Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia (YSI), through its KIPHA Program (Climate Justice and Child Rights Protection), remains committed to promoting children's involvement in voicing climate injustice. One of these efforts was realized through the Writing Workshop and Expedition Briefing, held at Kopi Legi Garden Resto in Yogyakarta. The event was attended by 35 participants, consisting of students and accompanying teachers from 8 YSI partner schools.

This workshop was more than just a technical writing training—it was part of a longer journey in which children document and express their lived experiences of climate change. Through writing, the participants were encouraged to critically reflect on the situations unfolding around them and in other areas, such as Timbulsloko Village, Sayung, Demak. This village has endured over 20 years of coastal abrasion, tidal flooding, and land subsidence, which have submerged much of the area and led to the loss of habitable space.

In the opening session, Evi Novita, a representative from YSI, shared an overview of the climate injustice experienced by the people of Timbulsloko, particularly its children. She explained that the climate crisis does not only harm the environment but also places a heavier burden on vulnerable groups such as children. "They used to be able to play and study on dry land. Now, they live surrounded by water every day," she said.

The participants received writing guidance from Sosiawan Leak—a writer, poet, and literacy advocate. In his introduction, he aimed to make writing an enjoyable activity for children by using a free and engaging approach. He encouraged the students to write from their own experiences, observations, and emotions. “Writing is like tying down a hunted animal—if you don’t tie it down, it will run away. Knowledge works the same way,” said Sosiawan Leak.

Using a humorous and relatable method, Mr. Leak (as he is fondly called) helped dismantle common writing barriers faced by students, such as fear or shyness. He encouraged them to start by writing about what they hear, see, and feel. Beyond the materials, at the end of the session, he also gifted the participants his books as encouragement to keep writing.

This workshop is part of a series of activities leading up to an expedition on May 6–7, 2025, in Timbulsloko Village, Sayung Subdistrict, Demak Regency. During the expedition, students will conduct observations and interviews to gain deeper insights into the real-life impacts of climate change from local residents. Their written work will later be compiled into a book and used as advocacy material directed at relevant stakeholders. As part of the affected population, children are expected to raise their voices and contribute to pushing for change.

At the end of the event, Evi Novita shared her hopes with the participants: “Through this activity, YSI hopes that children will see writing not merely as a skill, but as a tool to express their hopes, concerns, and demands for climate justice—for themselves and other communities experiencing similar impacts,” she concluded.