Reported by Risky Jumatul Ikhsan, alumnus Padang State University

Sunday, December 17 2023, VDMI Regional Representative Padang held another activity at the ‘Aisyiyah Orphanage located in Lubuk Minturun, Padang. This activity was attended by Unand and UNP grantees and alumni. The activity began with an opening by Nadhifah and Sapri as representatives from VDMI Unand and UNP. Then continued with the activity of playing the balloon dragon game and watching a film entitled “Waktu Maghrib”. This film was chosen by the grantees because it was in accordance with the request of the orphanage children. This film is considered safe for children and teenagers.

The orphanage children are enthusiastic about taking part in agility games

The message conveyed by this film is that it is forbidden to go out or be outside the house at night. It is hoped that children can have quality time with family after maghrib at home. Before watching a film, children are asked to pay close attention to the film so that at the end of the session they can grasp the meaning or message conveyed by the film. Grantees also prepare snacks and prizes for lucky children.

The orphanage children are enthusiastic about taking part in agility games

Mrs. Nurhaida Karim, as the caretaker of the orphanage, said that the children have strong ambitions in the field of education. They are willing to travel quite long distances by public transportation to be able to study at school. And by the middle of 2024, there will be three children who will leave the orphanage because the orphanage is only able to finance their education up to high school/MA level. She also said that usually when an orphanage child leaves, local children are already queuing to become foster children at the ‘Aisyiyah Orphanage. However, due to limited funds, the orphanage can only accept new foster children according to the number of foster children who leave.