Sahabat Anak Jamboree

SAHABAT ANAK activities began with the Street Children Jamboree (SCJ) in 1997. KDM Foundation (www.kdm.or.id), an organisation which had been serving street children since 1972, encouraged a number of volunteers consisting of college students, graduates and young professionals to become the organizing team of this event. The goal was simple, to commemorate National Children’s Day on the 23rd of July and care for street children. After that event, the volunteers organised a follow up event on Independence Day (17 August) and designed a special school for street children using the facilities at KDM’s boarding school in Pondok Gede.

The Jamboree turned out to be an effective way in reaching out to street children while also creating a safe environment to introduce them to members of society who really care for them. The volunteers quickly identified that there was a great need for marginalised communities and especially street children in Jakarta to be able to access education. Through education they would be able to boost their economic status and aim for a better future. It was at this time that the name of the Jamboree was changed from Street Children Jamboree to Sahabat Anak Jamboree (JSA) and became an annual event which created more follow up events.

Through the Jamboree the volunteers at Sahabat Anak are able to foster strong relationships with the children; this has helped Sahabat Anak identify the true needs of street children. Through our interactions with street children we aim to show them that they are special, that they are someone and that they can achieve their dreams. We are also able to teach them about basic hygiene (such as washing their hands, how to use soap and how to brush their teeth), manners, social norms and provide them with positive role models (the chaperones).

The Jamboree continues to give the children at Sahabat Anak the chance to have a weekend away from the streets and their problems. The children are given an opportunity to be children. To play, have fun and enjoy the simple things in life, such as climbing a tree or going to the zoo.

Recently one of the children approached Alles Saragi, the Operations Manager, and asked if the Jamboree could go for one week, instead of one weekend. When asked why, the child said, “Because I am tired of being on the street”. This demonstrates the respite that the Jamboree offers for children living on the street and in marginalised communities.

Given these activities, we expect the volunteers will build friendships with the marginalized children. Not only during the Jamboree, but a friendship that carries on after the event, regardless of social status, economics, education, race, color, or religion.

Main Objectives:

1. To commemorate National Children’s Day on July 23 for marginalized children in Jakarta and surrounding areas
2. To help children access their rights, through participation and by expressing their opinions, according to the UN Convention on the Right of a Child 1989, Article 13 and the Republic of Indonesia Law, section 10 Law No. 23 of 2002, in regards to Child Protection.
3. To promote the Sahabat Anak Movement. A movement that involves various parties (individuals, groups, families, corporations, media) to become FRIENDS of marginalized children.

Sahabat Anak Jamboree XVI
Buper Ragunan, 7-8 July 2012

Not Afraid to Have a Say

In commemoration of National Children’s Day (23 July), Sahabat Anak once again held the Sahabat Anak Jamboree. The Jamboree is a two day, one night event which involves 1000 street children and 500 volunteer chaperones. This year the theme was “Share your Dreams”, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of The Child (20th of November 1989) which state that childre have the right to participate and express their opinion.

For the last five months the staff and volunteers at Sahabat Anak have been busy preparing for the Jamboree, from choosing the dates, location, choosing a concept, contacting the areas who were invited, looking for 500 volunteers and fund raising to fulfill all the needed resources. Everything was prepared by the Organizing Team who willingly volunteered their time in the midst of their own personal lives. The organizing process went well thanks to everyone who helped distribute the vouchers, as one of our fund raising efforts, and contact sponsors. Every single detail was carefully thought of so that the children could thoroughly enjoy this meaningful two day experience.

Sahabat Anak Jamboree XV

Every Indonesian Child has the RIGHT to PLAY
One thousand and one hundred street chidren and 700 volunteers took the school holiday to campaign the right to play in the 15th Jambore Sahabat Anak (JSA) on Saturday – Sunday, July 2-3, 2011 at the Ragunan Camping Ground, Jakarta. The activity was held in commemoration of the National Children Day on July 23, 2011.

The 15th Jamboree was organized by Sahabat Anak community in collaboration with the Jakarta Social Department, the two day camping event held since 1997 adopt the theme “Let’s Play My Friend”. The event aimed to encourage public support to support the street and marginalized children’s rights to play.