Quality Education for Children in Indonesia

The year’s Creative Day was run differently; we wanted more children to be able to access the great educational and fun activities that we run. We included not only the children who are members of the YUM Community Library in Cipanas, but also all of the children who receive school sponsorship from YUM. The aim of this activity is to promote the library for children who are in high school and secondary school and to encourage them to access the library resources. We hope that after this event, the older students will be more involved in library educational activities as they will now be familiar with the library and what the library offers.

This event we named “YUM kids jamboree” and it went for two days and one night. Over 170 children took part and stayed in Mandala Wangi which is a nearby camping ground in the area. It was many of the children’s first time at camping together in a tent so they were incredibly excited. We loved seeing how many children got completely immersed in the jamboree and many of the activities we offered.

There were several creative and educational activities that the children could participate in throughout the event, both in a group or individually. Each activity focused on a different personal development skill. We also included positive values like leadership teamwork and problem-solving in each activity giving the children an opportunity to recognize and improve on these skills. We hope that the children will feel more encouraged and motivated to reach their dream and to utilize the facilities of the library even though they are living in destitute.

Let’s not forget all the fun activities that were held, the children participated in games and performed their own creativity pieces at the campfire event which was a highlight for many attendees. The winners of the competition that was run throughout the event were announced and they received a small reward at the end. Although it did rain at beginning of the night this did not stop the children's excitement. The children thoroughly enjoyed the event and excelled in many personal growth activities that were held whilst having a great time.

Testimonies from jamboree attendees

“My name is Salman; I am in the 9th grade. I have had so many good memories from this event. This is the first time I spent a night in a tent I was very excited. I learnt about teamwork, patience and leadership activities which I had to complete in a group and hopefully I can use these skills in the future. Thank you YUM for this great experience I had so much fun and learnt a lot. I hope in the future, my friends at school also can experience what I have now”

“I am Pia, I am in 6th grade now. I am so grateful to be invited to participate in this Jamboree. There are lots of positive things that I have learnt from each session and I really enjoyed the team work activities. I want to be a successful person in the future. I will study hard and learn as much as I can so my dreams can come true"

Dear GlobalGiving donors, this great event would not be possible without your generous and continued support. We are very thankful for your donation which let us continue giving the qualified education resources and fun activities for these children. Thank you!

Children are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them. However, they do not necessarily understand the dangers and harmful situations that could happen to them, especially when they are still young. Therefore, as adults, it is our responsibility to take care and provide safe spaces for them to play and be free. YUM’s Community Library and Early Childhood Learning Centre in Cipanas are not only safe but also provide several educational activities that benefit the children living in its surroundings.

Once we enter the Community Center, the buildings are located quite far from the main road and fences surround the area. We provide separate restrooms for adults and children. Inside the building, we have carpet, chairs and tables to support the activities. We also have fans and coolers to chill the room when the weather is hot.

All of the library activities are designed based on the children’s needs and interests. It is also adjusted with the local culture. For example, for the Dance Club, the children learn how to play Angklung (Sundanese traditional instrument) and learn the Jaipong (West Java’s traditional dance). We purchase new books twice a year and we subscribe to monthly informative, educative and fun magazines. We also allocate a budget to buy materials and tools supporting our activities. Our goal is to improve the learning habits of children and developing their curiosity and their intellect.

We would be so grateful if you could continue to help us to provide this free educational facility and safe space for the disadvantaged children in Cipanas, West Java. As YUM is taking part in the #SafeSpaces4Youth – GlobalGiving’s 2018 Youth Week Campaign, between August 6^th and August 12^th, kindly share this letter with your family & friends in the hopes that they become recurring donors to this project. During this one-week campaign, GlobalGiving promises to match 100% all new recurring donations!