BANTEN — On 5 November 2024, an emotional moment took place in Matang Kiara Village, Ciburial Village, Cimanggu District, Pandeglang Regency, Banten. Auladul Fazri Islamic Elementary School, a small school located far from the main road, celebrated the completion of building renovations that had been carried out thanks to collaboration between Dompet Dhuafa Banten Branch and Telkom Group, namely PT Telkom and XM Indonesia. The inauguration and handover of the new infrastructure, which includes new rooms, sports fields, toilet facilities, as well as learning support packages, symbolises the big changes that are now felt by students, teachers, and local residents.
Auladul Fazri Islamic Elementary School, which currently has around 80 students, previously faced various limitations. The road access to the school was quite damaged, and the physical condition of the school, which only had three narrow and limited classrooms, affected the comfort and quality of learning of the students.
Some classes even had to be combined due to the limited space, and the field, which was previously only dirt, often made the students’ shoes dirty during school ceremonies. In addition, the perforated classrooms make it difficult for students to focus on their studies because they can see and hear their friends in the next room.
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The renovation process, which lasted for four months, brought a breath of fresh air to the students and teachers. The speed of this renovation is inseparable from the active participation of residents who with the spirit of gotong royong helped with the construction. Students who were impatient with the changes even took off their shoes when entering the new classroom, as if to express their ‘respect’ for the facilities they had just received.
The principal of Auladul Fazri Islamic Elementary School, Rosikah, gratefully expressed her happiness for the assistance received.
‘There used to be only three classrooms. Imagine, at that time two cramped classes studied together in one room. There were about 80 students in grades 1-6.’ she recalled.
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Now, with more proper classrooms and a large sports field, the teaching and learning process at Aulaldul Fazri Islamic Elementary School has become much more comfortable. The students can learn with more focus, and the teachers also hope that the new facilities can bring more effective learning, and the children can absorb the lessons more easily.
Rosikah also revealed that her school not only produces academically skilled students, but also achievers in various fields. Some of the trophies on display in her room show the brilliant achievements of Auladul Fazri Islamic Elementary School students in maths, natural science and chess. Both at the district and national levels.
One Grade 6 student, Santi, with a cheerful smile said, ‘Now that the classrooms and the field are nice, I study cleanly and comfortably. Even though it is small, my school is fun’.
These words illustrate how much change the students feel.
For information, this collaboration between Dompet Dhuafa and Telkom Group is not the first time. For a long time, the two have worked together in various forms of kindness. Starting from humanitarian assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic, assistance for Palestine, to the distribution of zakat and assistance for orphans and natural disasters.
Dompet Dhuafa’s Partnership Team, Ayuriku, said that through this collaboration, it is hoped that not only Auladul Fazri Islamic Elementary School will benefit, but also improve the quality of education in other remote areas.
‘With the support of various parties, children in this region now have a greater opportunity to achieve their dreams. This spirit of gotong royong and collaboration for good reminds us all that education is the right of every child, and every small step taken to improve educational facilities is a big step towards a better future.’ he said.
The changes at MI Auladul Fazri are proof that kindness channelled with sincerity can have a big impact on society. Dompet Dhuafa and Telkom Group, through this collaboration, have proven that with the right collaboration, a better education can be felt by children in areas in need. In the future, hopefully more schools can benefit from this collaboration of kindness. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika, Aryo Prasojo
Editor: Dhika