Arbor Vitae - Eighth Edition

Group Work Camp 2014 Lathifa Putry Fauzia - AMSA-Undip The AMSA-Undip - Euphoria Japan Group Work Camp 2014 was held and finished successfully. It was divided into two concerns, health of street children in Johar, Semarang and sex worker in Tegalrejo, Ungaran. It lasted from February 21st to March 6th. The aim of this work camp was to make the street children and sex worker maintain their health and the citizens can protect street children’s health.

A special aspect of this work camp certainly was the continuity of this camp every year since 2004, which its participants come from two countries (Medical students from AMSA-Undip, Indonesia and Nursing students from Euphoria, Keio University Japan).

Each group member had different aspects to focus on and had planned the projects even months before the camp started.

The main work was preparing and holding actions in the target areas, which was Johar and Tegalrejo. Besides, we also had campaign in Simpang Lima and discussion in our campus to raise people’s awareness about sexual transmitted disease and the health protection for street children.

For the concern of street children, issues addressed were lack of knowledge about drug’s bad effects and preventing diarrhoea. We cooperated with Rumah Pintar BangJo, a non formal school that give education to street children. Two school visits in SD AlIman and SD Terang Bangsa were also parts of the schedule. We also visited Social Department of Semarang City to know their regulation to manage street children. While for the concern of sex worker, issues addressed were still how to prevent from sexual transmitted disease. In addition to the work, various leisure or cultural events took place, such as language learning, going to the temple, trip to Goa Pindul, and the farewell party on the last night.

Outreaching the sex workers and street children directly was a bittersweet experience.

We sometime were denied. To get more attention from the street children, we made the outreach as creative as possible, by drawing lots of pictures and handing out some snacks. While for the sex worker, we showed them the real pictures of the disease.

In the perception of both participants from Indonesian and Japan, the work camp was successful and everybody did useful and fun work creating unforgettable memories.

Almost all activities worked out as it was planned and all expectations were fulfilled as well. It was a totally learning experience for us and made us realise that we should be grateful more of our lives. Good job everybody! Otsukaresamadeshita!