Safe and Anti-Bullying School Programs: Kindermissionswerk's Visit To South West Sumba
Author: Agustina Purnami Setiawi, Programme Officer, Field Office Sumba
Editor: Siti Nur Hasbiyana, Program Associate and Outreach
Facing the national education challenges related to violence and bullying in schools, DESMA Center, together with its international partner – Kindermissionswerk (KMW) – demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting the creation of safe and inclusive educational institutions for all children. On May 5-6, 2025, a visit by Mrs. Claudia Rupp and Mrs. Pupu Purwaningsih from KMW Germany was conducted to directly monitor the implementation of child protection policies and anti-bullying programs at three DESMA Center-supported schools in Southwest Sumba: SMK Efata Omba Rade, SMK Pancasila Tambolaka, and SMK Bakti Luhur Tambolaka.
The first day of the visit focused on direct observation and participatory discussions. At SMK Efata Omba Rade, the Principal, Mr. Melkianus Tamo Ama, S.Pd, stated that the Safe Learning and Safeguarding program initiated by DESMA Center has brought significant changes. “Previously, bullying cases often occurred, but now students are more courageous to report and teachers respond more promptly,” he said. This reflects the establishment of a culture of openness and trust between students and educators.
At SMK Pancasila, an in-depth discussion with teachers and students revealed an increased awareness of the importance of safe reporting mechanisms. Mr. Dominggus Ama Kii, S.Pd, Vice Principal for Curriculum, explained, “Training from DESMA Center has improved our understanding of identifying signs of violence. We now have a clear mechanism to handle student complaints without causing stigma.”
Meanwhile, SMK Bakti Luhur Tambolaka demonstrated local innovation by establishing peer counselors from among the students themselves. The Principal, Mrs. F.R. Titik Palupi, M.M, emphasized the importance of the program’s sustainability. “We hope DESMA Center will continue to support us, especially in strengthening the reporting system and psychological assistance,” she said.
On the second day, the team conducted a thorough evaluation at the DESMA Center office in Sumba. They reviewed program supporting documents and financial reports as a form of commitment to transparency and accountability. In-depth discussions resulted in several strategic recommendations, including the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration. Mrs. Pupu stated, “We see the importance of involving parents and the community in strengthening safeguarding in schools.”
From the visit’s outcomes, the team agreed on several development priorities, including ongoing support for the partner schools, expansion of the program to other affected schools, and capacity building for teachers and students through advanced training. Mrs. Claudia emphasized that the success of this program requires long-term commitment from all parties. “We greatly appreciate the hard work of DESMA Center and the partner schools. The next step is to ensure the program’s sustainability,” she said.
The visitation activity concluded with enthusiasm and hope for the future of education in Sumba. The principals, teachers, and students expressed their appreciation for DESMA Center’s support and committed to continue implementing child protection and anti-bullying policies in their daily school life. With the support of Misereor, KMW, and various other stakeholders, this program is expected to foster a positive culture sustainably.
“Every child has the right to a safe and supportive learning environment. We will continue to uphold that,” concluded Melkianus Tamo Ama, S.Pd, representing all partner schools.
