Anung

Anung was 10 years old when he came, with his younger brother Dwi, to Hope Village.

His father had died when he was just a toddler and their mother was struggling to support them and had finally found a job, but it meant that the boys would be left unsupervised as she wouldn’t be earning enough money for them to attend school. Without any extended family to help she was faced with the decision - keep the boys and starve or find somewhere for the boys to live so that she could work and support herself. 

She told the boys that there was a place where it was safe for children to play and where there was enough food for everyone. The boys were excited to visit this place.

A few days after arriving at Hope Village Anung started to feel worried. His mum hadn’t explained to him that this was not just a visit, but his new home and he didn’t know why she hadn’t returned. He spoke with his house parents who reassured him and prayed with him. His mum kept in contact with the boys - calling every few weeks to speak with them, visiting on national holidays to see the boys and also to volunteer her help in cooking and cleaning. 

Anung had always shown an interest in discovering how things work - anything with a motor or a process grabbed his attention. After high school Anung studied mechanics and his mum was proud to attend his graduation.

Although he had many opportunities for employment, Anung chose to return to Hope Village, not as a child but as a member of staff in order to contribute so that other children can receive the care that he experienced.

His tasks include vehicle maintenance and various types of repairs but his main responsibility is our water filtration systems - providing clean water not just to those in our care, but also supplying water to almost 800 students and the wider community.