Between 2023-2024, WwB implemented its ‘MotherSchools: Parenting for Peace’ Model in Indonesia with its local partner Savica Consultancy. The programme in Indonesia, which is part of a multi-country project supported by the U.S. Department of State, saw five groups convene across two municipalities in Bandung: Cigondewah Kidul and Caringin. This impact report offers an overview of the MotherSchools project in Indonesia and presents the impact findings based on quantitative and qualitative data from the perspectives of project stakeholders, including Participants, Teachers, and Notetakers.
This iteration of the MotherSchools Indonesia Parenting for Peace programme was implemented by Women without Borders and its local partner Savica Consultancy between 2023-2024. This project was made possible through the generous support from the U.S. Department of State.
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The following testimonials are taken as a snapshot into programme impact. To read more on the impact of MotherSchools Indonesia 2023-2024, read the full report here.
“In my group, the Participants think that generally our learning materials were very interesting. Especially the topic about radicalism and extremism because it was something new for them. They were quite startled, not only when they learned the terrible effects of radicalism and extremism on teenagers involved, but also when they found out that parents could be the reason for teenagers’ involvement in radicalism or extremism.”
– MotherSchools Notetaker, Indonesia 2023-2024
“It was very difficult for them to talk about their strengths. But over time, actually we talked about […] the agency, the power, the soft powers and everything. […] One mother came up to us in private and talked about her mental health issue […]. But then, towards the end of the sessions she was like, ‘you know, it’s tough, but I think I can do it as a mother. My own daughter had told me that I am her source of life’ […] ‘And I believe that in myself.’ […] Having that new mindset of having more agency and having more control, I think that’s definitely helped her.”
– MotherSchools Notetaker, Indonesia 2023-2024
“In the past, for example with my children, I have to shout first, but since MotherSchools I can adjust to be more persuasive and not commandeering, but more like inviting to work together.”
– MotherSchools Participant, Indonesia 2023-2024
“The majority of mothers in my group believed that ‘the children’s problem is the mother’s problem’. However, after learning in MotherSchools, they understand that […] both mother and father have to raise their children together. ”
– MotherSchools Notetaker, Indonesia 2023-2024
“[Participants] want to continue with their kind of version, they want to do mini monitoring about what they have done and they still want to communicate about the parenting and security, about what to do and what not to do. They had encountered a drug dealer and the kids were being contacted by a high school student, so they were aware of gangsters and they needed the MS support to dare to do something. […] We still continue and facilitate and the dialogues on important issues in their WhatsApp group.”
– MotherSchools Teacher, Indonesia 2023-2024
