I have been dreaming of some kind of 'child-shelter' where children who come from poor family can come over and play and learn how to write and read and play musical instrument. Where they can get something that will change their lives toward the better. Maybe they can learn how to sew and cook as well. And just maybe, we will find a Mozart-like child prodigy, he or she might be out there somewhere but never got the chance even to touch piano or violin.
So when Indah called me and asked me to join a voluntary-project with children few months ago, I'd said yes.
We called it 'Terminal Hujan'. Anggun came up with that name because the children are living in the area near to a bus terminal in the so-called 'rainy city', Bogor. Every week-end we pay a visit and teach the children school subjects, in a fun way.
The main purpose of this long-term project is actually character building: integrity, persistency and independency. Thus first of all, we set some basic rules. Such as, 'wear sandals or shoes to Terminal Hujan', 'no hitting or kicking or pushing your friends', 'listen when someone is talking', 'no calling-names'.
One of our muse, Widi, whined and cried all the time. But always come back all the time.
It is, however, a rocky road towards perfection. Throw away all your romantic imaginations about them being obedient, vulnerable kids. Okay, perhaps psychology speaking, they are vulnerable. Obedient? Not in the slightest. Most of these kids are not used to rules and manners. And in the beginning it was super exhausting to spend time with them. They talked all the time, fought each other all the time. It seemed like the only way they could express 'hi' or 'I love you' is by hitting one another. It was really easy to understand football clashes or even racial riots through these kids. It wasn't much about principles, it's more about how they're being raised.
Finally, thanks to The Nanny, we came up with this idea of reward and punishment. In the beginning, at the end of everyday we had milk for every kid. Now we only give milk for those who has 'acted nicely'. That means those who did not hit their friends, were willing to try and study, and came on time. And I am happy to say, we are getting better. Yiihaaa!
Being 'Tugu Kujang'. The nicest 'figure' would have the milk first.
But, again, it is a rocky road. Every week I am responsible of kids on fifth grade. And some of them can't even speak proper Indonesian. They understand what I am saying, but they cannot speak in the same language. They're used to Sundanese and it seems so hard for them to go out of their comfort zone and embrace their place in extended society. And --praise my elementary school teacher-- don't even get me start with Math or English. Noooo!
They are not the brightest student and definitely do not come from a family that can provide good education. They said if you're poor and brilliant, you're safe. There's plenty of scholarship you could get. If you're stupid and rich, you'll be okay. Your parents will help you out. If you're average or below average and poor, you're doomed. That's one of the reason why I say the whole 'SBI' or 'International Level School' is one BIG JOKE. Whatever happen to 'education for each and every Indonesian kid' if public schools cost even more than private ones? If public schools select only the top kids to enroll? But more on those later.
Anyway, for me Terminal Hujan is not a charity project. The kids, in their own special way, teach you more than you can ever teach them. They remind you how you used to be: innocent, trusting and loving. It's the sparkle in their eyes whenever they see you, it's the aura of excitement each time you begin the class, it's their expressions of joy when you introduce them to something new. God, these kids are addicting.
And you know, we might be boring sometimes and there were moments when some of the kids are angry because they don't get milk. But the fact that they would come again anyway, it gives me hope that maybe, we're on the right path after all.
