The Role of KOPA in Handling Street Children

Oct 13, 2025 by sorusgentrification.com 34 views

Social Actions of Children's Care Community in Handling Street Children: A Descriptive Study in the Care Community of Children of Aur Aur, Medan Maimun District, Medan City

Introduction

Street Children: A Growing Concern in Medan City

Medan City, the capital of North Sumatra, is a bustling metropolis with a growing population. However, beneath the surface of this thriving city lies a darker reality - the existence of street children. These children, often forced to work on the streets due to poverty and lack of attention from the government and local community, are a stark reminder of the unfulfilled rights of children, particularly in the areas of education and play. In this context, the emergence of the Child Caring Community (KOPA) in Kampung Aur, a slum in Medan Maimun, is a beacon of hope for these vulnerable children.

The Role of KOPA in Handling Street Children

KOPA, a community-based organization, seeks to address the problems faced by street children in Kampung Aur. Through its social actions, KOPA aims to provide these children with a better life, one that is free from the shackles of poverty and exploitation. This study aims to explore KOPA's social actions in handling street children in Kampung Aur, using Max Weber's social action theory as an analysis framework.

Methodology

Research Design and Approach

This study employs a descriptive research design with a qualitative approach. Primary data was collected through interviews with 6 KOPA staff and 4 KOPA-assisted children, as well as documentation of the organization's activities. The use of Max Weber's social action theory as an analysis framework provides a comprehensive understanding of KOPA's social actions in handling street children.

Results

KOPA's Social Actions in Handling Street Children

The results of this study reveal that KOPA carries out its social actions through various activities, both routine and incidental. Routine activities include Early Childhood Education (PAUD), health services, and religious guidance. Incidental activities, on the other hand, include counseling, skills training, and recreation.

Weber's Rationality and KOPA's Social Actions

From the perspective of Weber's rationality, KOPA's efforts in handling street children can be classified into three types of social action:

*** Instrumental Rational: ** KOPA strategically utilizes collaboration with the academic community and other child institutions to increase the effectiveness of its activities. This shows that KOPA rationally chooses effective and efficient ways to achieve its goals. ** Rational Value: ** KOPA emphasizes religious activities in the form of lectures so that children do not behave deviant that can violate values and norms in society. This shows that KOPA prioritizes moral and ethical values in carrying out their duties. *** Traditional Actions: ** KOPA staff are motivated from community leaders and community organizations that have existed before. This shows that KOPA has cultural roots and traditional values that encourage it to help street children.

Discussion

KOPA's Role in Addressing Street Children

KOPA's social actions in handling street children demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexities of this issue. By involving various parties, such as the community, government, and other institutions, KOPA has created a synergy that is essential in addressing this problem. Furthermore, KOPA's commitment to providing an integrated and sustainable solution for its fostered children is a testament to its dedication to helping these vulnerable children build skills and independence.

Conclusion

This study provides an overview of the important role of the community in dealing with social problems. KOPA in Kampung Aur proves that the concern and real efforts of the community can provide positive changes to the lives of street children. As a community-based organization, KOPA's social actions serve as a model for other organizations and communities seeking to address similar issues.

Recommendations

Future Directions for KOPA and Similar Organizations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

KOPA should continue to strengthen its collaboration with the academic community and other child institutions to increase the effectiveness of its activities.
KOPA should prioritize moral and ethical values in carrying out its duties, as emphasized through its religious activities.
KOPA should continue to involve various parties, such as the community, government, and other institutions, to create a synergy that is essential in addressing the problem of street children.
KOPA should commit to providing an integrated and sustainable solution for its fostered children, one that builds skills and independence.

By following these recommendations, KOPA and similar organizations can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of street children, providing them with a better future and a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Social Actions of Children's Care Community in Handling Street Children

Q&A: Understanding KOPA's Social Actions

Q: What is KOPA and what is its role in handling street children?

A: KOPA, or Child Caring Community, is a community-based organization that seeks to address the problems faced by street children in Kampung Aur, a slum in Medan Maimun, Medan City. KOPA's role is to provide social actions that help street children build skills and independence, and ultimately, a better life.

Q: What are the social actions carried out by KOPA in handling street children?

A: KOPA carries out various social actions, both routine and incidental, to help street children. Routine activities include Early Childhood Education (PAUD), health services, and religious guidance. Incidental activities include counseling, skills training, and recreation.

Q: How does KOPA prioritize its social actions?

A: KOPA prioritizes its social actions based on Weber's rationality, which includes instrumental rational, rational value, and traditional actions. KOPA strategically utilizes collaboration with the academic community and other child institutions to increase the effectiveness of its activities (instrumental rational). KOPA also emphasizes religious activities to promote moral and ethical values (rational value). Additionally, KOPA's staff are motivated by community leaders and community organizations that have existed before, demonstrating cultural roots and traditional values (traditional actions).

Q: How does KOPA involve various parties in addressing street children?

A: KOPA involves various parties, such as the community, government, and other institutions, to create a synergy that is essential in addressing the problem of street children. This collaboration enables KOPA to provide an integrated and sustainable solution for its fostered children.

Q: What are the benefits of KOPA's social actions in handling street children?

A: KOPA's social actions provide several benefits to street children, including:

Building skills and independence
Providing an integrated and sustainable solution
Promoting moral and ethical values through religious activities
Creating a synergy with various parties to address the problem of street children

Q: What are the challenges faced by KOPA in handling street children?

A: KOPA faces several challenges in handling street children, including:

Limited resources and funding
Limited access to education and healthcare services
Limited collaboration with other organizations and institutions
Limited understanding of the complexities of the issue

Q: How can KOPA overcome these challenges?

A: KOPA can overcome these challenges by:

Seeking additional funding and resources
Building partnerships with other organizations and institutions
Increasing awareness and understanding of the complexities of the issue
Continuously evaluating and improving its social actions

Conclusion

KOPA's social actions in handling street children demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexities of this issue. By prioritizing its social actions based on Weber's rationality and involving various parties, KOPA has created a synergy that is essential in addressing this problem. However, KOPA also faces several challenges that need to be overcome. By seeking additional funding and resources, building partnerships with other organizations and institutions, increasing awareness and understanding of the complexities of the issue, and continuously evaluating and improving its social actions, KOPA can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of street children.