A Child-Friendly Space in Muara Pulau

A Child-Friendly Space

in Muara Pulau, Indonesia

A secure space where children of rattan farmers can play, access educational opportunities and build social skills

A collaboration between The Centre, IKEA and a local supplier

About the project

In 2023, The Centre supported IKEA in setting up a Child-Friendly Space (CFS) in a rattan community in Indonesia. The CFS aims to create a safe and nurturing environment for the children of rattan farmers and workers within IKEA’s rattan supply chain. The CFS is based on a childcare model developed by The Centre, with adjustments made to meet the unique needs of the Muara Pulau community.

Children playing in the Child-Friendly Space

Timeline and Key Activities

Setting up the Child-Friendly Space

January 2023 – April 2023

We worked with the village government to set up a CFS. This involved assessing the venue, making improvement recommendations, renovating the facility, and setting up operational facilities. IKEA and the local supplier directly supported all these efforts.

Piloting the Child-Friendly Space

May 2023 – November 2023

Two senior teachers and three junior teachers from the local community were recruited and trained to improve their skills in child safeguarding, parenting, and teaching methods. The CFS programme was officially launched on May 5, 2023, with support from The Centre, IKEA, the local supplier, and the village head.

Ensuring Sustainable Operations

Dec 2023 – Present

The local supplier provides sustainable funding for the operation of the CFS, with oversight from The Centre. The teachers actively design the curriculum for daily activities. The CFS is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. with two teachers present, each attending to up to seven children.

Positive Outcomes

Positive Outcomes for Children and their Families

70%

of the children attending the CFS have improved their literacy, reading, writing, and counting skills

63%

of the children attending the CFS have improved their emotional and social intelligence

21%

of the children attending the CFS have improved their creativity

53%

of parents stated that the CFS has made them less worried while working

What do Parents Say?

"A positive change"

My child attends the CFS regularly, resulting in a positive change. He enjoys the environment at the CFS and no longer cries, begging to accompany me to the rattan site while I am working.

A mother of a 4-year-old child

"An improvement in my child"

My child has improved emotional control and has become more responsible for her actions. The CFS teachers also help bring her to school while I am working.

A mother of a 6-year-old child