Disaster Response Indonesia Project #23204

YOU are the KEY

by Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa Foundation

Project Report | Jul 13, 2018
When there is a will, there's definitely a way

By Greg Stretton | project leader

Who says sewing is a woman's job? Men can do it too, even better. Dani's story proves it.

The journey of one's life could never be predicted, including the journey of Dani. The absence of the cost to go to school almost made him hopeless, but hope is always there for those who want to try. Dani was still a child then. He just graduated from elementary school (SD). However, his parents said that they could not afford Dani's education to the junior high level (SMP). Little Dani was sad, of course. But he did not want to surrender to his fate. He felt that he had to get out of his difficulties, because he did not want to end up like his father, who worked as a construction worker. He spontaneously followed the advice of friends who lived in his neighborhood who were studying at Rumah Belajar (RB) Duri Kepa. "My friends invited me to join them. So without hesitation, I immediately registered," said Dani. The important thing was going back to school, he thought to himself.

Pursuing After Package B and C

Because Dani graduated from elementary school, he automatically joined Package B program, which was equivalent to Junior High School. The first child of three siblings admitted initially he did not follow the lessons in RB managed by Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB) too seriously. "But after a while, I started to have fun at school. Moreover, I had some friends at school. Solidarity among students was great," said Dani. "Since I felt comfortable, I became more serious and diligent," he recalled with a smile. He even joined some courses. Dani chose a sewing course, again based on his friend's invitation.

If we only dream and imagine things, but do nothing, what good is that for? Our lives depend on ourselves.

Probably because he initially was just following his friends, Dani took the course half-heartedly and often skipped classes. "I got chased by the teacher," he recalled with a laugh. "But RB was really great. My teachers were patient and continued to motivate me, and I was changed. My teachers said 'sewing is a job that will not go extinct, and the more creative the tailor, the more promising the future will be’," Dani recalled.

Self-motivation was not the only thing that made this single man born in Lampung, May 19, 1995 became diligent. "The course’s material was getting more and more interesting. Finally, I was no longer skipping classes," said Dani seriously. "I found a new passion. It turned out sewing was really exciting," he added. Going to school while taking sewing course did not make Dani forget his responsibility to study. High spirits and a pleasant environment made Dani always enthusiastic about going to Rumah Belajar. "From grade 1 to grade 3, I excelled, and got into the top three," said Dani. These achievements produced unexpected results. "From grade 2 to grade 3, I received a scholarship from YCAB," Dani said. After passing Package B in 2012, Dani continued to take Package C, also in Rumah Belajar Duri Kepa. However, just a few months after having a taste of school equivalent to high school, Dani was offered by his teacher to attend International Training Garment Center in Bogor. The training program was organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and lasted for two months.

After the training, Dani received a job offer. But Dani refused, because he wanted to go back to school. When returning to school, it was near the final exam time of the semester. Faced with many tasks, Dani who had just gone to training missed a lot of his classes. "I was clueless. Obviously I had missed the lectures. I did my exam to the best of my ability," Dani said. The result as he already expected, was not good. However, when he retook the exam, his grade increased, but that semester Dani did not get a scholarship. The incident became a whip for Dani. Eager to turn the situation around, Dani studied harder in his second semester. His efforts paid off. Dani was again entitled to a scholarship from YCAB up to the third grade.

Apparently, during second grade, one of the few compulsory subjects at school was sewing. RB even brought in master trainers who then invited students to work on orders from outside parties. "The lesson was deepened and we were doing more practice. When working on orders, we got paid. The money could be used to meet personal needs, so there was no need to ask our parents for money," said Dani cheerfully

Being able to be a little bit more independent made Dani more enthusiastic to learn sewing. "Teachers motivated us by telling us that sewing could make money. There was no need to go to the office. This activity could be done at home," said Dani mimicking the words of his teacher. According to Dani, sewing clothes tend to be easier than sewing bags, because almost 95% of the time, he only has to sew straight to make clothes. "In contrast to making or sewing bags. In accordance with the shape of the bag, there are a circle, an oval, or a rectangle. Especially for a small bag or pouch, the sewing is more complicated," said Dani. "In addition, bag materials also tend to be thicker than clothing or shirts. Hence handbag makers are mostly male, because physically they tend to be stronger than female," he added.

On The Road to Success

When he had finished Package C in RB Duri Kepa, Dani tried to work as a janitorial supply shopkeeper. Until finally in 2015, there was a teacher from YCAB who came to Dani's house to discuss about working at YCAB. "I immediately rejoined YCAB. This time not as a student, but as a staff member," said Dani with a twinkle of happiness on his face that could not be hidden.

"Family is my passion for learning and working."

Dani is placed in the bag production section. "There is a supervisor who receives orders from customers my friends and I make the bags and fulfill the orders,” Dani said. His family became his passion to keep learning and working. "After my mom passed away in 2010, my dad had been living alone. My brothers, Aldi (16 years) lives in Pandeglang and Rangga (6 years) lives with my grandmother," said Dani. "The kind of bags we produce are clutches, tote bags, and goodie bags," he continued. This work not only makes him independent, but he can also help his family.

As the first child of three siblings, Dani assumes the task of sustaining the family's economy as his responsibility. "All of them rely on me," he continued. "My success is when I can help my dad financially including making him and the whole family happy," he said wisely.

Many more children like Dani need your help. Please donate and help another young person make something of their life.

Thank you.

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Apr 17, 2018
Putting his hope in Batik

By Gregory Stretton | Project leader

Because he loves batik, Agung established his career and picked up his dream of success by learning to make batik.

Many people believe that you can find your soulmate anywhere. Just look at Agung’s experience related to where he is now. Agung was involved with Rumah Batik of PT Tower Bersama Infrastructure, Tbk (Rumah Batik TBIG) managed by Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB), accidentally.

"One day I met Pak Pur on the street. At that time, Pak Pur was looking for students to learn to make batik. Then, he invited me to join in Rumah Batik TBIG," Agung said. Pak Pur in question was Slamet Purwanto. Since 2014, Purwanto has been in charge of Rumah Belajar TBIG located in Wiradesa Village, Pekalongan. Living in a city famous for its Pesisir batik production, Agung was already familiar with batik since childhood. However, the fourth child of seven siblings was not interested in learning the process of making batik.

Like young people his age, Agung was more interested in being a factory worker, not a batik craftsman. After the education of Package C in Pokjar Tirto Jaya, Pekalongan, he worked as a laborer in a scarf making company. His job was coloring.

"I remembered once, Pak Pur said 'There are more people who come to Pekalongan to look for batik than veils. Let's learn in Rumah Batik,’"Agung recounted. "Pak Pur's words immediately hit the heart," he continued.

"I am not successful yet, but I'm sure, someday, I'll be a success."

Although Pekalongan and batik have long been inseparable, when the son of the now deceased father Kaelan, and Durotun decided to learn batik in RB TBIG, there was an objection. "My mother did not agree, because I had to quit my job," said Agung. "Indeed, because I stopped working, I could no longer earn money. Though all this time I always gave my parents some money every week, although not much, because my wages were quite low. For every kodi I got eight thousand rupiah (58 Cents) and I could finish 4-5 kodi per day," he continued.

However, the objections of the mother did not discourage Agung to learn batik. "I wanted to be able to make batik, because I wanted to be a successful batik entrepreneur," said Agung sincerely.

THE LEARNING PROCESS

The SMP Negeri 1 Wonokerto Pekalongan graduate then enrolled in Rumah Belajar TBIG in 2015, as the first generation of students. "Since I first came to school, I was amazed. Why? Because I did not have to pay for school at all. All materials had been prepared," said Agung. "And when I joined Package C, I had to pay Rp10.000 per month. Just for school only. There were no additional charges," Agung added.

He was also keen to learn the design of batik, batik coloring, refinement, management,

business, marketing management. He is now preparing for an exhibition that will run for four months in RB TBIG. "However, not all students learned the material, because there were a few who quit in the middle of the road. We started with 15 students, only 5 people made it through graduation," said Agung. "I did not know what cause it. Possibly because they were not patient enough and more comfortable to be a laborer and they could earn money regularly," said Agung.

The level of interest of young people to learn batik is still low today. According to Agung, RB TBIG students mostly came from boarding schools and orphanages. No friends and neighbors were interested. They preferred to work in factories. In fact, learning hours to make batik in RB TBIG was flexible, it could accommodate the schedule of students who worked. But, still rarely anyone was interested.

Admittedly, batik making is a process that requires a lot of patience. "The process nyanting is the most difficult process for me. Just imagine, the batik must be redrawn, meaning following the design that has been made, using hot wax with a different canting. (writing tool)

"My dream is to be a successful entrepreneur, so I can make my mother and family happy."

If done carelessly, the shape of the motif will be imperfect," said Agung. Besides nyanting, there is another process that was also no less challenging, namely coloring. "Especially using natural dyes. The result is somewhat difficult to predict. Those who do not understand must ask why the color is less 'bright'," Agung explained expressively, illustrating colors that came out not as bright.

The problem of natural dyes not only caused the colors to not appear as bright, but also on the application. "Indigo color is the most challenging color. The difficulty level to apply on cloth is more difficult than yellow or red," said Agung. "And I've been using natural dyes that are ready to use. It's unthinkable if I had to make my own natural dyes," he laughed.

EMBRACING THE FUTURE

Having to go through the intricate process, it is only reasonable if the price of a piece of batik is expensive. For that matter, buyers or consumers understand that making a piece of batik cloth can take about a month, sometimes even up to half a year. Batik is like a work of art that needs a long process in the making. However, there is still a choice of batik for buyers who want batik with more affordable price, namely printed batik. "The price of printed batik, again depending on the complexity of the motif, especially if the motive is rather special. The more complicated the design of the motif, the price will be more expensive," Agung explained. Of course the works of students of RB TBIG must also be marketed. So far, Agung has been marketing his batik through social media. "I will ask buyers to pay half of the price upfront, because now I have no capital at all," said Agung.

He also promoted his batik by participating in exhibitions, including in Jakarta. Even today, Agung is preparing 10 pieces of batik cloth that YCAB ordered for TBIG guests. Although at a glance he looks independent, but Agung admits that he is not yet financially independent. His earnings are unpredictable, so he has not been able to help his unemployed mother financially.

As a novice entrepreneur, Agung still has a long way to go. A strong will and tremendous patience are needed to be successful. Agung is very hopeful that YCAB will always be willing to provide capital assistance. "I need some capital, at least until I am completely independent. And fortunately now YCAB cooperatives are willing to accept our works. This means the cooperative has helped to market our work," he said eagerly.

Since this article was written two years ago, Agung has now become a successful business man, marketing his Batik products and employing staff, he is now earning a Very good living and is totally independant.

With donatons from people like YOU, we can produce many more Agung's and cause a loving ripple effect around the world. Please help us to keep helping the Agung's out there.

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Jan 26, 2018
Embracing a glorious future

By Greg Stretton | Project Leader

KEMAL STILL HAS TWO DREAMS: To continue his education for a master's degree and take his parents to go to the holy land of Mecca. His tone of voice was firm, a friendly smile and cheerful laughter were features that were clearly shown on the tall bespectacled man. Kemal, the man who loves to joke, who works in marketing at PT Asuransi Tokio Marine (PT ATM). Initially, Kemal joined PT ATM as an intern. However, luck was on his side and he became a full-time employee. The winding road was a must-go, for the man born in Jakarta on October 14, 1989. To get to where he is now. A new chapter in Kemal's life began when his father became ill. Kemal was still in high school. "My father was sick for about six months, and then passed away," Kemal recalled the 2004 event. "Family finances were immediately disturbed.

So far, we had only relied on the income of my father who owned a workshop and car tire business," he continued. In order to continue to finance Kemal's school, the elder sister tried to replace his father's role. "But, because my sister's earning was not enough, my mother decided to go to work. She started sewing, receiving orders from neighbors. My mother was already 63 years old. I couldn't bear to see it," Kemal narrated. "I told my mom, I'd better quit school. I would work so she could rest. Originally the mother did not agree, but I insisted," said the youngest of seven siblings.

Without special skills and sufficient education, Kemal tried to do anything he could get his hands on. He started off by being a motorcycle washerman in his friend's father's company. He lasted for six months at the job that was giving him an income of about Rp20.000 per day. "I'm the only boy in the family so I had to take responsibility for my mother," he added. New Hope Despite having to work, the desire to continue school never ceased. That was why, when Kemal found out about Rumah Belajar (RB) Duri Kepa, he was very enthusiastic. "Because my determination to go back to school was very strong, I immediately went to RB and met Mrs. Dewi," Kemal recalled. "It turned out I was the first generation and immediately entered the second grade.

At that time, the students were only 12 people," he added. 'Finding' Rumah Belajar really made Kemal happy. In addition to many courses, school hours in Rumah Belajar at that time were in the afternoon. He could manage his time to juggle the many things he had to do: delivering newspapers, washing motorcycles, as well as going to school and courses "So, I could deliver the newspapers after the morning prayers until 8 o'clock. Then worked at the bike wash from 8 to 10 am. Then, at 11 to 1 pm I went to take my courses. And finally, from 1 pm to 5 pm, I went to school," said the husband of Noviyanti. No time to relax, it was all about working and going to school. "Until I finally graduated in 2007, my time was really just about making ends meet and school. A friend was teasing me saying that I lost my youth. To me, it was no problem. My principle being, it was better to lose my youth than to lose the future," he continued firmly.

Kemal tried to make the most out of the opportunity. Rumah Belajar provided a variety of courses. Without picking or choosing, Kemal attended all courses offered! Initially, he participated in sewing, English, and computer courses. "I also joined the acting course. It didn't matter whether the knowledge is going to be useful or not in the future, I was happy to learn," said Kemal. He gained not only knowledge, it was when he took all the courses that Kemal found out about scholarships offered by PT ATM. "I was very enthusiastic and immediately intended to take the test. But, on the day, I felt insecure knowing about 60 other people who also applied for the scholarship. All of them looked very smart," Kemal said. "The tests at that time were math, general knowledge, literature, and English. My score was really low in English, but high in math. Fortunately, I made it to the 10th place. Next, I was interviewed and got into the top 5. Then I got selected to the top 3 and finally announced to be eligible for the scholarship. It was really unexpected," he recalled proudly. "I was surprised; my average score was only 7.8; while there were others who scored up to 9. After becoming an employee, I knew that I had succeeded because of my strong determination to move forward. Companies were looking for someone like that," said the SMP Negeri 220 Jakarta alumnus. The scholarship from PT ATM was to study at Akademi Asuransi Indonesia, Universitas Indonesia (UI) for three years, starting in 2007. While going to college, Kemal did an internship, so he was able to earn money. "Internship on Monday to Thursday, then school on Friday and Saturday," Kemal explained.

Going to college, was the one thing he most wanted. He was determined to work hard to get to college. This was triggered by the conditions he saw around him. "Friends who are high school graduates, become an office boy or cleaning service staff at most. Junior high graduates must be even worse. I do not want to end up like that," he said. Officially enrolled in college, Kemal was very happy. One dream had come true. "It turned out my classmates were all scholarship beneficiaries. Their origins were diverse. Some were from Solo, Ambon, or Aceh. College was so much fun, I got to learn about economics and insurance. It also widened my insights," Kemal explained. Kemal graduated D3 on time, in three years, and he was ranked 3rd out of 38 students. "Once I had graduated in 2010, I sent out an application to the company, then took the test to become an employee, just like any other applicant. Fortunately, I was accepted," Kemal said. "I am proud to work here, because this company is notoriously difficult. Our English must be good," he continued. Already working and having a D3 diploma did not make Kemal complacent. He wanted to continue his education. Kemal then continued his bachelor's degree at Sekolah Tinggi Manajemen Resiko Asuransi, until he graduated in 2014. But Kemal was still not satisfied. He is now eyeing on getting a master's degree. "I'm looking for a scholarship to continue my education. Hopefully my dreams can come true," he hoped. Rumah Belajar Changes Lives Seeing Kemal's success, many neighbors are moved to continue their studies in Rumah Belajar. Kemal witnesses the great influence of Rumah Belajar in the society. Therefore, he and his friends want to imitate the footsteps of Veronica Colondam, the CEO/Founder of YCAB, to extend goodness to others. "Some friends and I routinely raise money for social causes. We also want to give out scholarships like Mrs. Veronica does, but now we are still unable to do it. Someday, we can," he resolved. Personally, Kemal admits that his life is better today than it was a few years ago. And because he is indebted to Rumah Belajar, Kemal never fails to say yes when he's asked to share his experience's. "I am grateful to Mrs. Veronica who never asked for any repayment at all. RB had brought me up. So, if I were asked to motivate, I would definitely come. It's all I could give as a token of gratitude," said Kemal. While looking for a way to continue school, he was planning another dream. "I want to go to umroh with my mother and wife. For pilgrimage to Mecca, the waiting list is too long, and my mom is already so old," he said. He then said that he had registered his mom to go to umroh a year ago." At that time, I got a pretty good bonus. But my moms trip was cancelled off. Now I am saving up again, hoping to go, all the three of us," he concluded.

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