During my four-month volunteering period, I joined the Climate Change Commission (KPI), driven by my interest in the ongoing and worsening climate crisis. In the first two months, I was given the opportunity to develop my skills through the KIPHA program (Climate Justice and Child Rights Protection), which operates under the KPI. As the name suggests, KIPHA works to protect children’s rights amidst the climate crisis by providing mentoring and empowerment programs aimed at equipping them to face the uncertainties brought about by climate change.

One of my main activities as a volunteer was participating in the monitoring and mentoring visits to KIPHA’s partner schools. Monitoring was carried out through discussions with teachers directly involved in KIPHA to assess whether the programs were running effectively. Meanwhile, mentoring involved facilitating learning activities at partner schools, such as literacy classes, expeditions (clean-up activities, carbon emission calculations, and photo documentation of climate injustice), and climate justice workshops.

ach day in the field brought different and dynamic tasks. Sometimes, I was needed to record videos of students completing their assignments. On other days, I helped find reading materials for their literacy classes. These ever-changing circumstances were quite challenging for me as someone with autism, as I had to constantly adapt to unpredictable daily work routines. On the other hand, this helped me become more accustomed to the realities of fieldwork, which are rarely consistent or foreseeable.

My favorite moment during my time with KIPHA was when I accompanied students from BOPKRI 3 Junior High School in their photovoice activity. We went on an expedition to Terban Village, located along the Code River, to photograph instances of climate injustice experienced by the local community. The students were very enthusiastic about the activity. Some of them even conducted interviews with residents to better understand the real impact of water and air pollution in the area.

At the end of April, my time with KIPHA concluded, and I returned to work under the Climate Change Commission. This marked the beginning of my second assignment: producing a short film for SHEEP Indonesia about climate injustice, using the poor water quality of the Code River as a case study to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the river clean. This project was quite challenging, as I had no prior experience in videography or audio dubbing. Thankfully, my mentors provided me with comprehensive guidance that enabled me to complete the project.

Throughout the volunteering process, I learned many aspects of working life through the various activities I participated in. For example, from my time with KIPHA, I learned the importance of punctuality and critical thinking—essential traits for coordinating with partner schools, each of which presents unique challenges that require tailored solutions. Then, through the film assignment, I learned how to shoot, edit, and present a completed film.

Inclusivity is a core value in the implementation of activities at SHEEP, and I believe it has been practiced quite well. Even though I am “different,” I never felt excluded because of my condition. When I shared my story about navigating life as an autistic person in Indonesia, my colleagues listened and were supportive instead of being dismissive. I hope that inclusive work environments like this continue to thrive and spread, so that others with special needs can also work comfortably and meaningfully.

The work environment at SHEEP Indonesia is quite relaxed. By relaxed, I mean that when I needed to go to campus for thesis proposal supervision, or to take my motorcycle to the repair shop, the staff never restricted me or made me feel guilty. I felt that my rights were respected and accommodated while working at SHEEP Indonesia. However, this relaxed atmosphere can sometimes slow down communication among team members. I hope this is an area that can be improved moving forward.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to carry out my volunteering experience here. I hope this article serves as a way for both myself and Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia to continue growing in the future.