Meti’s Story of Learning to Read and Write from Letters with Sponsor Parents

Meti (7 years old) is a cheerful and energetic child. She is always smiling and has many friends in her neighborhood. Behind her cheerfulness, Meti faces a big challenge in her daily life. She can’t read and write, and this is what makes her feel left behind from her other friends at school.

Meti, the second of four children, grew up in a family of farmers and ranchers who depended on the crops and livestock to fulfill their daily needs. She aspired to become a teacher. Therefore, Meti always goes to school diligently. She loved to study and play with her friends. However, when it came time to read or write, Meti found it difficult and felt sad because she could not follow the lessons well. Her friends could read storybooks and write letters, while Meti could only listen and watch.

One day, Meti received good news from Plan Indonesia staff that changed her life. She was going to get a parent sponsor who cared about children’s lives, especially education, and wanted to help her. Meti and her family sent a letter of introduction to the sponsor parents, but because Meti could not write, the letter of introduction was written by her mother and Meti only gave a picture of her hand as a token of gratitude.

A month after sending the letter of introduction, Meti received a letter from her sponsor. The letter contained an interesting story about the life of her sponsor and her son who was the same age as Meti. Since Meti couldn’t read, her mother read the letter to her. Every time a letter came, her mother would read and tell Meti the contents of the letter. This situation continued, and Meti felt happy listening to the stories from her sponsor.

One day, her sponsor told her about her son who was the same age as Meti. The child was already actively participating in various activities in her country. She can read books, write letters, and even participate in writing competitions. Hearing this story, Meti felt challenged. She wanted to be able to read and write like the child from her sponsor. She wanted to be able to put all her feelings into a letter and send it to her sponsor.

Learning to Read and Write

Determined, Meti asked her mother to teach her to read and write every afternoon and evening before going to bed, her mother took the time to train Meti. They started with basic letters, then simple words, and finally short sentences. Meti learned diligently and enthusiastically. She often practiced reading and writing independently when her mother was busy and could not help her.

Day by day, Meti’s reading and writing skills improved. Although not perfect, Meti could already write her own letters to her sponsors. She could also read the stories she received from her sponsor. Every time she succeeded in writing a letter or reading a story, Meti felt proud and happy. She felt that her efforts were not in vain.

Now, Meti no longer feels left behind by her friends. She can follow lessons well and even help her friends who are struggling. Meti also often writes letters to her sponsor, telling them about her life in the village, school, and her friends. She feels closer to her sponsor and is grateful for the support.

Meti’s journey in learning to read and write is proof that with strong determination and effort, any challenge can be overcome. Meti has proven that nothing is impossible if we are willing to put in the effort. She has inspired many of her peers in her village not to give up in the face of adversity.

Ditulis oleh: Penihas Taniu | Editor: Agus Haru | Foto: Penihas Taniu/Plan Indonesia