We still remember how the heavy rains changed everything in Bener Meriah and Central Aceh. Floods and landslides came without warning, leaving damaged homes, empty classrooms, and children who had lost their sense of safety. When we first arrived, we saw small faces carrying fear where laughter used to live.

As volunteers of Pramuka Peduli of the Aceh Regional Scout Council, we came with one simple intention: to be present. For three days, from Saturday 17 January to Monday 19 January 2026, we moved from one affected location to another—SD Negeri Yakin in Kampung Rimba, Pintu Rime Gayo District, SD Negeri 1 Bintang in Central Aceh, and the evacuation post in Pantan Kemuning Village, Timang Gajah District. We carried supplies, but more importantly, we carried our time, attention, and care.

At first, everything felt quiet and awkward. Some children stayed silent, clutching their bags tightly or hiding behind their parents. We began with the smallest steps—singing together, simple games, inviting them to draw whatever they wanted. Slowly, the distance faded. Smiles appeared, followed by laughter that eventually filled the space.

Our focus was psychosocial trauma healing for children aged twelve and under. We learned that healing does not always need complex methods. Sometimes, it starts with sitting together, listening to their stories, or giving them a safe space to express their feelings through play and art. In those moments, we witnessed change—tense faces becoming more relaxed, empty stares turning into bright, curious eyes.

Between activities, we distributed 400 school bag packages containing notebooks, coloring books, colored pencils, and pens. Each bag was handed out one by one, often with a child’s name called softly. We also shared 400 snack packages filled with light snacks, wafers, and milk. Simple items, yet the children’s reactions reminded us how meaningful small gestures can be.

One moment that stayed with us was when Cut Bang Jufri, the Daily Chairperson of the Aceh Regional Scout Council, joined us at SD Negeri 1 Bintang. He did not only hand out the aid but also took time to greet the children warmly. Watching them stand shyly, smiling as they received their school bags, we felt reassured that our presence that day truly mattered.

For us, this was not just a program. It was a reminder of what it means to be a Scout—to show up when people need support. We learned about empathy, about listening without judgment, and about the importance of creating safe spaces where children can simply be children again—laughing, playing, and dreaming.

As we said goodbye, some of the children waved at us while hugging their new school bags tightly. In that moment, we realized that while we could not erase all the pain left by the disaster, helping bring back even one smile, one laugh, or one sense of safety was already meaningful.

Amid the wounds left by disaster, we believe hope can grow from the simplest acts. And as long as there are hands willing to reach out, we will continue to walk alongside the children and their communities—helping them rise, heal, and move forward together.