Stories of Change


Refugee youth (in CWS yellow) prepare to play.


200 unaccompanied refugee youth live in CWS-supported shelters in Jakarta.

Source: Annual Report 2017

Why we’re here in the first place

Soccer holds a special place in the hearts of millions of adults and children around the world. It’s a time for teamwork, for exercise and for joy.

For refugee children in Jakarta, soccer has an additional meaning: freedom. In particular, many boys who have arrived in Indonesia seeking safety and asylum from war-torn countries – without their parents – find a moment of freedom when they play. It’s a time to put worry and fear about the future aside, and just play.

Most or all children who are smuggled into Indonesia by circuitous routes – most of whom are teenage boys – think they are in transit to a third country for a new life. Nearly all end up stranded in Indonesia with little hope of onward asylum.

While they are in CWS care and protection, each receives a small weekly allowance. Most of the money gets pooled to buy food that they cook communally. By living in a CWS-hosted group home, they get a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep. Unfortunately, these services are only for unaccompanied children, so the youth age out of our program when they turn 18.

Imagine, in such circumstances, how much three hours a week to play soccer must mean to these children. It is an active time in an open outdoor space where they can run, laugh … and even let off some steam, which surely builds up in living with 39 other children day in and day out. Some children excel and feel pride; others do less well, but keep trying and, no matter how they do at the sport, they love being active and outdoors.

Knowing that CWS organizes soccer outings for children in our protection, Indonesia Garuda Baru, a team of Indonesian homeless children participating in Street Child World Cup 2018 , invited CWS to have a friendly match to help them prepare their World Cup debut.

CWS staff readily accepted the invitation. Not only was it a great chance for the kids in our program to have one more hour for their play time, but they would also get to know some Indonesian children,  which they seldom have a chance to do. And, besides giving them more time on the field, another bonus is that their practice matches may help Indonesia win a very special World Cup!

Now, boys from a combined-shelter team are readying for the “friendly” challenge with excitement. As they practice with their new coach to play in their very first match as a united team, these boys represent hope and resilience.

Nowhere is this exemplified better than by 16-year-old Aman,* who was very happy when he was chosen for the team and received his TEAM CWS jersey … and new soccer shoes.

Nearly a year ago, Aman was referred to CWS for care because he was ill from rough living on the streets after a long journey from Afghanistan. With CWS support, Aman got to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with Pulmonary Tuberculosis with Pneumothorax. Just two months ago he had a special, complicated medical procedure to get the water from his lungs – which worked!

For Aman to be able to play soccer once again as he did back in Afghanistan is a miracle for him. For our team, watching him being healthy and active reminds us of the reason we are here in the first place – to offer essential protection and care to some of the world’s most vulnerable children. Seeing Aman score a goal during the “friendly” match was just a bonus!

*Name changed to protect anonymity.