Partnership with Bank Mandiri Helps Children and Communities in East Flores
In November 2024, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency spewed volcanic ash and hot rocks towards residential areas. The eruption forced children and communities in several sub-districts to evacuate as their homes were damaged or destroyed. The disaster also resulted in 10 fatalities.
"People came to evacuate with only the clothes on their backs. They didn't even have any food with them," said Mr. Fransiskus, a headmaster who was also among the evacuees. "Some of the children looked scared to see the volcano erupt like that. Parents were also crying because they were afraid," added Mrs. Elisabet, a teacher from the school that was also affected by the eruption.
In addition to homes, public facilities such as schools were also damaged. According to data from the East Flores Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki affected 4,600 students and as many as 42 schools were rendered unusable. Children were forced to miss school. In addition, the school supplies they used to have were no longer there.
The education sector became one of the main focuses of the disaster response that WVI (World Vision Indonesia) carried out in the area affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki. Even though they were still in evacuation posts, learning activities still had to be carried out. WVI immediately set up Child-Friendly Mobile Units and Child-Friendly Spaces at the evacuation posts. Children were able to regain access to reading books and carry out fun activities while learning.
To support children in returning to learning well even while still in evacuation, WVI, in collaboration with Bank Mandiri, facilitated school supply packages for children affected by this disaster. As many as 2,600 school packages consisting of bags, books and stationery distributed. It is hoped that children can use these school packages to help start the learning process after the disaster.
"I feel sad because I have to leave my village and be separated from my friends. After the volcano erupted, I temporarily went to school at the evacuation post. I'm happy to receive a school supply package," said Brian, one of the child survivors, a sixth-grade student at Elementary School. The same sentiment was felt by Vania. "I am currently studying at a school near the post. I am very happy to receive a school package," said the girl who is currently in fourth grade of Elementary School.
Thank you for the good cooperation between WVI and Bank Mandiri so that it can help children and communities affected by this disaster quickly and appropriately.
Author: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
