From a House by the Rice Fields, I Learned About Dreams and My Voice
15 October 2026
My name is Hasta. I was born and raised in a small village on the outskirts of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency. I am currently 17 years old and a second-year high school student.
Life in our village is simple. Every morning before the sun rises, people are already walking toward the fields and rice paddies. By late afternoon, they return covered in mud and worn out by fatigue. That is our daily life.
My parents are farmers. Since I was a young girl, I was used to seeing them work tirelessly to provide for our family. I was known as an active child who loved to talk. Yet despite my outgoing nature, I grew up in an environment rooted in the belief that boys’ voices mattered more than girls’.
In many situations, both within families and the community, speaking opportunities were given to boys. In some households, educating boys was considered a higher priority because they were seen as the family heirs, while girls were expected to marry and join their husband’s family.
As a girl, I used to feel that my opinions didn’t carry much weight. I often chose to stay silent even when I had ideas or perspectives to share. Back then, I lacked the courage to speak my mind.
My journey began to transform when I was in fifth grade and enrolled as a sponsored child with Plan Indonesia. My two older siblings had already joined the program before me.
The memory I cherish most was receiving a letter from my overseas sponsor. I had never received a personal letter before. Inside the envelope was a simple note and a small photo of my sponsor. I read that letter over and over again.
Through this letter-writing experience, I learned to express myself through words, share my life story, and build the confidence to communicate with others. To this day, I still keep those letters tucked away safely.
Alongside the letters, I received non-food support such as school stationery, bags, blankets, and other educational kits that greatly lightened our family’s load.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, our family also received health kits containing face masks and hygiene supplies. This aid meant everything to us at a time when many families struggled to access basic health provisions.
Discovering Myself and My Rights as a Young Woman
When I entered junior high school, I began participating in more activities hosted by Plan Indonesia. One of the most impactful was the child protection campaign centered around the “No, Go, Tell” message.
Through that campaign, I learned that every child has the right to be protected from violence. I learned to say “No” to treatment that made me uncomfortable, “Go” away from unsafe situations, and “Tell” a trusted adult if I experienced or witnessed harm against a child.
Plan Indonesia also regularly organized family gatherings, workshops on child protection, reproductive health, safe internet usage, child marriage prevention, and life skills development for teenagers.
Through the Future Planning Class (Kelas Mapan), I gained a deeper understanding of my identity as a girl. I learned about reproductive health, self-respect, future planning, and the fundamental right of young women to make choices about their own lives and ambitions.
These classes helped me realize that girls have the exact same rights to be heard, to voice their opinions, and to make decisions about their own futures.
Finding My Voice and Courage
One of the greatest transformations in my life came through public speaking trainings and my involvement in the Village Children’s Forum (Forades), supported by Plan Indonesia.
I used to be shy whenever I had to speak in front of an audience. I was terrified of making mistakes or being laughed at. But through these activities, I was given countless opportunities to practice.
I still remember the first time I was trusted to be the MC at a Children’s Festival. My hands were cold as I held the microphone, and my voice trembled during the opening remarks. But when the event ended, a wave of pride washed over me—a feeling I had never experienced before.
More importantly, I didn’t just learn to speak on stage; I learned to express my views in community settings.
Through the Village Children’s Forum and community meetings, I began speaking up for children’s needs. I advocated for a safe environment for children and highlighted the need for spaces where kids could learn and engage in positive activities.
At first, I felt nervous because most of the attendees were adults. But I realized that children’s voices are essential in village development.
Today, the village government has begun creating space for children to share their perspectives in planning forums. I can see positive change taking root—children’s opinions are now being heard and considered.
This shift reached my family as well. Where decisions were once dominated by adults or male family members, my parents are now open to listening to my thoughts. They give me the freedom to choose my own goals and future.
My father’s support means everything to me. Knowing that my dreams as a young woman are valued gives me profound confidence.
In high school, I had the chance to join a Mobile Journalism class facilitated by Plan Indonesia.
Through this training, I learned to use my smartphone productively—taking photos, making videos, documenting events, and creating meaningful campaign content.
Together with my peers, we created content focused on child protection and violence prevention. I learned that social media is not just for entertainment, but can also serve as a platform to spread impactful messages.
Today, I frequently help document school activities, take photos, film videos, and edit media content for school publications.
Back in junior high school, I dreamed of pursuing design at a vocational high school outside my hometown. However, my father wasn’t ready to let me move far away, which disappointed me at the time.
Over time, I came to realize that every path carries its own lessons. Had I left back then, I might have missed out on the learning opportunities, organizational experience, and personal growth space I gained through Plan Indonesia’s activities right here at home.
My dream of becoming a designer remains alive today. The difference is that I now hold a much stronger conviction to pursue it.
The biggest transformation I feel isn’t just being able to speak in public or host events. The true change is that I learned to know myself, understand my rights as a young woman, and find the courage to voice my opinions and stand up for my dreams.
I also pass along the knowledge I’ve gained to my younger siblings at home, helping them grow up with an understanding of self-protection, the value of education, and the courage to dream.
From a farmer’s daughter growing up beside the rice fields, I now believe that I have the potential to go far.
I believe every child possesses unique talents and abilities. Sometimes, all they need is an opportunity, support, and someone who believes in them.
For me, that opportunity came through my long journey with Plan Indonesia—a journey that not only helped me learn, but helped me discover my voice, my courage, and the confidence to shape my own future.
Written by: Agus Haru | Editor: Dewi Sri Sumanah| Photo: Agus Haru / Plan Indonesia
