Lamaholot Festival 2024: Together with 215 Lembata Children, Plan Indonesia Campaigns for Child Protection
17 October 2024
Lembata, October 18, 2024 – A total of 215 children in Lembata together with Plan Indonesia took part in the Lamaholot 2024 Festival which also voiced the child protection campaign. In this two-day activity, children received education about preventing child marriage and preventing violence against children and women.
This education also focused on No Go Tell, and Bullying Prevention. Material delivery was packaged in various interesting methods such as talk shows, games and interactive dialog between participants and peer facilitators. In addition to talk shows, the facilitators also performed monologues about the adverse effects of child marriage. At the end of the session, the participants were facilitated by Plan Indonesia staff to simulate Siap Report as a reporting center for child protection and prevention of violence against children.
Creating a Safe Environment for Children
Erlina Dangu, Manager of Program Implementation Area (PIA) Lembata – Plan Indonesia stated that children are the future guardians of cultural preservation. Lamalohot culture relies heavily on the process of transferring values and knowledge from elders to children. The process will be maximized if it is carried out in a comfortable and safe environment for children.
“Plan Indonesia supports all these good goals and is committed to creating an environment that is sensitive to child development, one of which is the No Go Tell module and the Ready to Report platform that we have so far socialized in the assisted villages,” explained Erlina.
Erlina also highlighted the importance of early detection, prevention, referral and treatment in child protection. “We are all obliged to carry out handling that makes reporters, especially children, feel safe and protected,” she added.
“Children are not just listeners, they are changemakers”
Venta (18), Chairperson of YAP Lembata, emphasized the importance of children’s role in child protection efforts. “Children are not just listeners when we talk about child protection. With spaces like this, children are also an active part of the protection efforts,” said Venta.
Meanwhile, Timbe (18), a Class MAPAN alumni who became a peer facilitator in bullying prevention material, felt proud to be able to contribute to this activity. “Activities like this must continue to be made. It helps us look after each other, share knowledge. I am proud today to be able to take part in fighting for children’s rights and protection,” Timbe said.
Appreciation from Local Government
Head of the Lembata Regency Tourism Office, Jack Wuwur, expressed his appreciation to Plan Indonesia and the children involved in the Education and Action campaign. “This effort is very helpful for the government in building a safe environment for children as the next generation of Lamaholot culture. This is a great contribution to cultural preservation efforts. We always give space to Plan Indonesia and other Government Strategic Partners who have been working hard to support the government to address strategic issues through the programs they implement. “ said Jack.
The 2024 Lamaholot Festival is expected to be an important momentum to strengthen public awareness of the importance of child protection as a subject of cultural preservation, as well as involving children as actors of change in efforts to prevent violence and protect their rights.
