Building Resilience One Game at a Time, the Inspiring Journey of #MudaTahanBencana
In the heart of Indonesia, where the earth rumbles and volcanoes loom, a group of young visionaries embarked on a mission to transform fear into resilience. #MudaTahanBencana, a youth-led non-profit organization, is not just a project; it’s a movement. It’s about creating a generation of disaster-resilient youth through community empowerment and an innovative gamification website. But how did this journey begin, and where is it headed? Let’s dive into the story that’s inspiring youth leaders across Southeast Asia.
The Spark of an Idea
Indonesia, a nation cradled by the volatile Ring of Fire, faces a constant threat from natural disasters. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods are not just possibilities; they are realities that millions of Indonesians live with. Among them, adolescents aged 10-19 are particularly vulnerable, with limited access to resources for learning about disaster mitigation and response. This stark reality ignited the passion behind #MudaTahanBencana.
The founders of this project saw an opportunity to fill a critical gap. They envisioned a safe community space where young people could learn from experts and local NGOs about disaster risk management. But they didn’t stop there. They wanted to make learning engaging and accessible, which led to the creation of a gamification website. This platform offers a fun, interactive way for adolescents to learn how to act before, during, and after a disaster.
Planting Seeds of Change
The journey began in Yogyakarta, a city known for its rich culture and, unfortunately, its susceptibility to natural disasters. Here, #MudaTahanBencana launched its pilot project, bringing together 113 adolescents aged 10-14. This community, supported by experts from the Center of Disaster Study at Universitas Gadjah Mada, an NGO called Perkumpulan Lingkar, and 10 trained local teachers, became a beacon of hope.
The gamification website, mudatahanbencana.com, features games like QuakeEscape! and Attack on Volcano, each designed to teach critical disaster response skills. These games are not just educational; they’re a hit among users across Indonesia, proving that learning can indeed be fun.
Achievements and Milestones
The impact of #MudaTahanBencana has been profound. The project successfully created a vibrant community of young learners and trained local teachers, who are now catalysts for change in their communities. The website’s games have reached users nationwide, spreading knowledge and resilience far and wide.
Moreover, the project’s influence has extended beyond its immediate community. #MudaTahanBencana has been invited to speak at national events hosted by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Indonesia, Plan Indonesia, and the National Agency for Disaster Management. These platforms have amplified their message and inspired others to join the cause.
Lessons from the Journey
The road to success has not been without its challenges. Working with adolescents, while rewarding, requires patience and creativity. The team learned invaluable lessons in stakeholder management, navigating relationships with national and international organizations. But perhaps the most significant takeaway has been the power of passion and accountability. By staying true to their mission and being specific about their goals, the team has not only achieved their objectives but also expanded their reach on a national and international scale.
Looking Ahead
The future of #MudaTahanBencana is bright. With the support of YSEALI Seeds, the project aims to continue its expansion, reaching more communities and developing new educational games. The team is driven by the belief that every young person deserves the knowledge and skills to face disasters with confidence.
As they look to the future, the team is excited about the possibilities. They envision a world where disaster resilience is not just a necessity but a way of life. They hope to inspire more youth leaders to take up the mantle and create change in their communities.
A Call to Action
To the youth leaders reading this, #MudaTahanBencana is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. It’s a reminder that change starts with a single step, a single idea. If you’re inspired by this story, consider how you can make a difference in your community. Whether it’s through education, innovation, or simply lending a helping hand, every action counts.
Join the movement. Be part of the change. Together, we can build a future where every young person is #MudaTahanBencana, ready to face whatever challenges come their way.
