Sahabat Anak Day

hari sahabat anak

1,500 Joy Shared at Kridaloka Senayan

Jakarta, February 17, 2008 – Hundreds of street children join Jakarta citizen at Kridaloka, Senayan, proclaiming Sahabat Anak Movement (SA movement) in Sahabat Anak Day (HSA) on Sunday, February 17, 2008.

In the full day event called “Spreading Love, Sowing Hope”, public were invited to take the children as part of the family, to share love and communicate with the street children under Sahabat Anak (SA).

The event was opened by Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo, a supporter of SA movement. “We never expect that our HSA event could be attended by the governor,” said one of the organizers.

Not only the governor, supports for this event came from other figures: Erna Witoelar (former ambassador of United Nations Millennium Development Goals), Yosi (from group band Project Pop), Imelda Fransisca (Miss Indonesia 2005), Wisnu (Indonesian Idol), Candi Rasidy (Early Child Education Consortium Chairman) and family of celebrity: Katon Bagaskara – Ira Wibowo.

The event started with the announcement of Sahabat Anak movement and followed by Walk of Love: in the route circling the Senayan Sports Stadium and return to Kridaloka. Each family/friend accompanied a child under SA during the event.

Although the route in Walk of Love was quite far, the children and families excitedly joined the event. Some of the tired children were carried by the volunteers or rode transportation car provided. (Yes, the walk was quite far …)

Walk of Love was continued with various competition, game booths and entertainment (with performance of children under SA), songs from public figures, musical storytelling and puppet show).

The volunteers unhesitatingly dig down to their wallets to pay the games in booths such as My T-shirt, Sparkling Tattoo, and Animal Hunt. During the full day event, everyone was allowed to play together and share their love.

The children were excited during entertainment by SHY Band, singing popular songs. Everyone sang and danced with the rock and dangdut music.

The day was closed with winner announcement, handed by Katon Bagaskara and Ira Wibowo. Everyone returned home in joy.

Event Coordinator Sitta Mannurung was also happy, “The objective of HSA is to give the opportunity for Jakarta citizen who rarely had the brush with marginal children to meet and be directly involved in their lives,” said Sitta Manurung. “Let this event be the moment for Sahabat Anak movement to be socialized, not only in Jakarta.”

Before every participant went home, Katon and Ira advised the participating street children to not giving up in chasing your dreams.

Farewell, see you at Sahabat Anak Jamboree.

Maretha Sambe
HSA, Jakarta, February 2008