Ila

Ila is 18, the youngest of two siblings, and in her final year of high school. During our last visit to Lendang Nangka we had the pleasure of meeting Ila at her school. She told us about her dream of being able to attend the University of Mandalika, majoring in Physical Education, Sports and Health  to pursue a career as a high school sports teacher. At high school she enjoys social sciences and sport, particularly swimming, football and running. Ila told us that she was inspired by her female sports teacher as there are very few female sport teachers.

 

Alongside school she enjoys extracurricular activities, including Paskibra;  which is a team event that raises the national flag in the Independence Ceremony. She says that Paskibra also trains mental strength and courage as it is often required to do challenging things like singing in front of others as part of a choir for a ceremony.

 

Ila talked to us about how she is worried that her wanting to go to university will put pressure on her parents, since they already struggle  with a low income. They do support her wish to go to university to become a doctor and hope that she can find sponsorship to make this possible.

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We asked Ila why education is valuable to women?

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"Education is so important because people underestimate women. When women are educated it is clear to see that women are also extraordinary."