YOU are the KEY

Nobody knows the journey of human lives. Plans that fail can sometimes change into something bigger and better.

Willpower and passion for life were clearly felt when talking with Saeful. After graduating Junior High in Tegal, Saeful moved to Jakarta. The goal was to improve his English skill. “In my village, there are not many English or computer courses like in Jakarta,” he said.

Born on September 9, 1996 he left Ketanggungan village, Dukuh Turi in Indonesia. thirty minutes from the central city of Tegal. Saeful’s desire to learn English started from him failing to enter the vocational school that he wanted. His grade in English was considered not eligible. “My English is bad,” said Saeful truthfully. Though he was eyeing to major in Computer Network Engineering in the vocational school, he finally decided to take an English course for one year, and then return to the village and try to enroll to the vocational school again. So he headed for Jakarta. He left his grandma, whom he called Simbah, to stay in Kedoya with his mother and father. 

Getting Acquainted with Rumah Belajar (House of learning) YCAB Foundation.

Arriving in Jakarta, Saeful started looking for information about where he could take an English course. That’s when he gained some information about Rumah Belajar Duri Kepa. “I remember, at that time I met with the receptionist, who we called Bunda. She told me many things, and encouraged me to learn in Rumah Belajar Duri Kepa,” Saeful said.

Saeful was very interested, seeing that Rumah Belajar’s facility were quite complete. In addition to English, there were also computer courses. The rooms were equipped with air conditioning. And the good news was that he did not have to dig too deep into his pocket to go to school. With only Rp10.000 Per month ($0.75) he could go to school, take some courses, and enjoy all the facilities. And so, Saeful became a student in Rumah Belajar Duri Kepa. 

For only ten thousand rupiah a month, an education that can last a lifetime.

Incidentally, PT Samsung at that time provided training for mobile phone repair, and household electronics, such as washing machines and air conditioners. Saeful chose to join the mobile phone repair workshop. Not long after that, Samsung’s building at the Rumah Belajar complex was established. The courses became more extensive with Information Technology training. Without hesitation, Saeful immediately registered. It was like getting the way to get to his dream to study Computer Engineering.

The Precious Diploma

Saeful was educated in Rumah Belajar Duri Kepa until he graduated. He admitted that there were still people who looked down on students who graduated from Rumah Belajar, because it only offered Package C diploma. But Saeful did not care. He never let himself feel inferior, though he was at one point worried that his diploma couldn’t be used to apply for jobs.

“I applied for an apprenticeship at Samsung Center, because I had never attended direct training from Samsung. But then two weeks had passed and still no phone calls, though I was really hopeful,” Saeful explained. He guessed that his diploma, which was only for Package C was the cause. He was feeling hesitant, thinking that perhaps his diploma was not of any worth. However, his preconceptions were wrong. He received a short message for a job vacancy and he was asked to come to YCAB.

"I thought graduates of Package C like me, were unlikely to be accepted working as an IT staff. To become an IT staff, one must be at least a bachelor, right?” Saeful said. So he guessed that he would get a data entry job of some sort. At YCAB’s office, he got the clarification that the vacancy was available in the field of Information Technology. Saeful is very happy now, because he has become one of YCAB’s IT support staff. 

Hope for The Village.

After his wishes had come true, Saeful still had an ambition. "I want to start computer courses or training in my village. So I've set aside part of my income to make this dream come to life,” he said. The ambition was not for no reason. Saeful knew that in villages, public facilities to play and learn computers were almost nonexistent if any, the place was in a remote café and they charged Rp3.000 per hour. At school, computers were only accessible once a week. That too, with one computer usually used by several people at once. Saeful’s hope was so great; he was even ready to give up his house for a training ground. He was sure that it would be useful for the community in the village. “There are many children who just play after school. If there are computer training centers, they could learn to use computers instead,” Saeful explained. “I hope YCAB can help establish computer training centers in the area. If possible, I could also ask for help for the training to be provided with teachers and certificates,” he continued.

"If kind people can donate or help YCAB Foundation, It may help me to bring my dream to life and help the children in the village be a part of my learning experience, it would be great if they could follow my path in life". He said as he finished his story.