Project Sophia: Bridging Friendship, Hope and Peace
Project Sophia has now made 50 library visits to villages around Poso. At each visit, one can feel the children’s sense of excitement because they not only gain access to knowledge through books but they also can play together. All the children are very enthusiastic to follow. Meryani says, "Here we can select the books we love. A lot of these books we have never seen in our schools." Ahmad, another kids, says, "I love my day every time Project Sophia comes, because we can play together with others. Usually I play alone, but now I can join with others.
Dita had another impression, "In Project Sophia we are not bored because we can play games from books that we read. The games developed by Project Sophia invite children to work together and respect the opinions of others.
Dita had another impression, "In Project Sophia we are not bored because we can play games from books that we read. The games developed by Project Sophia invite children to work together and respect the opinions of others.
For some children, a book may be commonly encountered, but for the children in Project Sophia books are like treasures. The treasure of friendship, a treasure trove of knowledge. I have seen the faces of children full of hope when they see us coming. They run into Project Sophia site, or run around to their friends houses to invite them to join the treasure hunt with Sophia Project. No one wants to miss a moment with the library. I once heard a child ask,”Sister, could I borrow this book? I want to bring it home for my sister. Can you come again, tomorrow? I want to invite my sister and my other friends too "
They are so enthusiastic when they play together while the Project Sophia team prepares the books. In many villages, children have difficulty even waiting to listen to the explanation, they just want immediately to read. They always want the visits more often and more quickly to their villages. They make Sophia Project as a source of primary knowledge at school and at home.
In one area where there were the greatest numbers of murders during the Poso conflict, intentionally the Project Sophia team combined the two neighboring villages are separated by the conflict, Sintuwulembah and Tambaro village. The children in the two villages were in one village but separated by religion. When the conflict occurred, the Village Sintuwulembah was predominantly Muslim Tambaro village was predominantly Christian. For the first time in so long they came together, played together and held hands together in Sophia Project. I am so thrilled to see their passion. In the beginning they have doubts, but when the game starts, all the kids just join without fear or doubt. My dream is that children can come together despite different religions and tribes through Sophia Project.
A mother who accompanied her daughter came to me saying "I am thankful that this happened. Our children from Muslim and Christian families could meet again here. It's such a long time since we separated. These books bring us together. Look at them! They can play together like there was no problem from the past”. This mother's convinced me that there is hope for true peace through children, that there is hope for peace in Poso.
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Project Sophia : Menjembatani Persahabatan, Harapan dan Perdamaian
Sudah 50 kali kunjungan Project Sophia di desa-desa. Pada setiap kunjungan, anak-anak ini merasakan kegembiraan karena bukan hanya mendapatkan akses pengetahuan melalui buku tetapi mereka juga bisa bermain bersama-sama. Buku-buku yang dibaca dimainkan bersama melalui permainan buku yang dikembangkan oleh tim Project Sophia. Semua anak merasa sangat antusias mengikutinya. Meryani, seorang anak dari Desa Bukit Bambu mengatakan” di sini kami bisa pilih buku yang kami suka, buku-bukunya banyak sekali dan tidak pernah ada di sekolah kami” Ahmad, anak yang lain mengatakan: “ Saya suka setiap kali kakak-kakak Project Sophia datang, karena kami bisa main sama-sama dengan yang lainnya. Selama ini saya Cuma main sendiri, tapi sekarang sudah bisa gabung dengan yang lain”. Citra punya kesan lain, “Di sini kita tidak bosan karena permainannya permainan buku yang kita baca”. Permainan buku yang dikembangkan di Project Sophia mengajak anak-anak saling bekerjasama dan menghargai pendapat orang lain.
Bagi sebagian anak-anak, buku mungkin hal yang biasa ditemui, tapi bagi anak-anak di Project Sophia buku-buku seperti harta karun. Harta karun persahabatan, harta karun ilmu pengetahuan. Saya melihat wajah-wajah penuh harapan ketika melihat kami datang. Mereka berlarian ke lokasi Project Sophia, atau berlarian ke rumah teman-teman lainnya mengajak bergabung mengunjungi harta karun di Project Sophia. Penuh semangat mereka ikut bermain ketika tim Project Sophia mempersiapkan buku-buku. Di banyak desa lainnya, banyak anak-anak yang seringkali tidak sabar mendengarkan penjelasan karena ingin segera membaca buku. Mereka menginginkan kunjungan lebih sering dan lebih cepat ke desa mereka. Mereka menjadikan Project Sophia sebagai sumber pengetahuan utama di sekolah dan di rumah.
Di salah satu desa yang menjadi lokasi pembunuhan terhebat dalam konflik Poso, dengan sengaja Tim Project Sophia menggabungkan dua desa yang terpisah karena konflik yaitu Desa Sintuwulembah dan Desa Tambaro. Anak-anak di kedua desa ini dulunya satu desa namun terpisah berdasarkan mayoritas agama ketika konflik terjadi, Desa Sintuwulembah mayoritas beragama Islam dan Desa Tambaro mayoritas beragama Kristen. Untuk pertama kalinya mereka bertemu, bermain bersama dan bergandengan tangan di Project Sophia. Saya sangat terharu melihat semangat mereka. Awalnya ragu-ragu, tetapi ketika diawali dengan permainan, semua anak-anak langsung bergabung tanpa takut dan ragu. Mimpi saya agar anak-anak bisa bersatu meskipun berbeda agama dan suku melalui Project Sophia telah dimulai. Seorang ibu yang mengantar anaknya saat itu sempat menangis dan mengatakan “saya bersyukur anak-anak kami dari Muslim dan Kristen bisa bertemu lagi disini. Sudah lama kami terpisah. Buku-buku ini mempersatukan mereka. Lihat mereka itu bisa bermain bersama-sama seperti tidak ada masalah” Kata-kata ibu ini bagi saya seperti ingin menyampaikan, ada harapan bagi perdamaian sejati melalui anak-anak di Project Sophia, ada harapan bagi perdamaian di Poso.
3rd Journey of Project Sophia:
Crossing the Lake,Building Kinship
When the boat docked with a banner that read “Library Sophia: Let’s Read to Achieve our Dreams” at a small port in the village of Peura, four boys and two parents were ready with a wheelbarrow to bring in the books. Two men rushed in and exclaimed how anxious they were waiting for the books to arrive. Two hours before, the boat had began its journey across Lake Poso, and rumors of arrival started circulating around hundreds of children that had been waiting since 11am. The fast moving team of Project Sophia along with the parents of the village were quick to bring the spirit of reading about. From a distance came the sound of hundreds of children singing songs in unison as they waited for all of the books to arrive.On Sunday, October 16, Peura Village meeting hall was full of parents and children. There were so many people that there weren’t enough seats, so instead some people sat on sacks of rice. Their eyes lit up when they saw the dozens of boxes of books arrive, as well as a screen to watch a movie on. Many of the children ran right up to the boxes and adults had to bring them back to their seats, encouraging them to sing again while the books were laid out for them. Two children took turns leading songs while the Project Sophia team arranged the books quickly. Someone whispered “I wonder if these books are enough, there are many children coming.”When the books were arranged and ready to be selected, dozens of kids ran straight to the books, but were again told to be patient by their parents. Lian Gogali, the director of Project Sophia, tried quickly to explain the rules of maintaining the books, pencils, and origami. But the kid’s enthusiasm could not be controlled as they pointed at the books they hoped to read. When explained that the children should wash their hands, they immediately ran to the bucket of water to do so. The atmosphere was hectic, even before the reading began! All eyes were on the books.Some women tried to help by telling the children to get in a line in order to get a book. But the remarkable spirit of hundreds of children hoping to gain access to books could not be controlled. They all ran up to the tables where the books were displayed and scrambled to take not just one book, but several. Some even brought four at once. The Project Sophia Team was only able to smile and try to explain the how the children should treat the books.Instantly the huge room was noisy with the activities of reading, drawing, and origami. Many times the kids ran around so much they fell on their way to get a new book. Dozens of children did not move once they had a book. Everyone was deeply immersed in the activities.
Adults were busy with reading too. An old man read a serious book about overcoming conflict. Before Project Sophia had arrived, residents in Peura Village had long been embroiled in a strong difference of opinion. The issue was over the construction of a hydro-electric transmission tower owned by Jusuf Kalla and his company PT. Bukaka. Residents had split into two groups, those who agreed with the tower, and those who were against it being built in the middle of a residential area. This had led to conflict between residents and had caused husbands and wives, father and sons, not to speak, and even report each other to the police.The arrival of Project Sophia brought back their bond of kinship in Peura village. The room where before they had been accusing and cursing at each other was now a reading room. It had affected not only parents, but children had been separated as well during the fight. One mother said “this is the first time we have gathered together as a village without arguing with each other.” Children no longer hesitated to sit down together to read, draw, and make origami. They made play dates with each other on the shores of the lake.Meanwhile, over in the origami group only a few children were interested in being taught by Mimi and Angel, who had come from Tentena with the MOSINTUWU Children’s Group. But once kids saw them teaching how to do it, kids started teaching each other until many were doing it. Some parents came to show off their work. Everyone was busy with their respective activities.Five hundred books had crossed Lake Poso, and that day not one was left untouched. Children’s songs played in the background which created a festival atmosphere in the room. Parents continued to arrive, and kids were more and more excited to read, as if they were afraid the day was passing too quickly and they would no longer be surrounded by books.Finally a large screen was put up to watch a movie, but the kids kept on reading. They carried their books and sat in front of the white screen and continued to read while they got ready to watch the movie Denias. Only the promise that Project Sophia would visit them again made the children and parents relieved enough to let go of the books. They look forward to their return in subsequent visits.Today Project Sophia is crossing borders along Lake Poso to make friends, renew kinship, and bring people together for a beautiful life through books.
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Adults were busy with reading too. An old man read a serious book about overcoming conflict. Before Project Sophia had arrived, residents in Peura Village had long been embroiled in a strong difference of opinion. The issue was over the construction of a hydro-electric transmission tower owned by Jusuf Kalla and his company PT. Bukaka. Residents had split into two groups, those who agreed with the tower, and those who were against it being built in the middle of a residential area. This had led to conflict between residents and had caused husbands and wives, father and sons, not to speak, and even report each other to the police.The arrival of Project Sophia brought back their bond of kinship in Peura village. The room where before they had been accusing and cursing at each other was now a reading room. It had affected not only parents, but children had been separated as well during the fight. One mother said “this is the first time we have gathered together as a village without arguing with each other.” Children no longer hesitated to sit down together to read, draw, and make origami. They made play dates with each other on the shores of the lake.Meanwhile, over in the origami group only a few children were interested in being taught by Mimi and Angel, who had come from Tentena with the MOSINTUWU Children’s Group. But once kids saw them teaching how to do it, kids started teaching each other until many were doing it. Some parents came to show off their work. Everyone was busy with their respective activities.Five hundred books had crossed Lake Poso, and that day not one was left untouched. Children’s songs played in the background which created a festival atmosphere in the room. Parents continued to arrive, and kids were more and more excited to read, as if they were afraid the day was passing too quickly and they would no longer be surrounded by books.Finally a large screen was put up to watch a movie, but the kids kept on reading. They carried their books and sat in front of the white screen and continued to read while they got ready to watch the movie Denias. Only the promise that Project Sophia would visit them again made the children and parents relieved enough to let go of the books. They look forward to their return in subsequent visits.Today Project Sophia is crossing borders along Lake Poso to make friends, renew kinship, and bring people together for a beautiful life through books.
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3rd Journey of Project Sophia:
Menyeberangi Danau Membangun Keluarga
Perjalanan Kedua Project Sophia:
Orang tua yang mengunjungi anak-anaknya di tempat baca, juga ikut membaca. Mereka mengekspresikan kebahagiaan mereka dengan kunjungan Project Sophia. Mereka mengatakan" Ini adalah bagaimana cara mendampingi anak untuk masa depan mereka lebih baik. Dengan buku. Mungkin hari ini kami sudah tidak dengar lagi ada perkelahian di wilayah ini" 
Those who choose the activity of drawing and coloring were very excited about drawing in comic books with their black and white pictures, and soon colored all the books! 
Saat perahu dengan banner bertuliskan “Perpustakaan Sophia: Ayo Baca Raih Mimpi-mimpimu” merapat di pelabuhan kecil Desa Peura, empat orang pemuda dan dua orang tua bersama sebuah boks beroda langsung mendekat mengangkut boks-boks buku. Dua orang ibu tergopoh-gopoh menghampiri sambil berkata “wah, sudah ditunggu-tunggu dari tadi”. Dua jam sebelum perahu Perpustakaan Sophia melintasi Danau Poso, melalui telepon dikabarkan ratusan anak sudah menunggu sejak jam 11. Semangat membaca buku langsung membuat team Project Sophia bergerak cepat dibantu orangtua di Desa Peura yang ingin anaknya mendapatkan buku bacaan. Dari kejauhan terdengar suara ratusan anak-anak menyanyikan lagu-lagu. Seperti sedang mengusir kejenuhan menunggu datangnya buku.
Hari Minggu, tanggal 16 Oktober Baruga Desa Peura dipenuhi ratusan anak dan puluhan orang tua. Tempat duduk yang berfungsi sebagai dinding Baruga tidak mampu menampung jumlah anak-anak sehingga beberapa yang lain duduk di tengah atau di atas tumpukan beras. Mata mereka langsung bersinar begitu melihat boks-boks buku, layar, dan anggota team Project Sophia mendekat. Puluhan anak-anak langsung berlari mendekati boks buku namun dicegah oleh orang dewasa lainnya “tunggu, tunggu sampai bukunya selesai disusun, ayo menyanyi lagi” Dua orang anak bergantian memimpin lagu-lagu sementara team Project Sophia berusaha bergerak cepat menata buku-buku. Seseorang berbisik “saya ragu apa buku-buku ini cukup untuk anak-anak, kak. Banyak sekali yang datang”
Ketika melihat buku-buku selesai disusun, belasan anak mengambil ancang-ancang akan lari menuju buku. Lagi-lagi dicegah orang tua “sabar,sabar, semua akan dapat buku”. Lian, pembina Project Sophia berusaha secepat mungkin menyelesaikan penjelasan mengenai aturan membaca buku dan fasilitas menggambar dan membuat origami. Anak-anak tidak cukup sabar, beberapa yang berada di samping susunan buku sudah menunjuk-nunjuk buku yang akan dibacanya, tidak mau buku itu diambil oleh yang lain. Saat dijelaskan bahwa semua anak harus mencuci tangan dan mengeringkannya sebelum membaca, anak-anak langsung berebutan mencuci di ember, langsung mengambil posisi siap berlari menuju buku. Suasana riuh bahkan sebelum aktivitas membaca dimulai. Semua mata tertuju pada buku-buku yang disusun.
Beberapa orang tua perempuan berusaha membantu team Project Sophia mengatur anak-anak, memberikan petunjuk agar anak-anak mengambil buku dengan mengantri. Semangat luar biasa dari ratusan anak-anak untuk mendapatkan akses buku tidak dapat dibendung. Ketika dua orang anak sedang mempraktekkan mengantri mengambil buku, ratusan anak-anak lainnya langsung menyerbu buku. Mereka berebutan mengambil buku-buku, bukan cuma satu tapi beberapa orang membawa buku empat sekaligus. Team Project Sophia hanya mampu tersenyum dan berusaha tetap memberikan penjelasan mengenai tata cara penggunaan buku.
Seketika ruangan berukuran 10 x 12 meter itu riuh dengan aktivitas membaca, menggambar dan origami. Berulangkali anak-anak berlari-lari hingga terjatuh hanya untuk mengganti buku yang sudah selesai dibaca dengan buku-buku. Belasan anak-anak tidak beranjak dari sekeliling tempat buku sejak awal hingga akhir. Tidak ada yang hanya berdiam diri, semua tenggelam dalam aktivitas membaca, dan menggambar.
Aktivitas membaca orang tua tidak kalah serunya. Seorang kakek membaca serius buku tentang konflik. Sebelum Project Sophia datang, warga di Desa Peura terlibat konflik antar warga karena perbedaan pendapat mereka tentang pembangunan jalur transmisi PLTA Sulewana milik Jusuf Kalla, dengan perusahaannya PT Bukaka. Warga terbagi dua, mereka yang setuju dan mereka yang tidak setuju pembangunan di wilayah pemukiman masyarakat. Konflik antar warga ini menyebabkan suami istri saling meninggalkan rumah, ayah dan anak tidak lagi saling mengakui, antar saudara tidak saling menyapa, hingga saling memukul, menganiaya bahkan saling melaporkan ke Polisi.
Kedatangan Project Sophia meleburkan rasa benci dan mengingatkan kembali ikatan kekeluargaan diantara mereka. Ruangan dimana dulu mereka pernah saling menuding dan memaki, sekarang menjadi ruang membaca bersama. Aktivitas membaca mempertemukan mereka. Bukan hanya orang tua tapi juga anak-anak yang dulu dipisahkan jika bermain hanya karena orang tua mereka berbeda pendapat. Seorang ibu mengatakan “ini pertama kali kami bisa kumpul bersama satu desa tanpa bersitegang atau saling memandang sinis. Soalnya yang dipandangi buku-buku” Anak-anak tidak lagi segan-segan duduk bersama membaca, menggambar dan belajar origami yang dipimpin oleh anak-anak Sanggar Mosintuwu. Mereka bisa saling membuat janji untuk bermain bersama lagi di lapangan atau di tepi Danau (yang sayangnya sekarang sudah terbangun tower SUTET).
Sementara itu pada menit-menit awal, kelompok origami hanya diminati oleh sedikit anak-anak. Namun dalam sepuluh menit berikutnya, Mimi dan Angel yang mewakili Sanggar Anak Mosintuwu, mulai kewalahan mengajarkan puluhan anak-anak yang meminta diajarkan membuat kotak, dan burung. Hanya sekali diajarkan, anak-anak mulai saling mengajarkan temannya yang lain yang juga tertarik membuat origami. Beberapa mendatangi orangtuanya menunjukkan hasil karyanya. Semua sibuk dengan aktivitasnya masing-masing, tidak ada yang hanya diam.
Lima ratus buku-buku yang melintasi Danau Poso hari itu tidak ada yang tidak disentuh untuk sekedar dilihat isinya atau dibaca. Lagu anak-anak yang diputar mengiringi aktivitas membaca, menggambar dan origami menambah semarak suasana dalam ruangan. Orang tua terus berdatangan, anak-anak semakin bersemangat membaca seakan takut hari cepat berlalu dan mereka tidak lagi dikelilingi buku-buku.
Lima jama setelah boks-boks buku dibuka, layar untuk menonton film bersama sudah dibuka, namun anak-anak masih meneruskan aktivitas membaca. Mereka membawa buku-bukunya di depan layar putih yang belum menyajikan tontonan apapun. Mereka membaca, dan membaca terus dan siap menonton film Denias. Hanya janji bahwa Project Sophia akan mengunjungi mereka lagi yang membuat anak-anak dan orang tua merasa lega dan mau melepaskan buku-buku yang mereka baca untuk ditemui lagi dalam kunjungan berikutnya.
Hari ini, Project Sophia melintasi batas daratan, menyusuri Danau Poso, menemui sahabat Project Sophia, membuat mereka mengingat kembali kekeluargaan dan indahnya bersatu untuk kehidupan bersama. Melalui Buku.
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2nd Journey of Project Sophia:
No More Fights, Just Books
"Hello children, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, lets brighten our Sundays with books, origami, and puzzles! It's all in the Sophia Mobile Library, which today happened in Kajuawu. Voices from the car sounded eagerly to invite residents in the area of a large displaced persons settlement. The noise caused residents to come out of their houses, dropping their activities, and instead watch and listen to the announcements of the Sophia Library. Meanwhile, dozens of children ran behind the mobile library to follow it. Occasionally they invited their friends who they saw on the roadside or at the door of their houses to join with us.
At the time, the settlement of Kajuawu became crowded with children who walked to the hill beside the church, where hundreds of books were neatly arranged according to age. The children were impatient to see the titles of the books. Some mothers and fathers were busy helping organize the books, set the tables, and set up tarps for the kids to sit on. Occasionally they also couldn’t wait to see the titles of interesting books.
This was the first time the Sophia Library visited a settlement whose residents come from the center of the conflict in Poso. It was the first time they have ever seen hundreds of books, not just dozens. This was also the first time they got facilities to read and play. Not surprisingly, although it was time to pray and go to church, many children and their parents still came to read.
When the mobile library arrived in the settlement, the atmosphere became very crowded and fun. Some children automatically clapped and followed the rhythms of songs. At 1:30pm, Sophia Library opened with an explanation of the types of activities that are provided, such as reading, making origami, drawing and coloring, and then watching movies. Once they counted to three, the children immediately rushed up to the table, asking for drawing paper and colored pencils. Others approach the children from our kids group, headed by Buyung and Nanda to make origami. In just a short time, all the kids were busy reading and doing activities.
One boy named Steve never stopped talking about the Sophia Library since the early morning to his parents managed to take three books at once to read. Another kid took two books, saying: "after this, I will read this" He simply couldn’t wait to read them all. Other children read together. Two parents who also read seriously suddenly had a discussion about the contents of a book called “Stories of Wisdom from the Japan”.
In another comfortable place to read, a volunteer of the Sophia Library from Australia read books in English to children. They gathered to listen or were just curious. In another corner one kid proudly showed two books that he had finished reading and ask "Sister, where are the books that have stories from the sea?" Being given a book about the sea, Giran, 11 years old, said that his parents often tell a stories about the sea in Poso City where they had lived before conflict forced them to evacuate.
Meanwhile, one father talked about how they had suffered being displaced and their experience of getting lost for more than a week in the jungle when evacuated. Since then, there has been a fear of contacting people from outside their community. When the Sophia Library visited this area it had a deep meaning for them to connect with world outside of their refugee settlements. A youth in Kajuawu even said that the level of stress and depression there is very high and is often manifested in fights. The arrival of Sophia Project is part of the growth of an open space of positive activities for poor residents, as well as an alternative gathering space which is safe and comfortable.
Activity in the Puzzle and origami also seem exciting. The children show a colored drawing, or give each other instructions of the selected color. A mother appeared occasionally nodding his head in awe of this group of children who deftly make origami flowers, crab, box.She said “they are awesome”
Parents who visit their children at the place join to read and expressing their happiness of the Project Sophia. They said : “this is a way for children to get assistance for their future. A books. Today we probably will not hear any more fights in this area.
Screening of the film "Laskar Pelangi" which tells about the struggle of 10 children to achieve education for their dreams, enhance Sophia Library visit. This time the kids should dream higher, past their limitations, to live better.No more fight,just book!?
Tidak Ada Lagi Perkelahian, Hanya Buku!
“Ayo adik-adik, mama dan papa, kakak dan adik, mari kita ceriakan hari Minggu kita dengan buku-buku, origami dan permainan puzzle. Semuanya ada di Perpustakaan Keliling Sophia, yang hari ini akan ada di Kajuawu” Suara dari dalam mobil yang bertuliskan Perpustakaan Sophia terdengar penuh semangat mengajak warga di wilayah pemukiman pengungsi asal Poso Kota dan sekitarnya. Suara ajakan ke Perpustakaan Sophia itu menyebabkan warga keluar dari rumah, menghentikan aktivitas, untuk sekedar melihat dan mendengarkan isi pengumuman dari Perpustakaan Sophia. Sementara itu, belasan anak-anak nampak berlari-lari kecil di belakang mobil Perpustakaan mengikuti kemana perginya. Sesekali mereka mengajak temannya yang hanya melihat di pinggir jalan atau di pintu rumah untuk bergabung dengan mereka.
Siang hari yang terik di pemukiman Kajuawu menjadi ramai dengan iring-iringan anak-anak berjalan ke arah bukit di samping gereja, dimana ratusan buku sedang ditata rapi sesuai kategori usia. Anak-anak nampak sudah tidak sabar mengintip judul-judul buku. Beberapa ibu dan bapak-bapak nampak sibuk membantu menata buku, mengatur meja,dan menyiapkan terpal untuk duduk anak-anak. Sesekali mereka juga tidak sabar melihat judul-judul buku yang menarik.
Ini adalah pertama kali Perpustakaan Sophia mengunjungi pemukiman yang warganya berasal dari pusat konflik. Ini pertama kalinya mereka melihat ratusan buku-buku, bukan hanya puluhan, atau belasan. Ini juga pertama kalinya mereka mendapatkan fasilitas bermain, dengan didampingi. Tidak heran, meskipun aktivitas beribadah saat itu sedang berlangsung di beberapa tempat, anak-anak, remaja dan orang tua silih berganti datang.
Suasana semakin ramai ketika mobil Perpustakaan Sophia yang tadinya berkeliling pemukiman, datang dengan nyanyian lagu anak-anak. Beberapa anak secara otomatis bertepuk tangan mengikuti irama lagu. Jam 13.30, Perpustakaan Sophia dibuka dengan penjelasan mengenai jenis-jenis aktivitas yang disediakan, yaitu membaca, membuat origami ,menggambar dan mewarnai serta menonton film. Begitu hitungan ke tiga, anak-anak langsung berebutan menghampiri meja, menemui salah seorang kakak pembina yang memegang kertas gambar dan pensil warna. Yang lainnya mendekati sekumpulan anak-anak Sanggar dari Pamona yang diketuai Buyung dan Nanda untuk membuat origami. Dalam waktu singkat, semua anak-anak sibuk membaca dan melakukan aktivitasnya.
Steve, seorang anak yang menurut orang tuanya sudah bicara soal perpustakaan Sophia sejak jam pagi-pagi sekali nampak membawa tiga buku sekaligus. Seorang anak yg lain membawa dua buku, katanya: “setelah ini, akan baca ini” Satu berbahasa Inggris, yang lainnya berbahasa Indonesia. Anak-anak lain nampak membaca bersama-sama. Dua orang tua yang duduk membaca serius tiba-tiba terlibat diskusi seru tentang isi buku berjudul Cerita Bijak dari Negeri Jepan.
Di bagian lain ruangan terbuka yang disulap menjadi tempat membaca yang cukup nyaman itu, seorang volunteer Perpustakaan Sophia berkebangsaan Australia, nampak sedang serius membacakan buku cerita dalam bahasa Inggris. Anak-anak berkerumun ingin mendengar ceritanya atau sekedar penasaran.
Seorang anak tiba-tiba mendatangi kakak pembina, dengan bangga memamerkan dua buku cerita yang sudah selesai dibacanya “ini sudah kak, mana buku yang cerita tentang laut?” Setelah diberikan buku tentang laut, Giran, 11 tahun mengatakan bahwa orang tuanya sering cerita tentang laut di Kota Poso tempat dimana dulu mereka pernah tinggal sebelum mengungsi.
Sementara itu seorang bapak sempat menceritakan bagaimana kesulitan mereka saat mengungsi dan tersesat lebih dari seminggu di tengah hutan. Sejak itu, terdapat ketakutan untuk berhubungan dengan pihak dari luar. Kedatangan Perpustakaan Sophia adalah kunjungan yang menghubungkan mereka dengan dunia di luar pemukiman pengungsi mereka. Seorang pembina pemuda di Kajuwau bahkan mengatakan bahwa tingkat stress dan depresi di wilayah pemukiman ini sangat tinggi dan seringkali diwujudkan dalam perkelahian kelompok. Kedatangan Project Sophia merupakan bagian dari membuka ruang aktivitas positif yang tidak dimiliki warga miskin ini, sekaligus sebuah ruang berkumpul alternative yang aman, nyaman tanpa dikurung oleh formalitas yang biasanya ada dalam ruang-ruang pertemuan.
Kegiatan di kelompok Puzzle dan origami tidak kalah seru. Anak-anak yang hadir saling menunjukkan gambar yang diwarnai, atau saling memberi petunjuk warna yang dipilih. Seorang ibu nampak sesekali mengangguk-angguk kagum pada kelompok anak-anak yang cekatan membuat origami bunga,kepiting,kotak.
Pemutaran film “Laskar Pelangi” yang bercerita tentang perjuangan 10 orang anak untuk meraih pendidikan demi mimpi-mimpi mereka, menyempurnakan kunjungan Perpustakaan Sophia. Kali ini anak-anak boleh bermimpi lebih tinggi, melewati keterbatasan mereka, untuk hidup lebih baik.Bahkan meskipun mereka dulu pengungsi.Tidak ada lagi perkelahian,hanya buku?
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1st Journey:
Project Sophia Finds Friends in Refugees Community
On Sunday, in a boarded room measuring 6 x 10 meters in the refugee resettlement center of Palapa, it suddenly became noisy with hundreds of children and some parents. A car that reads "Sophia Library, Let's Read, Achieve your dreams" entered a field with wild grass. Children from three refugee settlements were running towards the car, while some ran into the room scrambling to sit on blue and orange tarps.
Some parents transported boxes labeled "Magic Box". It was a good explanation of what the contents were of the cardboard boxes. The kids couldn’t wait to see what was in the box and start looking closer while the carrier of the boxes still looked confused where to put the box. Finally they found an old ping pong table ½ feet tall and long rows of benches which were originally occupied by the children.
Two parents who seemed in charge asked that children be patient until the contents of the box be set on the table. It turned out to be hundreds of books. The children were asked to sing and perform in a play group while they waited. Someone then commented "The kids here are thirsty for books and entertainment, we scheduled this at 2 pm, but they have been waiting since 11am.”
That day was the first trip of the Sophia Library. Refugee settlements in three regions of Pamona, known as Palapa, Posunga and Kajuawu were the first destinations. Residents who choose to settle in this region originate from villages in the Poso area of Poso Pesisir, Poso Kota, and Lage, who were displaced during the conflict in Poso. Economic limitations cause these refugee settlements to have no facilities for children and adolescents to grow and develop properly. There has been fighting between children in these communities. It’s no wonder that once it was announced that there will be a visit from the Sophia Library, that not just the kids around the neighborhood of Palapa came but also from other regions. Even some children and young adolescents had their parents join them. Four infants also came with parents. Even two grandmothers were excited to see the boxes of books.
It was after 2pm when the books, origami paper, sketch pad, colored pencils had arrived. Lian Gogali, from the Institute Mosintuwu, welcomed everyone to the treasure trove of the Sophia Library and invited the children to choose activities: reading, making origami, or drawing. As if it was truly a treasure hunt, the children immediately swarmed the books.
Some immediately found their favorites while others browsed all the available books. Then everyone looked for a comfortable seat. Some chose the tarp, while others chose corners or even went outside to be far away from the comotion. All the children had a book to read, but occasionally called out to friends enthusiastically to see what they were reading. Several times a group of children laughed together while commenting on their findings. Meanwhile, others read by themselves seriously, ignoring the people around. A toddler named Talitha flipped through a book, looked at pictures, and occasionally furrowed her brow as if to understand the book, even ignoring her mother who returned home briefly to say goodbye to her brother invite others to come read.
Another group in the middle of the room showed how to make origamis. Pitcher, Nanda and five other children from the Pamona Sub-district who participated in the group took the kids who are interested to make origami with them. A few minutes later, at the other end of the room, Chery, a child that participates in a children’s group with Institute Mosintuwu who lives in Palapa, taught a group of mothers how to make origami flowers. Within 30 minutes after they mastered origami flower shapes, other mothers began to ask for extra paper and origami making spread from seat to seat.
Another group was excited by the puzzles in another room. Not only children, but parents soon good involved as well!
For approximately two hours, children and elderly people kept coming into the boarded room, where most walls were hollow and fragile. The activity of reading, drawing and playing origami did not stop! Everyone really enjoyed reading. Some children disappeared for a moment from the room and then a few minutes later came back in the room bringing more friends. The mothers began to record recipes and looked for books on health. They went to the manager to convey the suggestion that they would like to read books about health and cooking recipes.
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Perjalanan 1 :
Perpustakaan Sophia Mencari Sahabat di Pemukiman Pengungsi
Hari Minggu itu, ruangan papan berukuran 6 x 10 meter di pusat pemukiman pengungsi Palapa, tiba-tiba riuh dengan ratusan anak-anak, dan beberapa orang tua.Begitu mobil bertuliskan “Perpustakaan Sophia,Ayo Baca,Raih Mimpi-mimpimu” masuk lapangan yang agak berumput liar, anak-anak dari tiga pemukiman pengungsi itu berlarian mendekati mobil, sebagian langsung lari memasuki ruangan berebutan duduk di terpal berwarna biru dan orange. Tergopoh-gopoh beberapa orang tua dari mobil mengangkut kardus-kardus bertuliskan “Kotak Ajaib”. Nampak beberapa penjelasan mengenai isi di masing-masing box kardus. Anak-anak sudah tidak sabar melongok isi box dan mulai mendekat sementara para pembawa box masih kelihatan kebingungan mau meletakkan isi box dimana, hingga menemukan meja tua bekas permainan pingpong setinggi ½ meter dan deretan bangku panjang yang semula diduduki anak-anak.
Dua orang tua yang nampaknya pembina dengan sabar meminta agar anak-anak bersabar hingga isi box yang ternyata adalah ratusan buku-buku itu mulai diatur diatas meja. Anak-anak diajak untuk bernyanyi dan melakukan satu permainan berkelompok. Seseorang kemudian berkomentar “Anak-anak disini seperti kehausan dengan buku-buku dan hiburan, kita jadwalkan jam 2 siang, kata orang tua, mereka sudah datang dan menunggu dari jam 11”
Hari itu adalah perjalanan pertama Perpustakaan Sophia. Pemukiman pengungsi di tiga wilayah Pamona yang dikenal dengan sebutan Palapa, Posunga dan Kajuawu menjadi tempat tujuan pertama. Warga yang memilih menetap di wilayah ini berasal dari desa-desa di wilayah Poso Pesisir, Poso Kota dan Lage yang mengungsi pada saat konflik Poso berlangsung. Keterbatasan ekonomi menjadikan wilayah pemukiman pengungsi ini tidak memiliki fasilitas bagi anak-anak dan remaja untuk bertumbuh dan berkembang dengan baik. Mereka bahkan terjebak pada aktivitas yang merugikan komunitas, misalnya perkelahian antar pemukiman.Tidak heran, begitu diumumkan bahwa akan ada kunjungan Perpustakaan Sophia, bukan hanya anak-anak di sekitar pemukiman Palapa yang berdatangan tapi juga dari wilayah lainnya. Bahkan beberapa anak remaja dan pemuda serta orang tua datang bergabung. Empat orang balita turut datang bersama orang tuanya. Terlihat juga dua orang nenek nampak antusias melihat kotak-kotak kardus.
Saat itu sudah pukul 14.05, ketika buku-buku, kertas origami, buku gambar, pensil warna sudah selesai disusun, Lian Gogali, dari Institut Mosintuwu menyampaikan selamat datang di harta karun Perpustakaan Sophia dan mempersilahkan anak-anak untuk memilih aktivitasnya: membaca, membuat origami, atau menggambar. Tidak menunggu lama, seperti sedang berburu harta karun sebenarnya, anak-anak langsung menyerbu lokasi yang sudah disiapkan.
Beberapa langsung menemukan kesukaannya, sementara yang lainnya masih menelusuri buku-buku yang tersedia. Semua mencari tempat duduk yang nyaman untuk dipakai duduk membaca. Terpal menjadi kumpulan tempat duduk yang dipilih banyak anak-anak, sementara beberapa memilih di sudut ruangan bahkan di luar ruangan, jauh dari suara riuh. Semua anak memiliki satu buku untuk dibacanya, namun sesekali memanggil temannya dengan antusias untuk melihat apa yang sedang dibacanya, seperti sedang menemukan pengetahuan atau informasi yang baru. Beberapa kali sekelompok anak tertawa bersama saat mengomentari penemuan mereka. Sementara itu yang lain nampak serius membaca sendiri, tidak peduli dengan keramaian di sekitarnya. Seorang anak balita bernama Talita nampak serius membolak-balik buku, melihat gambar, kadang keningnya berkerut seakan memahami bukunya dan tidak menghiraukan ibunya yang berpamitan pulang rumah sebentar untuk mengajak kakaknya yang lain datang membaca.
Kelompok lain di tengah ruangan nampak sedang mendemonstrasikan cara membuat origami. Buyung, Nanda dan lima anak lainnya dari Kelurahan Pamona yang ikut dalam rombongan mengajak anak-anak yang berminat untuk membuat origami bergabung bersama dengan mereka. Beberapa menit kemudian, di ujung lain ruangan, Chery anak Sanggar Mosintuwu yang kebetulan bertempat tinggal di Palapa, nampak mengajari rombongan ibu-ibu membuat origami bunga. Dalam 30 menit setelah menguasai origami bentuk bunga, ibu-ibu lain mulai meminta tambahan kertas origami dan mulai menyebar tempat duduk.
Kelompok puzzle tidak kalah seru di bagian lain ruangan. Bukan hanya anak-anak yang terlibat dalam menyusun puzzle, tapi juga orang tua nampak penasaran dan bergabung.
Mereka yang memilih aktivitas menggambar dan mewarnai sangat bersemangat menggambar buku-buku komik bergambar hitam putih, setelah semua buku mewarnai habis.
Selama kurang lebih dua jam, anak-anak dan orang tua tetap berdatangan ke ruangan papan yang sebagian dindingnya sudah berlubang dan rapuh. Aktivitas membaca,menggambar dan bermain origami itu tidak terputus, tidak berhenti. Meskipun berpindah-pindah tempat duduk, semua sangat menikmati bacaannya. Beberapa anak nampak menghilang sejenak dari ruangan lalu beberapa menit kemudian muncul kembali di ruangan membawa lebih banyak kawannya. Ibu-ibu mulai mencatat resep masakan dan mencari-cari buku-buku kesehatan. Mereka mendatangi pengelola perpustakaan keliling menyampaikan saran agar ada buku bacaan soal kesehatan dan resep masakan tradisional yang bahannya bisa diperoleh di sekitar mereka.
Tidak ada yang lebih bahagia pada saat itu selain anak-anak dan semua pengunjung Perpustakaan Sophia ketika akhir perjalanan pertama Perpustakaan Sophia ditutup dengan pemutaran film Denias. Gelak tawa dan komentar-komentar dalam bahasa daerah menyertai setiap adegan perjuangan Denias yang berasal dari pedalaman Papua memperoleh kesempatan untuk belajar. Mungkin mereka sedang berpikir tentang diri sendiri, tentang mahalnya pengetahuan bagi mereka yang miskin.
“Bisa datang tiap hari, kak?Kapan datang lagi kak?”, atau “Bisa pinjam bukunya bawa di rumah kak?” atau “Boleh ajak teman satu sekolah ikut datang kalau datang lagi” mewakili perasaan gembira anak-anak ini saat dikunjungi oleh Perpustakaan Sophia.
Perjalanan pertama Perpustakaan Sophia disambut luar biasa oleh sahabat-sahabat kecil, besar,tua dan muda di pemukiman pengungsian. Jadi jawabnya “Kami akan datang lagi, menemui sahabat-sahabat kami”
