In effort to strengthen and learn good practices in child protection systems, UNICEF's Child Friendly City Initiative (CFCI) team consisting of:
- Ms. Shema Sen Gupta, Director, Child Protection Section, UNICEF Headquarters, New York
- Ms. Rachel Harvey, Child Protection Adviser, UNICEF Regional Office, Bangkok
- Ms. Millen Kidane, Chief of Child Protection Section, UNICEF Indonesia
- Ms. Astrid G. Dionisio, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Indonesia
- Ms. Kinanti Pinta, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Indonesia
accompanied by the Chairperson and the UNICEF Team for the Java Region, paid a special
visit to Surabaya City. Warmly welcomed by the Regional Secretary of Surabaya City and
staff from the Surabaya City Government, as well as the Head of the Surabaya City Office
of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the visit was an important part of UNICEF's global
program to advocate for and support the development of child-friendly cities. Surabaya, as
a growing metropolis, has demonstrated its commitment to the fulfillment of children's rights and protection, making it an ideal location for this study visit. This visit is part of Surabaya's assessment process to become a global CFCI member.
Day One: Exploring Surabaya Square and Dialoguing with Surabaya's Great Children
On the first day, the UNICEF CFCI team visited Surabaya's Alun-alun area, one of the city's
child-friendly public spaces. The team explored the Surabaya City Children's Friends
Information Center (PISA), the Women's Friends Information Center Room (PRISMA), and
the Si Arek FAS (Surabaya Children's Forum) Podcast Room.
At PISA, the UNICEF CFCI team learned about the various information and education
services provided to children, including information on children's rights, health, education, and child protection. The team also visited the PRISMA Room, which focuses on
empowering women and girls. PRISMA contributes to building a safe and supportive
environment for all children in Surabaya.
Next, the UNICEF CFCI team witnessed the performance of CAS (Chamber Acoustic
Spensabaya) from SMPN 1, who brought passion and positive energy into the room.
Through music and art, CAS managed to showcase the extraordinary expression and
creativity of Surabaya's children.
Interactive Dialogue: Exploring Good Practices of Surabaya City's Policies
An interactive dialogue held by the UNICEF CFCI Team with Surabaya's children was a
crucial moment during this visit. The interactive dialogue was guided by a moderator and
attended by children from various communities in Surabaya. The children enthusiastically
expressed their questions and opinions on various issues related to child protection.
UNICEF's CFCI team provided comprehensive and informative answers to these questions.
The team also explained the various programs and policies that UNICEF has implemented to
protect children around the world.
Through these discussions, the team was able to explore and understand the various
perspectives, expectations, and challenges faced by children in their daily lives. The
dialogue not only provided valuable insights for the UNICEF CFCI Team in understanding
the local context of child protection in Surabaya but also strengthened children's voices as
an important part of the policy-making process and child-friendly program implementation.
This visit marks an important step in a concerted effort to understand and replicate good
practices in child protection in cities around the world. Through initiatives such as PISA,
PRISMA, and Forum Anak Surabaya, the city has demonstrated how children's
empowerment and their active participation in social life can contribute to inclusive and
sustainable urban development.
The UNICEF CFCI team is committed to continuing working with the Surabaya City
Government and various stakeholders to strengthen and expand these good practices. The
dialogue and collaboration established during this visit will be the foundation for the further development of effective and inclusive child protection systems, not only in Surabaya but also in other cities in Indonesia as well as around the world.
Day 2 - UNICEF CFCI Team Visit to the Open City School for Excellent Adolescent (OCSEA), Nginden Disabled Children’s Home for Achievement and Dialogue towards Bright Future
Surabaya, March 26, 2024
Building a Better Future for Surabaya's Children - Second Day Visit of UNICEF CFCI
Team
The second day of the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative
(CFCI) team's visit to Surabaya was an inspiring adventure that reflected the city's passion
for child-friendly cities. From innovative schools to caring communities, the UNICEF team
was presented with evidence of Surabaya's commitment to protect and empower children.
Looking at Good Practices at MTSN 1 Surabaya
Being curious about the Open City School for Excellent Adolescent program, the UNICEF
CFCI team visited MTSN 1 Surabaya. There, they were greeted with the enthusiasm of the
students who proudly explained various OCSEA activities, such as poetry musicalization,
storytelling, presentations of Sanmar Insan Ambassadors from SMPN 1 and MTSN 1
(OCSEA Good Practices), film screenings, and preventive actions #jagabarenglawanOCSEA. The UNICEF CFCI team highly appreciated the commitment of MTSN 1 Surabaya in realizing a child-friendly school. A warm interactive dialogue ensued between the UNICEF team and the students, discussing various issues related to children's rights and child protection. The spirit and enthusiasm of the students showed that OCSEA has succeeded in creating a child-friendly school environment and supporting the development of their potentials.
Lighting Up Hope at Nginden Disabled Children's Home for Achievement
The visit continued to Rumah Anak Prestasi Nginden, a place filled with the joy and spirit of children with special needs. Smiles and laughter greeted the UNICEF team at Rumah Anak
Prestasi Nginden. In this place of joy, the team was treated to a variety of mesmerizing
performances from children with special needs, showcasing their amazing talents. The
parenting classes, which focused on the education and treatment of children with disabilities and the prevention of child abuse, provided valuable tools for parents and caregivers to assist their children. UNICEF and OCSEA teams shared their knowledge and experience with parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, providing them with valuable tools to create learning spaces filled with inspiration and optimism. Activities at RAP also include services for talent and interest development, demonstrating RAP's commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potentials.
Strengthening the Network at Puspaga Balai RW 5 Genteng
At Puspaga Balai RW 5 Genteng, the UNICEF team was greeted with enthusiasm by the
residents and volunteers. The spirit of togetherness was strongly felt in various activities, such as parenting classes, sinau bareng, psychological counseling for children with disabilities, and interactive discussions.
The UNICEF team, PKBM volunteers, PPA Task Force, and Puspaga Balai RW facilitators
exchanged information and ideas on various efforts to protect children. The discussion
strengthened networks and collaboration between various parties, demonstrating a shared
commitment to realizing Surabaya as a safe and comfortable city for children.
Dialogue Towards a Bright Future
The Surabaya City Mayor represented by The Surabaya City Secretary, in his presentation,
explained the city's good practices and progress in realizing a child-friendly city. An interactive dialogue with UNICEF's CFCI team generated ideas and inputs to further improve child protection efforts in the city. The handover of souvenirs symbolizes the appreciation of Surabaya City's dedication and commitment. Surabaya City Government will disseminate
information about the results of the UNICEF CFCI team visit, bringing inspiration and
optimism for other cities in Indonesia to follow Surabaya's footsteps in realizing child-friendly cities.
The UNICEF CFCI team's two-day visit to Surabaya provided a clear picture of the city's
strong commitment to protect and empower children. From innovative schools to caring
communities, the evidence of Surabaya's commitment was clear. The visit is an inspiration
for all to keep on collaborating and moving forward to realize a bright future for children in Indonesia, especially in the city of Surabaya.
#SurabayaKotaLayakAnak #CFCI #UNICEF #ForumAnakSurabaya
