Children were the country’s future generation with the rights to grow and develop optimally – physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. Yet, many children did not understand their own rights such as rights to play, to have education, to be protected, and to participate. They needed education and information dissemination regarding child’s rights. Information dissemination was highly beneficial for children.
Information dissemination helped children develop capacity to interact, and by interacting and playing with their peers, they learned: to work together, to share, and to wait for their turn, to understand other people’s/children’s feelings (emphaty), to manage conflicts in a healthy way, to develop self-confidence and self-esteem. Children who had experience interacting with others usually were more adaptable to their environment – at school and in community.
Environment such as park, front lawn or field as a learning venue, provided children with direct experience in: getting familiar with nature and bio-diversity, and develop motoric skills (walk together). Safe and supportive environment helped children learn to take responsibility and to develop social sensitivity early on in their life.
This was the reason why Yayasan YAPHI proceeded with training for children on "Dolan Bareng, Sinau Hak Anak," (Play Together, Learn about Child’s Rights) as part of the 16-Day Anti-Violence against Women and Children Celebration (HAKTPA) on Sunday (30/11) at Anawim Hall.
"Dolan Bareng, Sinau Hak Anak" involved more than 100 children and their accompaniment from Yaphi Kids, Fortunas, Kelompok Anak Desa Dukuh (Children Group from Dukuh Village), and Kelompok Anak Gang Bengawan (Children Group Bengawan Alley). The training started with introduction on rights through learning method “clapping and singing”, with children practicing. And then starting warming-up before they did their 500-m walk. After that, they rested and reflected on how to meet their rights.
From Gang bengawan Children Group, Putri suggested that she and other children she accompanied were happy with the program. The same was evident amongst disability children’s parents forum or Forum Orangtua Anak Disabilitas (Fortunas) from Laweyan Sub-district. One participant, Kevin expressed that he was happy and he enjoyed the moment playing together. He showed high enthusiasm relating to other children. (Ast)
