The Betang Borneo Indonesia Foundation (YBBI) continues to strive to improve inclusive conditions in schools and communities through various innovative programs. One of the latest efforts made is holding Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for the preparation of the Sakula Himba Guide. This activity aims to encourage the growth of inclusive values among young people in the long term.
This FGD activity took place from 24 to 27 March 2024, at the Fovere Hotel, Palangka Raya City. This event involved various parties, including teachers from Jabiren Raya High School, the Pilang and Simpur Village governments, as well as local traditional institutions. All parties involved are expected to make significant contributions to the preparation of this guide.
Based on the baseline analysis conducted by YBBI, one of the striking findings is the high rate of underage marriage. Apart from that, juvenile delinquency and low educational motivation are the main issues that need to be addressed. Therefore, awareness efforts are needed through strengthening spaces of expression for groups of young people. So that they can hone and channel their aspirations and develop their potential.
Sevana Dewi, as YBBI Project Manager, explained that the high number of cases of juvenile delinquency and low motivation to continue education, as well as the high number of cases of underage marriage, shows the urgency to create expressive spaces for young people. "Awareness is needed through strengthening expressive spaces for groups of young people to hone and channel their aspirations and develop their potential," he said.
Sakula Himba aims to increase love of local culture among high school students, as well as increasing educational motivation. This program is also an effort to promote Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in the school environment specifically.
With the guide prepared jointly by the high school teachers, village government and traditional institutions involved, it is hoped that the Sakula Himba guide can become a reference in encouraging students' role as village youth. It is hoped that this guide will be able to motivate education and explore the role of youth in maintaining and preserving local culture. As well as encouraging youth involvement in village development and becoming drivers of an inclusive society.
YBBI, which is a partner of the ESTUNGKARA program, has assisted indigenous communities in Pilang Village and Simpur Village. One of the mentoring activities carried out is the Sakula Himba agenda. The initial socialization of Sakula Himba was held on Friday, March 8 2024, at Jabiren Raya High School, with the main target being high school students. The aim is to reach young people widely through schools as an initial stage of introduction.
In 2024, Sakula Himba will be implemented in Pilang Village and Simpur Village. This activity aims to provide education related to GEDSI to young people in the village. As well as being a space for joint learning in exploring customs and culture. The Sakula Himba socialization agenda is the first step in GEDSI education for village youth. Which of course requires coordination with various parties, including school principals and their staff, village government and traditional leaders.
With this outreach, it is hoped that local cadres, especially village youth, can participate in driving GEDSI education as well as Ngaju Dayak traditional and cultural education. This is important so that young people can play an active role in maintaining and preserving their cultural heritage. As well as encouraging the creation of an inclusive and socially just society.
