TANAH DATAR, WEST SUMATRA — That afternoon, Saturday (5/18/2024), in Ranah Minang, a clear sky revealed a vast expanse of blue. The clouds moved slowly as if waving gently, the sun also smiled at the happiness of the children.
They chatted while laughing cheerfully, following the excitement of Psychological First Aid (PFA) held by Dompet Dhuafa volunteers. It was as if the sadness had never left their eyes.
Natural disasters often come without warning, leaving heartbreaking traces. Large rocks dragged from the mountain in the Galodo torrents carved a deep pain for the survivors. The flash flood accompanied by cold lava that hit West Sumatra on Saturday (11/5/2024) still brings sorrow to everyone.
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Some residents had to accept a lot of losses, both material and non-material. One of them is the psychological condition experienced by survivors. Starting from worry, anxiety, to anxiety, sometimes haunts all the thoughts of survivors.
This fact is the reason why Dompet Dhuafa provides Psychological First Aid (PFA) services. Humanitarian activists are present and go directly to help survivors, fostering a glimmer of hope in wounded hearts, fostering confidence that the storm will pass and life will recover.
Located in the Jami Sungai Jambu Mosque, Nagari Sungai Jambu, Tanah Datar, West Sumatra, the shouts followed by laughter began to be heard. They were demonstrating clapping with the volunteers, attended by around 50 children who were accompanied by their fathers or mothers.
The laughter was even more joyful when Aiman Ricky, a public figure and Dompet Dhuafa Super Volunteer, came to greet.
“Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh…!!!” Aiman said in greeting.
Read also: Galodo Cold Lava Flood Hits West Sumatra, This is Dompet Dhuafa’s Quick Response in the Field
The greeting was immediately answered compactly by the children. Not waiting long, Aiman and the Dompet Dhuafa volunteers provided exciting and educational games. Such as guessing the surah, memorizing the pillars of faith and the pillars of Islam, and many more.
The activity was greeted with great enthusiasm by the children. Their laughter filled the terrace of the mosque. One or two of them even scrambled to come forward and play with Aiman Ricky.
“What we did for the first time was PFA, where we set up a trauma healing post for children. Because, these children usually have a sense of trauma that is difficult to eliminate,” said Aiman.
Not only that, to add to the children’s happiness, Aiman also gave gifts in the form of clothes from his personal brand. This was done by Aiman to add to the happiness as well as to divert the children’s trauma. They also excitedly showed off in front of the soap opera player.
“One of the programs promoted for Dompet Dhuafa to provide joy for children, namely by providing games, providing happiness. So, children can eliminate their trauma, can be active again as usual, and hopefully can look forward and not remember the events that have occurred,” continued Aiman.
One of the Galodo survivor children who participated in this activity was Bisma. The 8-year-old bravely came forward to call the azan and answer Aiman’s questions.
“I’m happy, brother! Thank you. I was given snacks too, got a shirt. It’s great to meet the artist, really happy!” said Bisma enthusiastically when interviewed by the Dompet Dhuafa Team.
Read also: Flash Flood Hits West Sumatera, Dompet Dhuafa and OK OCE Humanity Distribute Aid
The same feeling was also felt by Nova, a mother who brought her son, Aga (grade 1 elementary school) to this PFA. She was happy that her child could play here. The joy of the child also made Nova’s heart calm.
“This activity makes us cheerful. The children are cheerful and we mothers are also cheerful,” said Nova.
After playing with the children, Aiman continued his journey to visit an isolated disaster location, namely in Nagari Sungai Jambu. That point, God willing, will also be the distribution point for Dompet Dhuafa’s Tebar Hewan Kurban (THK) Program.
“Hopefully what we can do for the good of the people and others can be useful for all of us,” hoped Aiman. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Anndini Dwi Putri
Editors: Dhika Prabowo, Ronna