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Comment: Improving the lives of scavengers
Nov
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em>Nov. 26, p. 28
For those parents who can barely afford to put food on the table for their families, let alone give their children pocket money, the government’s nine-year education program introduced for primary to junior high school students in 1993/1994 is yet another financial burden.
Why? Because they — they could be scavengers, vendors and casual workers — are already struggling to eke out a living, therefore they do not consider education a necessity. Government programs rarely address this issue.
So Irina Amongpradja, a graduate from Padjadjaran University’s School of Medicine in Bandung, decided to tackle the problem herself, and set up an informal education group called “Sekolah Kami” (Our School) in Bintara Jaya, Bekasi, West Java, in 2007. (By Mohammad Yazid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta).
Your comments:
Fabulous children, wonderful teachers, extraordinary leadership — a project that warms our heart and gives us hope! Thank you Ibu Ina for your amazing work and your great vision. I feel honored to be able to contribute a teeny bit!
Dom
Jakarta
Having had the privilege of being allowed to visit the school on Nov. 1 2010, I am full of admiration for the staff and students and thank them for the wonderful day we had. May your work continue in peace and harmony. Thank you!
Hans Schonekas
Alexandra Victoria
It’s very touching. On the other hand many conglomerates build international or national plus schools — with expensive fees that create competition among families to enter their children in the “prestigious” school. Those schools are only profit-oriented. I really appreciate what you have struggled with. God bless your efforts.
Lie Tjin Lian
Jakarta
