Give An Education To A Trash Picker's Child

More than 100 children have passed through the doors of XSProject’s Kindergarten in the last seven years. As the 2016 school year drew to a close last June, it was evident that we needed a new classroom. The old building, located at the garbage dump, had fallen into disrepair. Rodents had taken up residence in the classroom that was perched perilously at the edge of a sewage creek.

Instead of investing in repairs it was our dream to find a better location for a new school and to construct a multi-use building. XSProject’s General Manager, Retno Hapsari, proposed a new building to the trash picker community. They fully supported it and the search for the perfect location commenced.

Without funding, but believing in the generosity of our donors, XSProject began construction of a new building near the trash picker community but within safe walking distance for the children. Our goal was to have the building ready when the new school year began on July 18.

In addition to a kindergarten classroom, our plans included a library and study area for the 90 elementary and middle school students and a workshop/gift shop inside a vocational training center for young women and mothers. The total cost would be $5,000.  With these plans and timelines, we would need to start fundraising immediately.

But as we began to reach out to our donor community, one organization stepped up to help. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) learned about XSProject’s need and generously offered to donate the entire amount.  

As soon as the new building was finished, we moved the kindergarten in first, and on July 18, the 2016-2017 kindergarten class took up residence in their new classroom. Our teacher, Miss Vicky and her assistant Miss Anis have filled the room with everything a kindergarten class would want or need.

We’re waiting for tables, chairs and books for the library and study areas but overall the new building is a bright, cheerful place to learn and do homework. All of the students find this new location to be just the perfect place to hang out.

We still have more students this year than we have sponsors. Would you like to contribute to XSProject with monthly recurring donations? Between September 21 -27,  GlobalGiving is holding their annual Recurring Match Campaign. They will be matching 1-to-1 up to $200 per donor per project on your first recurring donation. For XSProject to receive these matching donations, you will need to commit to at least 3 months of recurring donations. Your $25.00 donation could become $50.00 to XSProject. How great is that?

Why not honor a teacher you know with recurring donations? Please donate today.

July is back to school month for Indonesian students.  This is an especially exciting time for the children of Jakarta’s trash pickers who attend school under XSProject’s XSEducation program. We pledge to give a complete K-12 education to children living at the trash picker community.

 Every child has the right to an education regardless of their social status. It is only through education that a child discovers who they are, aspire to be and develop their own intellectual identity. From these roots come successful and productive adults.

 We invite you to be part of this amazing education program for Jakarta’s trash picker children by making a contribution to support one of our 85 students still looking for sponsorship.

 This year, the 13 children from XSProject’s Kindergarten class are moving on to the First Grade. There are 9 new little ones who are just entering. Miss Vicky, their teacher and Miss Anis, her assistant will guide and prepare them to be first graders next year.

 Each year, General Manager Retno Hapsari and her staff purchase backpacks and shoes for each student. Back packs are stuffed with school supplies and other materials they will need to be thriving students.

 Before the packages are distributed, Retno calls all the parents and students together for a conversation about making school friends, doing homework, school activities and where to get help. Retno attends every parent teacher conference and parents are strongly encouraged to join her.

 XSProject has more children this year than ever before. We have many bright and gifted students who still need sponsors. People who help children change lives every day. Won't you be that person who will change a child’s life today?

 * Quote by John Wooden