It was a special moment for Sirta: her first day of school after a break of over three years. Finally, she was able to return to school after a fateful day. On that day over three years ago, she was helping with the production of bricks and lost her arm when it got caught in a machine. It took many months for the injury to heal and for her to learn to cope with the disability to some extent. It took even longer for her to regain her joy for life and to be motivated to continue her education. However, she was initially denied a return to school. In the meantime, Sirta had become too old to be allowed to go to the regular school. But Anugerah’s partner fought for her, and Sirta was allowed to return to school and complete her regular education.

Anugerah’s partner is committed to helping children and young people who are excluded from the regular school system in Indonesia. There are many reasons for this: children cannot keep up with the school requirements, they are excluded due to disabilities or they simply lack the official papers for registration. Through a preschool and an additional school program, children are supported in their education. The partner also helps families to prepare official documents so that they can enrol their children in  school. For children and young people like Sirta, discussions are held with the schools and education authorities in order to find ways in which they can attend lessons despite their disabilities.

Another cooperation exists between Anugerah and an association that runs 6 educational centers in Indonesia. In the reporting year, this enabled 76 children and young people to successfully complete their education. The total number of students has risen to 282. The aim is to provide young people with a holistic education. In addition to academic subjects, students are also trained in practical work. It is therefore only natural that the students were recently able to help with the construction of new dormitories at one of the schools. Under the guidance of specialists, they were able to learn the necessary technical skills and put them into practice straight away.

Another focus of the schools is social work. The students regularly run children’s programs in their region, giving children a meaningful leisure activity. Children from difficult backgrounds who, for example, experience abuse in the family can also receive targeted support through the programs.