Beyond Limitations: The Role of Ibu Uyun, an Exemplary Volunteer Revitalizing Parenting Classes in Puyung Village, Central Lombok
20 April 2026
Nurul Asikin, affectionately known as Ibu Uyun, is a volunteer at Posyandu Melati 15 in Puyung Village, Central Lombok. She is the only community volunteer with a physical disability who remains actively involved in social and health activities in her village. Her physical limitations have never been an obstacle to her contribution; instead, as a homemaker, Ibu Uyun demonstrates extraordinary commitment and spirit in supporting her community through her role as a volunteer.
Ibu Uyun first encountered PARENTS Project in late 2023 during the project’s initial baseline and research phase, which aimed to increase parental attendance in parenting classes. Her early involvement allowed her to gain a firsthand understanding of the parenting conditions and the real needs of the people in her village. Before PARENTS Project has begun, parenting activities in Puyung Village were very limited. Volunteers, including Ibu Uyun, relied solely on Posyandu sessions as a medium for socialization. Parenting information was typically delivered by health center staff through specific events like classes for pregnant women, which were irregular and targeted only certain groups. According to Ibu Uyun, while the volunteers realized the importance of sharing parenting information at every meeting, a lack of knowledge, resources, and self-confidence prevented them from starting independent parenting classes.
Furthermore, parenting classes were not yet a priority in village development. Many felt that the existing Posyandu services were sufficient, even though there was a pressing need for parenting education since many children in the village are raised by grandparents while their parents work abroad as migrant workers. This situation often led to parenting patterns based solely on tradition and personal experience, without the support of adequate knowledge. Although there had been previous efforts to form a “Bina Keluarga Balita” (BKB) parenting classes, the group existed only on paper and failed to hold routine activities due to poor management, despite having received equipment kits from the district government.
Ibu Uyun’s active involvement in the BKB classes began when she participated in the initial surveys, baseline process, and research interviews. Alongside other volunteers, she attended training on the 1,000 Days of Life (HPK) Parenting Advocacy Module. However, it was the Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) training that she found most impactful, as it effectively triggered interest among parents and caregivers to attend classes. Through these trainings, Ibu Uyun experienced a significant personal transformation, most notably a surge in self-confidence. The knowledge and skills she gained empowered her and the other volunteers to revitalize the BKB classes. These classes are now held routinely every month, supported by simple and easy-to-understand materials from the PARENTS team, which allows volunteers to deliver the content according to their capacities.
To date, the BKB classes have completed five sessions using a rotating facilitator system among the volunteers. Positive changes are also evident among the participants. Ibu Uyun has observed that parents and caregivers are increasingly enthusiastic; scheduling the classes just before the Posyandu sessions has proven effective. Parents now arrive early and show a high level of interest because the material directly addresses their needs in child-rearing. To further encourage attendance, the volunteers take the initiative to provide small rewards, such as instant noodles or eggs, to those who can answer quizzes at the end of the session. This simple gesture has significantly boosted motivation. Participation has become more disciplined, with attendees arriving as early as 8:00 AM after receiving invitations via WhatsApp and hearing announcements from the mosque’s loudspeakers. The lessons are also being put into practice; pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and grandparents are now paying closer attention to Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (PHBS). While the BKB classes were once completely inactive, they now consistently attract 30–40 participants each month. For Ibu Uyun, this is a major breakthrough and proof that the volunteers’ efforts are bearing fruit.
Ibu Uyun believes the contribution of PARENTS Project has been significant, especially in helping volunteers trigger parental attendance through various media. Together with her colleagues, she placed triggering posters in strategic locations to ensure they are seen daily. To maintain this progress, Ibu Uyun emphasizes that parenting classes and triggering techniques must be consistent and sustainable, as long gaps can dampen the spirit of both volunteers and participants. Although support from the village government is still limited, it has not discouraged her. She plans to advocate for parenting activities to be prioritized in the village agenda, ensuring the classes continue even after the project ends. The journey to this point has not been easy, requiring immense spirit, commitment, and cooperation. Ibu Uyun hopes that the work done at Posyandu Melati 15 can serve as a model of best practices for other villages. Her journey is best reflected in her own words:
“I used to think my limitations would be a barrier to being useful to others. But now I have proven that having a deficiency is not a limit to providing benefits. Because the best of people are those who are beneficial to others.”
