In Indonesia, where 26.36 million people live below the poverty line, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) stands as the third poorest region. This economic hardship is reflected in the state of education, with over 50% of schools in NTT suffering from inadequate facilities and damage. Recognising the urgent need for improvement, BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, in partnership with Happy Hearts Indonesia, launched a transformative project to improve early childhood education in the region.
Under the banner of “Bersama Untuk Bangsa,” a group of 11 dedicated students from the class of 2026 – led by Kenneth William Santoso, Diptanshu Bose, Davrell Mylka Jowkins, and Ramiza Aqila Santoso – took on the ambitious task of reconstructing a kindergarten school, PAUD (Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini) Sumber Kasih, in Sumba, NTT. This initiative, aimed at achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, and Goal 15: Life on Land, saw the students raise donations and conduct extensive research to bring their vision to life.
In June, the “Bersama Untuk Bangsa” team visited the newly completed PAUD Sumber Kasih to witness the fruits of their labour. Their efforts resulted in the rebuilding of two classrooms, the provision of essential furniture such as tables, chairs, and children’s toys, the creation of a playground, and the installation of proper bathroom facilities. These improvements have significantly enhanced the learning environment for the young children of Sumba.
Davrell Mylka Jowkins, a student representative of “Bersama Untuk Bangsa,” expressed his hopes for the project’s long-term impact. “We hope that in the future, the people of Sumba can overcome educational challenges, and benefit others,” he stated.
This project is a testament to BINUS SCHOOL Simprug’s mission to foster and empower communities by cultivating young individuals dedicated to societal development. Principal Isaac Koh emphasized the school’s commitment to nurturing students who excel academically while contributing meaningfully to society. “At BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, we continuously encourage students to explore their interests and talents. We are very proud of the initiative and hard work put into rebuilding the school in Sumba. They have demonstrated that young people can make a tangible impact on society,” he explained.
Sylvia Beiwinkler, CEO of Happy Hearts Indonesia, lauded the students’ dedication and achievements. “Congratulations to BINUS SCHOOL Simprug and ‘Bersama Untuk Bangsa’ for their outstanding achievement in rebuilding PAUD Sumber Kasih in Sumba. This inspiring journey proves that young people can significantly impact education. Their dedication and hard work create a brighter future for Indonesian children,” said Sylvia.
Additionally, the reconstruction project utilized 2.2 tons of recycled plastic waste managed by Blocksolutions Indonesia, underscoring its environmental benefits. This innovative approach not only addressed educational needs but also contributed to environmental sustainability.
Rebuilding PAUD Sumber Kasih has provided BINUS SCHOOL Education students with the opportunity to explore new horizons and foster a strong sense of responsibility towards contributing to the development of Indonesia. This project exemplifies the power of youth-driven initiatives in creating lasting, positive change in underserved communities.
