indonesian children is the problem of unequal education and access, as well as economic problems that make it difficult for children to get to school and choose to stop school because of economic problems. Not a few children also choose to work because they have to ease the burden on their parents, even though it is not an obligation that they must fulfill.
Having been a part of KJ21, Oca understands that today’s children need a place to listen. She mentioned that children will seek comfort and safety before they can tell their stories. Therefore, it is KJ21’s job to be a supportive place and environment for them. KJ21 always provides opportunities and space to talk without exception about the situation they are feeling.
“So far, through KJ21’s work programs and approaches to each child. The selection of foster siblings has a long process and needs great consideration, so that each foster brother already has his own strategy and way of getting closer to foster siblings whose characters are diverse. This foster sister strategy is implemented in our work programs which are designed with the aim of learning while providing space for them to express their aspirations. Each of our work programs must have a session to chat and tell each other stories, the session can be a place for foster brothers and foster siblings to exchange stories, especially a place for us to know their joys and sorrows. Not only that, we also have a Love Visit work program (visiting foster siblings and families at home) to get closer and convince parents that KJ21 has a good vision and mission for these children.” Oca said when asked about how KJ21 SMEs can ensure that children’s voices will be heard.
In the end, the celebration of National Children’s Day makes us realize that there are still many things that need to be done to ensure that the nation’s successors get their rights to live, grow, develop, and participate properly and optimally.
Happy National Children’s Day 2025! [Ed]