YOU are the KEY

Equipped with education, anybody can become independent for sure

 Asep could not forget the feelings in his heart while reminiscing upon the events of many years ago. At that time, he could not do much when he had to drop out of school. In fact, he was diligent and enthusiastic and enjoyed having a taste of studying for a semester in High School (SMA).

Despite his passionate learning spirits, his dreams ran aground when his dad declared that he could no longer afford his schooling. Asep had no other choice but to leave school because he really understood about his father's unpredictable income as a construction worker. However, it is not life; if it only contains misfortune. Life spins like a wheel. For Asep, the wheel of fortune turned towards him when he found out about Rumah Belajar.(House of Learning) Rumah Belajar is a program run by Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa Foundation (YCAB). It was initiated in 2003, and in Rumah Belajar, school dropouts can take the basic education programs Package A, Package B, and Package C. Rumah Belajar spreads over 33 cities in Indonesia, including Bandung, Banjarmasin, Banyuwangi, Denpasar, Jakarta, Makassar, Medan, And Situbondo.

Rumah Belajar focuses on the equality of education and skills. School-aged children who have problems paying for their studies get basic education in accordance to their abilities. In addition, Rumah Belajar also opens courses tailored to the different regions, including computer, hair and beauty, mechanics, and repair of electronic equipment. The goal is for students to be independent.

"Only by paying Rp10.000 I could get a lot of useful knowledge. I won a lot!"

"I was informed by a friend. He said he had a sibling who went to school in Rumah Belajar," recalled Asep. He then finished high school, and took the Package C program. He took the program for two and a half years. "The cost was very affordable. It was only Rp10.000 a month (Less than a Dollar). The facilities in Rumah Belajar were extremely complete. There was even a special laboratory. It was a very good experience. I won a lot," Asep added with a chuckle. "The presumption of many people was that Package C students only come to study once a week. It’s not true. In Rumah Belajar, school was from Monday to Friday; from morning till noon. So, it was just like the regular school in general," said Asep. "There were many advantages in attending Rumah Belajar. After school, we could join the courses that we were interested in," he continued.

Basically, Asep's desire to move forward was passionate. He did not want to waste the opportunity. Through a program equipped with these facilities, Asep further equipped himself with language skill. "In the past, I was totally unable to speak English. However, after the course, it has got better. I’m still not very fluent, but I can do it," he said proudly. Armed with a high school diploma and foreign language skills, he graduated from Rumah Belajar, Asep had found an opportunity to do an internship in a visual arts studio. He acquired new skills like how to properly operate a video camera, sound recording and the development of an artistic eye for motion and camera angles.

With his skills and diplomas, he became one of dozens of YCAB employees. He is now a photographer and videographer for YCAB events. With his job he has the opportunity to travel around to many cities, adding to his experiences. "Sometimes, I was involved in several projects at once," Asep said happily.

 Full of Good Memories

On various occasions, Asep always tries to disseminate information about the benefits that can be obtained while studying in Rumah Belajar. There are at least two things he always conveys. In addition to the quality of the lecturers and facilities, Asep also mentions the quality of the curriculum used in Rumah Belajar.

A very memorable experience for Asep was when he did performing arts. Asep and his friends were working on a play about the dangers of drugs. "Unexpectedly, the play was very well appreciated," he said with a proud expression. Asep will not forget that moment. "I really felt appreciated. It was very memorable for me," he said excitedly. 

The quality of lecturers in Rumah Belajar is very good. They are all professionals.

The teachers in Rumah Belajar gave lasting impressions for Asep. According to him, the teachers there are all highly qualified and professional. In fact, Asep was once taught directly by a native speaker learning English. Of course, this made him more excited. "Qualified, professional lecturers as well as great facilities will produce excellent students. Of course, we as the recipient of the materials must also be dedicated," he said wisely.

Since 2005, YCAB's Rumah Belajar has been working with Bina Nusantara Foundation,(Indonesian University) especially for computer and English course materials, ensuring that in the field of computer and English, the students in Rumah Belajar have qualified competency standards. 

Thanks to Rumah Belajar, Asep’s life is forever changed. He does not want to say that he is already successful, but at least he has a provision to achieve a brighter future. Who would have thought, children who had dropped out of school, now can have a fixed income and can help their families "I suggest, if money is a problem, go to Rumah Belajar. The fee is very affordable, but the facilities are also no less than any other expensive courses. And if you are a student in Rumah Belajar, make the most of it," he said wisely.

Please help us, to keep on helping all these wonderful young children to dream big. To live successful, happy and healthy lives, your donations mean the world to us, as they are used them to bring the world to them.

Thank you.