“My name is Frans, a resident of Sepo Village, and I feel very happy that Gugah Nurani Indonesia has finally come to help this forgotten village by starting with a survey. Honestly, at first, I was skeptical about Gugah Nurani Indonesia, as there had been many surveys conducted before by different parties, but none of them resulted in any benefits for us, the people of Sepo Village. Then, when Gugah Nurani Indonesia conducted a second survey, I started to believe that the innovations they promised for Sepo Village would actually come true. Moreover, I heard from other sources that Gugah Nurani Indonesia is a trustworthy organization.Afterward, Gugah Nurani Indonesia, in collaboration with the local health center (Puskesmas) Compang, held a dissemination on healthy living habits and environmental health. This further strengthened my confidence in Gugah Nurani Indonesia. Three weeks after the health awareness session, the people of Sepo Village, together with Gugah Nurani Indonesia, conducted a water source survey and interviews with school children from Sepo Village. Mr. Vinsen, a representative from Gugah Nurani Indonesia, provided material assistance. Thank God, everything went well.
However, in the midst of the water sanitation project here, I faced some issues. People suspected that I was profiting from this activity, but the truth is I gained nothing from the Gugah Nurani Indonesia program. I was only assisting with the activities and program on the ground, and this was all for the benefit of Sepo Village residents.
The children and residents of Sepo Village used to collect water from the Sepo River because there was no running water at home, and we didn’t even have toilets. We relied on makeshift stalls with shared waste pits commonly used by the residents of Sepo Village.
Finally, clean water has reached Sepo Village. All the residents are overjoyed because, for the first time, they no longer have to fetch water from the Sepo River, and school children no longer struggle to find water. Moreover, we now have proper toilets that can be used communally. Our gratitude is immense; this once-forgotten village is now recognized, even by a local regent. When the water project was inaugurated, Gugah Nurani Indonesia also invited the regent to the inauguration. The sanitation program provided by Gugah Nurani Indonesia has touched the hearts of the local government, which has pledged to provide 38 additional toilet units for the residents of Sepo Village. I believe this is the result of our patience over the years— a blessing from God brought to us through Gugah Nurani Indonesia.
What I truly appreciate is that both the government and the director of Gugah Nurani Indonesia, along with their team from Jakarta, were able to visit my humble home. I can only say thank you very much and send my love to the friends from Gugah Nurani Indonesia, especially those who have visited Sepo Village. It is impossible for me to forget the good people who have helped Sepo Village.”
Considering the extremely limited conditions in Sepo Village, the stories from the beneficiaries illustrate how the assistance they received has brought significant changes to their lives. Despite the enormous challenges they faced, their spirit and hope for the future remain strong. Their story serves as proof that even the smallest act of help, when given sincerely and sustainably, can have a profound impact on marginalized communities.
This success marks the beginning of a better life for the people of Sepo Village. With continued support and collaboration, it is hoped that the development of clean water access and health awareness initiatives will serve as a foundation to improve other aspects of community life. This will ensure that Sepo Village is no longer a forgotten village but rather a thriving community full of hope for a brighter future, especially for the children living there.
Edited by: FD Team
