Yayasan Embun Pelangi Collaborates with Teachers to Solve Violence Against Women

The incidence of drug abuse and prostitution has become an open secret on Belakang Padang Island, Batam. Senior high school teacher, Ms. Dewi Mesra, is also aware of the situation. It has been four and a half years since Ms. Dewi taught her subject at SMA 2 Batam on Belakang Padang—a school she gets to by boat that departs at 6 every morning from Batam.

“Proof is the only thing we’re lacking,” said Ms. Dewi. “It’s an open secret, so everybody knows. There are a lot of drug users there. I also serve as a counselling teacher. So a lot of the students admit it to me. Usually I try to fish for more information. If you want to give me information, I say, I will protect you. So that I can find out who is the dealer. But the students are afraid.”

To Ms. Dewi, teaching on Belakang Padang Island poses its own challenge. Apart from being known as a “transit” place for various kinds of illegal drugs, the kids who have been exposed to premarital sex also seem oblivious to norms and morals. “Freedom is everywhere, something so common, and it seems like they are not ashamed,” said Ms. Dewi. “From drugs to sex in dating, they are no longer ashamed.”

On one occasion, on the suggestion of a fellow teacher, Ms. Dewi finally contacted a foundation called Yayasan Embun Pelangi (YEP), one of MAMPU partners. Their commitment in providing assistance and education related to drugs and reproductive health by collaborating with teachers, made Ms. Dewi eager to invite YEP to counsel her students. “It has been planned, and because it is related to school subjects, the Principal has already prepared the budget.”

Irwan from YEP said that they quickly responded to Ms. Dewi’s invitation. “Yes, at the time we responded directly to the invitation,” said Irwan from YEP. “We sent our team, Yoris and Boboy. Boboy gave counselling related to trafficking and under-age sex, while Yoris gave counselling about HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. But Ms. Dewi’s students are smart and active.”

“We have decided to continue the assistance and mentoring,” said Ms. Dewi. “As the teacher of citizenship and morals, I am very happy if I know someone actually cares. We’re also collaborating to form a task force. The task force has been giving information and sharing sessions for teachers and students, and we have 40 task force members who are super active.”

Independently, Ms. Dewi is also alert in noticing the behavioural changes of her students at school. She knows that there are several signs of drug use that can serve as an indication. “Usually I call them to my office if I see bad signs. For example, a student becomes too naughty in class. Or gets angry very easily. Low self esteem. Sensitive. I call them up and I ask them,” said Ms. Dewi. (***)