Habitat Updates
Yogyakarta, 2 August 2025 – Behind the green hills of Nglipar, Gunungkidul, lies the true story of the Pengkol Village community’s struggle against drought. Every drop of clean water is precious—not just for daily needs, but also as the first line of defense to protect the health of families and the future of their children.
However, water isn’t just about availability. It’s also about awareness, knowledge, and real action. This was the spirit of the event titled “Clean Water, Healthy Lives: Together We Protect Water for Nglipar’s Future” on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Over 200 residents, from children and housewives to community leaders and youth organization members, gathered at the Pengkol Village Hall to participate in a series of educational, interactive, and fun activities.
The morning began with a Germas exercise that sparked enthusiasm and served as a reminder that a healthy body starts with small movements. The children were excited to participate in a hygiene-themed coloring contest, while adults were invited to explore learning booths on clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS), such as managing clean water and practicing proper handwashing.
Each booth was presented in an easy-to-understand way, complete with interactive games and entertaining quizzes. Not only did participants gain knowledge, but those who completed the quizzes also received a hygiene kit as a token of appreciation.
Read also: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Brings Clean Water Access to Gunung Kidul
Ibu Tini, a manager of the Pengkol Village Balai Pintar Library, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, “Today’s activities were so much fun. The kids were all happy to join the coloring contest and listen to stories, and the mothers and fathers were happy to participate in the PHBS booth quizzes and get hygiene kits as prizes. I hope Habitat can continue to hold beneficial events like this for the community, especially for Pengkol Village.”
This event wasn’t just about education. It was a shared space to build new habits, foster a sense of care, and grow a collective awareness: clean water is everyone’s responsibility, clean and healthy living can start at home, and big changes always begin with small steps.
“In the village, we often don’t wash our hands properly, we just rub them together. But from this event, we were reminded how to wash our hands correctly so we can avoid diseases,” said Ibu Masikem, a Pengkol Village resident.
Habitat for Humanity Indonesia collaborated with community leaders, volunteers, and local communities to ensure this event had a real impact. This included efforts to find local leaders who could become WASH Champions, agents of change from within their own communities. Because we believe a decent home, clean water, and a healthy environment are everyone’s right.
From one small village, we can ignite great inspiration. From one small step, we can create a cleaner and healthier future for generations today and tomorrow.
Writer: Syefira Salsabilla
Foto: HFHI/Patrik Cahyo
(av-kh)
