Saturday morning at Wisma Podjok Indah Condongcatur felt different. The room was filled with laughter and warm conversations, yet behind the cheerful atmosphere were deeper stories waiting to be heard—stories about school, dreams, fears, and hope.
Through the Children’s Forum “Dialogue with Children,” The Dreamhouse Indonesia Foundation created a space where children and teenagers could openly talk about education as a right that every child deserves to experience fully.
The forum was supported by The Rotary Club of Jogja Merapi. Mrs Listi Wibowo came and gave an opening remark before the discussion began.
The event was attended by children and teenagers from the Children Crisis Center (CCC), Wonocatur, Tlukan, and Sidomulyo communities. Each of them came with different backgrounds and experiences, yet they shared one common need: to be heard.
This forum was more than just a formal discussion. For many children, spaces like this are rare opportunities where they can safely express their thoughts without fear of judgment. In small group discussions, they began sharing stories about learning struggles, challenges at school, social pressure, and the dreams they still hold onto for the future.
Some spoke about the difficulty of studying in an unsupportive home environment. Others shared feelings of insecurity from falling behind in class. There were also children who passionately expressed their desire to continue their education so they could one day support their families.
These conversations reminded everyone present that education is not merely about attending school. Education is about having the opportunity to grow, to feel safe, to be trusted, and to have hope.
During the discussion and reflection sessions, the children were encouraged to understand that education is their right. They were also invited to participate actively, speak up, and share perspectives on issues closely connected to their daily lives.
As the forum continued, small but meaningful changes became visible. Children who were initially quiet slowly began raising their hands. Those who had only listened started sharing their opinions. Moments like these may seem simple, but they often become important first steps toward confidence and self-worth.
For The Dreamhouse Indonesia Foundation, supporting children is not only about providing programs or temporary assistance. It is about walking alongside them, listening to their stories, and ensuring they have space to grow into whole and hopeful individuals.
The Children’s Forum “Dialogue with Children” became a reminder that children are not merely passive recipients of adult decisions. They have voices, experiences, and perspectives that deserve to be heard.
And perhaps meaningful change often begins with something very simple: when a child finally feels safe enough to say, “This is how I feel.”