At the Kandank Jurank Doank School of Nature, established by Dik Doank, some 2,500 children learn skills of painting, soccer, music, theater and singing.

To see for yourself, come to the Alvita housing complex in Sawah Baru, Ciputat, Tangerang, every Sunday morning when free classes are held. Children and parents alike enjoy the breeze, the shade of trees and the view of rice fields and fishponds on school grounds.

The school's facilities include a soccer field, stage, basketball court, library, music studio, worship house and a newly built open theater.

To run the school, Dik is assisted by 45 volunteers. None are paid, as the school is free of charge.

"One thing that is clear to me is that this school must equip children with a sound knowledge of environmental science. It is hoped they will grow to love nature and grow up to become independent in their way of thinking. They will in turn create a nation that does not imitate other nations," he said last week.

Dik said he had never counted how much he has spent from his own pocket to establish and develop the school.

"My mission is just dedication to God and the rewards I seek are only those in heaven. Nothing more than that," he said, adding that once in a while he also received financial assistance from people or firms with a special interest in education.

Hundreds of children cheerfully gather to learn together at the school every Sunday morning. Regular activities include painting, football, music, singing, riding on water buffaloes in rice fields, fishing and nature-appreciation.

"If there are visiting celebrities or special guests, the lessons we present are adjusted to their backgrounds. If there is no visiting guest, I usually handle the classes myself with the help of my staff," Dik said.

Celebrities who have taught classes include actor Didi Petet; comedians Tukul Arwana, Ulfa Dwiyanti, Taufik Safalas and Akri; singers Nugie, Dessy Ratnasari, Lia Afi, Aryo and Gito Rollies; athlete Ade Rai; guitarist Ridho Slank and magician Dedi Codbuzer.

When a visiting teacher takes questions before the entire group, Dik, who usually moderates the class, will encourage students to ask as many questions as possible about their family life and experiences.

Dik began the school by building a platform in Angkasa Pura complex in Kemayoran Gempol, Central Jakarta, in 1993. On the platform, he started teaching 14 students in the neighborhood how to draw pictures and play the guitar.

In 1997, he moved to the Alvita housing complex and some of his students came with him. They studied outside houses, garages and mosques.

"At that time I did hope people would donate paper and pencils for the children. In fact, no one paid attention, even though we had been studying like that for more than two years," he said.

Dik finally prayed and asked God to give him a proper place for the children to learn.

"I did not want them to breathe in dust under the heat. I wanted them to have a proper place to learn with a little comfort."

Over time, Dik collected money from his work as a singer and TV presenter and allocated 50 percent of his income to building a suitable place for the painting and music group.

It became the Kandank Jurank Doank community, whose students today come from neighboring subdistricts.

"Every child is welcome to attend this school and they will not spend any money for the services and facilities we provide," Dik said.

Born in Jakarta as Rizki Mulyawan in 1968, Dik grew up in Kemayoran Gempol. He studied graphic design at the Jakarta Institute of Arts, completing the course in 1992.

His marriage to Mirna Yuanita, who also is busy with the school activities every Sunday morning, has given them three children.

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