GUNUNGKIDUL, DIY –— Dompet Dhuafa Jogja is striving to expand the benefits of the Indonesian Literacy School (SLI) program to encourage school principals to continue to be enthusiastic in developing and improving the performance of their schools. To further increase the benefits of the program, Dompet Dhuafa Jogja took the initiative to form the Indonesian Literacy School Beneficiary Association (ASPIRASI).
ASPIRASI was formed as a forum for beneficiaries of the SLI program, consisting of school/madrasah principals, trainer teachers, and digital teachers, so that they can continue to participate and expand the benefits of the SLI program itself. In the future, ASPIRASI will focus on improving school leadership, learning systems, and developing school culture using various prepared methods.
On Monday (May 30, 2022), while commemorating the month of Shawwal, Dompet Dhuafa Jogja held a meeting with ASPIRASI members and beneficiaries of the SLI program in two locations, namely MIN 6 Klumpit and Pok Tunggal Beach, Tepus, Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta. This meeting also served as a socialization for all beneficiaries about the presence of ASPIRASI as a development forum for the SLI program.
Bambang Edi Prasetyo, Program Manager of Dompet Dhuafa Jogja, explained the journey of the SLI program from its inception to the present day. In addition, Bambang also hopes that this program will serve as a foundation for increasing the benefits of the SLI program in the schools that are the beneficiaries.
“The SLI program in Gunung Kidul is now in its fifth year. This continuous effort is expected to become a strong foundation for the entire school community to continue expanding its benefits,” said Bambang.
Dompet Dhuafa Jogja is not alone in this effort, as it also involves various elements of society and related agencies in the implementation of this activity. In fact, this activity has received support from various parties, such as the Gunungkidul Regency Education Office, the Gunungkidul Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Gunungkidul Regency Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership.
“We greatly appreciate this activity. Thank you for working together to improve education in Gunung Kidul,” said Khahyanto Utomo, Head of Elementary School Teacher Training at the Gunung Kidul District Education Office.
Ngatina, Head of Muhammadiyah Sidorejo Elementary School, who is also entrusted as Chair of ASPIRASI, invited all parties, especially the beneficiaries of the SLI program, to not only educate students in terms of knowledge but also to build their character.
“Let’s not only educate students to be smart but also to have a good character foundation. If this program runs well, insha Allah, it will become something extraordinary. It requires mutual commitment and support from all parties,” said Ngatina.
This activity is proof of the benefits of zakat management in the field of education. Dompet Dhuafa Jogja wants to demonstrate this by improving the quality of schools and their communities while empowering them to be able to expand the benefits that will be brought. (Dompet Dhuafa / DIY / Arlen)