By Vanessa Heggie
As a development student having the pleasure of interning with Harapan Fian over the past month, I am proud to say that I have learnt a lot from this experience. During this last month, I was able to witness all of the beneficial work Harapan Fian does for the street people in their community. Activities such as accompanying people to the hospital, assisting in posyandu (integrated health care), and providing nourishment and education to children were just a few activities I witnessed. However, these do not even scratch the surface of what Harapan Fian does for the community. Harapan Fian has created a safe place for their community, where vulnerable people and groups can discuss and solve sensitive issues such as identity cards and sexual health problems among others.
Throughout my internship, I also learnt that research projects and advocacy are extremely important for the community. By conducting research for the situations faced by street people and people without identity cards, the government and other organisations will more readily accept and take action for people in these unfortunate situations. Harapan Fian often partners with researchers when these opportunities arise. They do this while maintaining the safety and comfort of the people they support. While they analysed the experiences faced by a disadvantaged demographic within their community, I was able to witness their care by the community participatory methods they used. In seeing this and how much Harapan Fian cares for the people they support, I have come to view Harapan Fian as a vital centre for empowerment and growth in the community.
One area I feel Harapan Fian truly thrives in is supporting the growth and empowerment of children. Harapan Fian has a huge impact on the lives of street children. They have created a place of safety where children and teens can bond, and talk about their issues without fear or judgement. They also facilitate growth and responsibly from the children, who may never have gotten this opportunity in their own communities. I was able to witness one such facilitation for the youth who were given the responsibility of organising a camp. The whole process was conducted by the youth with Mas Didin regularly checking in and providing guidance when needed.
To prepare, the youth sent and collected permission forms, created a budget for food and made a shopping list, in addition to organising the activities they would run. After working out everything they needed, the boys went out shopping. I observed as they not only checked everything off their list, but also as they decided which option was best in regard to quality, amount and cost. Later on, I observed the girls as they bought prizes for all the children who would participate. They stayed conscious of prices and also as to whether the children would like the prize. The prizes chosen were also bought based on their usefulness and whether both boys and girls would like them. These two shopping trips displayed how Harapan Fian is empowering the youth to take up responsibility, and also to be thoughtful about their purchases and those in their community.
When the camp arrived, the youth again were given the opportunity to lead. Before leaving they made sure everyone was present, and that all the luggage needed was packed. After this everyone boarded the bus and we headed to the campsite. At the campsite, the youth organised everyone into groups, and then the girls and boys set up their respective sleeping areas. After this everyone reconvened in the main area to establish rules together, and they wrote them down on a large piece of paper for all to see. Things such as bed time and safety were discussed as a collective, and later on I was surprised to see that the all the children complied. Many sleeping before the official bed time. The youth also prepared food for cooking, explained game rules and assisted the younger children in activities. Throughout this experience, I was able to see how Harapan Fian’s support and guidance has empowered the youth to create safe spaces for themselves and for others. I also saw how children only need one person to believe in them enough to support and guide them to see them flourish.
These experiences Harapan Fian provides the children with, allows them to choose a path they may have once seen as impossible. This is a valuable experience for the youth and teaches them about community, how to problem solve, work together with others and to use money responsibly.
As such Harapan Fian’s multifaceted nature has meant that as an unofficial community centre, and a group that values their community, these otherwise undervalued and disadvantaged people have achieved many wins in areas like education, health, and advocacy. It is truly heart-warming to see how much Harapan Fian cares for their community, leading many to confide in them during times of trouble. Harapan Fian is doing an amazing job and I cannot wait to see what other amazing things they do in the future. I know that wherever Harapan Fian’s support takes the children and community will be extraordinary, and I will truly miss the family Harapan Fian has created. Good luck for the future Harapan Fian and keep up the good work!