BOGOR, WEST JAVA – From the simple benches in the temporary hall, rays of hope shine brightly. Not only from the 23 pairs of enthusiastic eyes of the female students, but also from the great hopes for the future. SMART Ekselensia School is once again making history in Indonesian education. In 2025, SMART Ekselensia School has recently opened enrollment for female students, offering a tangible bridge to their aspirations for underprivileged and orphaned girls with academic potential. On July 14, 2025, these students participated in the MPLS (Orientation Program for the Educational Institution) organized by SMART Ekselensia in Parung, Bogor Regency.
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For a moment, let’s take a look at Kayyisah Khairiyah, a SMART Ekselensia student from Bogor. She is an intelligent teenager who chose SMART Ekselensia from three school options previously offered by her parents. Her eyes sparkle when she talks about her ambition to become a diplomat and economist, breaking through the horizons of education abroad. She is inspired by SMART alumni who have proven that economic limitations are not barriers. Though a bit shy around male students on her first day of orientation, she feels proud to be part of this prestigious school. For her, SMART is a bridge of opportunities that can connect her to her big dreams.
Just as enthusiastic is Syamma Rajiyyah Hakimah (Sarah), who is amazed by the beautiful, disciplined, and well-managed SMART Ekselensia environment, which is funded by Zakat, Infaq, Sedekah, and Wakaf (ZISWAF). Her father is a security guard at the school, a man who never imposes his will and always teaches gratitude. When sharing about her father’s sacrifices, Sarah’s eyes welled up with tears. With her talent for drawing and crafting, Sarah dreams of pursuing a degree in Visual Communication Design (DKV) or International Relations, bringing blessings to her family through her education at SMART Ekselensia.
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Then, there is Uli Aulia Nur Rohmah. This girl from Bogor was inspired to join SMART after seeing many of its alumni successfully enter state universities (PTN). Her father, a meatball seller, is her biggest inspiration. “My father was willing to save from selling meatballs so I could go to college. He said I shouldn’t give up,” said Uli, who has a passion for cooking and aspires to become a lecturer. At SMART Ekselensia, she found a disciplined environment that opened up opportunities for her to achieve her dreams.
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The story of Kayyisah, Sarah, and Uli is just a small part of the 23 female students in the first batch of SMART Ekselensia Putri. They have numerous achievements, memorized the Quran, and are driven by a burning passion to achieve their dreams. Though they are currently still “sharing” facilities with male students, their determination remains unwavering.
Since 2004, Dompet Dhuafa has been making history through its SMART Ekselensia education program for boys, which has produced thousands of accomplished alumni, many of whom have secured scholarships to top universities both domestically and internationally. Now, this commitment is expanding. “Today is historic because it marks the first time SMART Ekselensia has female students. This is made possible by the commitment of SMART Ekselensia, its stakeholders, and donors,” said Zaid Syaifullah, Director of SMART Ekselensia School.
The launch of SMART Ekselensia Putri is a response to community demand and the need for a new generation of strong women. “SMART Ekselensia aims to empower underprivileged children to access education up to university level and break the cycle of poverty,” said Zaid.
However, this journey still requires our support. Ali Bastoni, General Manager of the Waqf Fundraising Division at Dompet Dhuafa, explained that the Dompet Dhuafa Waqf Unit has initiated the construction of a school, dormitory, and specialized educational facilities for the female students of SMART Ekselensia Putri.
“There is a 4,000-square-meter waqf asset in the Tajur Halang area of Bogor Regency, which, insha Allah, will be developed into a SMART Ekselensia school for female students,” Ali elaborated. “This is an effort following the success of SMART Ekselensia today, as Dompet Dhuafa is now building comprehensive resources at the junior high and senior high school levels for both boys and girls.”
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The current design allows for a capacity of up to 200 students. However, to realize the dream of becoming an ideal boarding school, significant support from generous partners is required. “We are inviting generous partners to help build hope for the students and their parents by providing classroom facilities, followed by dormitories, so that we can eventually become a boarding school,” added Ali.
The SMART Ekselensia Putri initiative has been in the works since 2023, and now, with the arrival of the first 23 students, its momentum is growing stronger. Despite the current limitations in facilities, Dompet Dhuafa’s commitment to providing the best for the community remains unwavering.
The story of Kayyisah, Sarah, Uli, and the other SMART Ekselensia Putri students is a reflection of the extraordinary potential waiting to be developed. They are future leaders, scientists, and educators who will break the cycle of poverty and bring about positive change.
Let us join together in making history. Every donation you make through the Wakaf Asrama Perempuan program is not just about building a building; it is about building hope, nurturing exceptional generations, and bringing smiles to the faces of those full of aspirations. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and Photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil