The Story of a Health Volunteer’s Journey to HOME Aceh

Initiator Friends, on this occasion, let’s look at the story of the journey of 2 volunteers, Risa and Maulidar. Earlier this year, in February 2022, they had the opportunity to share with their younger siblings at the HOME children learning center in Aceh. HOME is a learning house program from Human Initiative that focuses on protecting children’s rights. For more, you can listen to the article at the following link

Risa and Maulidar are nutritionists at the Healthy Nusantara Program, a program of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Menkes RI) that aims to strengthen primary care in certain areas. On this occasion, they both had the opportunity to work in remote health centers in North Aceh and Central Aceh.

On the sidelines of their duties, Risa and Maulidar took the time to share with their younger siblings at HOME Aceh. Human Initiative with YBM PLN is the initiator of HOME at that location, precisely on Breueh Island which in Indonesian means “rice”. From their respective places, they continued their journey to Lampulo in the city of Banda Aceh. After that, the journey continues by crossing to Breueh Island using a ferry boat.

Arriving at the port in Lampuyang Village, Maryam, one of Human Initiative volunteers welcomed Risa and Maulidar. Maryam invited Risa and Maulidar to rest and go around Breueh Island to enjoy the natural beauty there.

Healthy Lifestyle Education at HOME Aceh ️

After Maryam took them on an adventure around the island of Breueh, the journey continued with a joint visit to the Home Children Learning Center for educational activities on healthy living. They were greeted by two women who volunteered to maintain and preserve this place. Chaired by Maryam, HOME is present to help approximately 20 students to gain knowledge and be creative.

Maryam opened an educational activity which was followed by material on Clean and Healthy Life Behavior (PHBS) by Risa. The theme of this education is “Environmental Health” which is one of the indicators in running a clean and healthy life. Before continuing with the material, the HOME children did the pre-test questions first. After that the material is “Ice Breaking” to prepare the children while giving the material. Approximately 1 hour passed and at the end of the session, the children did a post-test to measure the achievements of Risa and Maulida’s activities today. The session ended with the distribution of snacks/drinks and a group photo session.

“The children were very enthusiastic during the activity. But this is what happens to children when they meet new people. I am amazed at the children here who are still willing to learn with all the limitations on the island, such as in terms of teachers or other circumstances,” said Risa.

That was the story of the Volunteers’ journey to HOME, Aceh Island. Risa and Maulida hope they are able to return to HOME aceh.

“Hopefully we can come back here again. Keep the Spirit for Education, Volunteers. I would like to thank Ms. Maryam and the ladies at HOME who have given us such an amazing opportunity and an unforgettable experience,” said Risa and Maulida.