Crossing the Ciberang River, the Water Rescue Team Helps Children Leave for School on the First Day

LEBAK, BANTEN - Not as usual. This Monday was different. From the previous Monday, for some school children in Lebak Regency, Banten, this was something different. Dirty shoes, brown with mud feet, wet steps, worry still on the face. The purpose of traveling to school is not as easy as usual.

Monday (6/1/2020), is the first day they enter school after the long holiday season after the implementation of the national exam and the distribution of class progress report books. After the flash flood and landslide that hit Lebak, causing damage to buildings and cut off many accesses.

The bridge was damaged and soil abrasion in Sajira Village due to flash floods, cutting off access to support community activities, to cross the Ciberang River to the regency main road. With a depth of 2-8 meters and the current is still swift, many residents and children who want to go to school also do not have access. Plus worries about crossing the Ciberang River.

Wawat, a kindergarten teacher in Sajira, and her son, Wafa, who is also a student, are worried that they will not be able to go to school and teach on that day. All because they do not have access to the destination. "It's a long way to go, many bridges are damaged and it can go as far as 4 hours," admitted Wawat.

He said, on the first day of entering school, the children must feel enthusiastic about going to school. Alhamdulillah, the school where he teaches is not damaged and teaching and learning activities are still running.

“Even in a disaster like this, children actually get their place in school. They are distracted from the events that worry them and they get their rights as children. But it's hard if you can't cross the bridge, ”he said again.

That morning, the DMC (Disaster Management Center) Water Rescue Team Dompet Dhuafa, was present at the location with two fleets of river boot rubber boats and LCR engines. Providing mobilization assistance for residents and survivors so that they can continue their activities as usual.

"Some schools were not affected and were not damaged by the floods. But they are difficult with disconnected access. This is the first day they (the children) enter school. His spirit should not be hindered by the disaster. This is one of the efforts of the DMC Dompet Dhuafa so that they can still access their dreams, ”explained Ade, Coordinator of the DMC Water Rescue Team Dompet Dhuafasystem. (Dompet Dhuafa/ Dhika Prabowo).

Sources of News and Photos " Dompet Dhuafa