An education savings account for my daughter's future

Most of Katana villagers in North Halmahera work as copra farmers who can only harvest their crop once every four months. Many villagers live in poverty, and saving money for their children's future is not a common habit.

"I always set aside some of my money for my children's education tuition. I really hope that she will continue her education," said Kalvius.

However this tradition is hopefully ending soon. Some parents in Katana have already been meeting to talk about education saving accounts, initiated by Saro Nifero Credit Union (CU).

CU staff come to their village so parents don't need to go to Tobelo town, which was 20 km away. Through Household Economy Management (PERT) training initiated by Wahana Visi Indonesia, a partner of World Vision, parents are asked to consider the importance of saving money for their children's education tuition in a program called SIPANDIK (Education Saving Account).

Kalvius Fayangi, 41, the father of Sintia O Fayangi, 11, deposited money into his first saving account at that meeting.

"I always set aside some of my money for my children's education tuition. I really hope that she will continue her education," he said.

Sintia who is still in the sixth year of primary school wants to continue her education until university level and reach her dreams.

"Whatever she wants to be, I will always support her," he added. Kalvius is always proud of his daughter's achievement in class.

*Written by Hestin Klaas, Community Development Coordinator, Wahana Visi Indonesia at North Halmahera operational office