Pawiro's story

Recently, I travelled to Yogyakarta, Indonesia for work along with 130 volunteers who helped 12 families in need build safe and decent homes. Here is one of our partner family stories.

Pawiro’s former home was a tiny bamboo structure. The doorway was so narrow one had to crouch down to enter the home – and once you did step inside, you were able to see the entirety of the home before you. In front of you was Praviro’s kitchen space. She had little else but a bench here, and when she cooked, an open fire. The walls were made of bamboo matting and in some areas gaping holes had formed. Sunlight would try to stream through the holes and the gaps in the weave of the matting providing the only source of light in the windowless home. A few steps to your left was Pawiro’s bedroom. It consisted of just an old wooden bed frame with several planks loose and missing. The entire home had a hard dirt floor. She had no toilet or access to water, and relied on her neighbour’s facilities and the support of her children and grandchildren.

It’s astounding to think that 85 years ago, Pawiro was born in this home. Over the years, Pawiro and her husband, who passed away 40 years ago, raised five children here. They also made numerous repairs to the home including replacing the matting and roofing, but in Pawiro’s old age, this has become increasingly difficult.

Although frail, Pawiro still works and earns an income by selling snacks at the local school and tourist sites. One of the sites where she sells snacks is at the top of a hill. It’s a steep, rocky walk up the hill – a journey that takes her 2 hours both ways.

Although she has very fond memories in her home, Pawiro is looking forward to having a new home that will have a locking door to keep her safe, a secure roof to protect her from the elements and access to water, sanitation and improved ventilation to ensure her comfort.

Volunteers from Habitat for Humanity Australia arrived on October 22nd and firstly helped dismantle Pawiro’s existing home. They then began digging trenches, laying the foundations for the new home, building the walls and began rendering. Pawiro sat close by the entire week watching over our volunteers. Like a typical grandmother, Pawiro is warm and affectionate. She held the volunteers’ hands, smiled lovingly and tried to patiently engage them in conversation despite the language barrier.

Although Pawiro was unable to help with the construction, one of her sons worked alongside the volunteers to build the new home. When she passes away he will inherit the home, and in turn will pass it on to his children. It’s a home for generations.

With a safe and decent home, Pawiro will have greater comfort, security and more financial security so won’t need to rely as heavily on earning an income in order to repair her home. She is looking forward to having a new house and being able to stay in community she has lived her whole life. She smiles and brings her hands together at her heart, thanking us for the opportunity.