Every year, Kartini Day reminds us that change often begins with one person, someone brave enough to believe in a better future.
In Ramma Dana Village, Southwest Sumba, that spirit lives in Paulina Leda Bulu (47), Principal of St. Arnoldus Janssen Kindergarten.
For Ibu* Paulina, school is more than a place where children learn foundational reading and math skills. It is a safe space where they can play freely, learn comfortably, and grow with confidence.
But the journey has not been easy.
In her community, many children still miss out on early childhood education. Some parents are not yet aware of its importance due to limited access to information and knowledge.
At the same time, violence against children remains a real challenge. Many parents were raised believing that harsh discipline is the only way to teach obedience.
Economic hardship adds further pressure. Around 80% of families in Ramma Dana rely on farming, with unstable incomes. When children ask for things their parents cannot provide, tension can arise within the household.
Seeing these realities, Ibu Paulina knew that school could not simply be a place for learning. It had to become part of the solution.
She began organizing parenting classes, opening discussions about children’s rights, violence prevention, and the importance of early education.
Through these simple yet meaningful conversations, parents slowly began to understand that their children deserve to grow up in a safe and supportive environment.
Beyond the classroom, Ibu Paulina travels across villages in Ramma Dana, raising awareness about child protection and early education.
For her, supporting children also means giving them a second chance.
For children who have dropped out of school, she created a new space: Rumah Kreatif Anak Sabana (Sabana Children’s Creative House).
Here, children learn practical skills that help them create products they can sell, allowing them to earn income, rebuild confidence, and rediscover hope.
Primary and junior high school students are also supported through a Life Skills and Financial Literacy program. They learn about children’s rights, protection, and how to manage money, including saving small amounts from their daily allowance to support their school needs.
These efforts are strengthened through school leadership development support from Happy Hearts Indonesia, helping improve school management and create a safer, more child-friendly learning environment.
Together with teachers, parents, and the wider community, the school continues to grow as a welcoming space. Parents actively contribute by maintaining facilities, improving playgrounds, and encouraging more families to enroll their children in early education programs.
And change is happening.
More children now have access to early education. School management has become more transparent, and community involvement continues to grow stronger.
Ibu Paulina’s dedication has also gained national recognition. She was nominated by the Regent of Southwest Sumba for an award from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission.
In 2025, she received the KPAI Award for Child-Caring Professionals at the TVRI studio in Jakarta.
But for Ibu Paulina, the greatest reward is not a stage or a certificate.
It is seeing children come to school with bright smiles and a love for learning.
One parent, Martha Riti, has experienced this change firsthand.
“I feel very happy and grateful for the support from Happy Hearts Indonesia.
My child, who used to be reluctant to go to school, is now eager to attend.
She feels comfortable playing and learning because the environment is child-friendly.
I am also now more involved in school activities.”
Ibu Paulina’s story reminds us that the spirit of Kartini is not just part of history. It lives on in the everyday actions of women who fight for children’s futures in their communities.
And because of your support, more children now have the chance to learn, grow up safely, and dream of a brighter future.
*) Ibu: A Formal Title: Ma’am or Mrs.
