PIDIE JAYA, ACEH —-— On the first day of school—January 11, 2026—after the holiday season ended, students in several areas of Aceh were still reeling from the aftermath of flash floods and landslides that occurred in November 2025. Damaged school facilities and surrounding mud posed real obstacles for those eager to resume learning activities.
However, good news accompanied the students of MIN (State Elementary Madrasah) 1 Pidie Jaya as they returned to school. On the 50th day after the disaster, Dompet Dhuafa was still present to accompany the residents affected by the disaster. Through DDK (Dompet Dhuafa Konstruksi), Dompet Dhuafa has established an emergency school in the form of a local (classroom) to facilitate the enthusiasm of the students there to go to school.
As of Wednesday (01/14/2026) morning, the DDV (Dompet Dhuafa Volunteer) team, together with Super Volunteer Tiara Nabila, brought joy to the students of MIN 1 Pidie Jaya at the Emergency School. The activity was cheerful and entertaining, filled with interactive play and learning activities.
Through the medium of learning tools such as writing materials and pictures distributed by the volunteers, the children were invited to write down their hopes on paper, which was then posted on a Hope Tree medium provided on the blackboard. Some of them even came forward one by one to express their hopes.
“I want to go on umrah,” said Lia, one of the students at MIN 1 Pidie Jaya.
“I want to be a math teacher, like my father,” replied another student, Muhsin.
Not only that, Tiara Nabila and the DDV team also held a quiz on connecting verses from the Quran. The children who dared to come forward took on the challenge correctly. The atmosphere became even more enjoyable. Tiara Nabila was moved and gave those who came forward a special gift in the form of dolls that she had prepared beforehand. Even so, all the children still received gifts from Tiara in the form of school supplies (stationery, books, etc.) at the end of the session.
“It was very enjoyable and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be here with the children. My heart is full. It is also a reflection for me that they are very enthusiastic about coming to school in the midst of this disaster. The children are also very smart,” said Tiara to the Dompet Dhuafa TV (DDTV) team after the event.
“I had prepared interactive learning modules and gifts for the children in the form of school supplies and dolls. I hope this can help and encourage the children, as well as ease their current needs,” she explained further.
Yes, the day before arriving at the Dompet Dhuafa Flood Disaster Satellite Post in Bireuen, Aceh, Tiara and the DDV team immediately packed the school aid packages that night. They continue to sincerely strive to show their concern for the residents affected by the disaster in Sumatra, especially in Aceh, in the spirit of humanitarian solidarity.
In addition, the Dompet Dhuafa Disaster Management Center (DMC) team also distributed food packages to teachers at MIN 1 Pidie Jaya who were affected by the disaster. The Dompet Dhuafa DARLING (Mobile Kitchen) fleet also provided a menu of green bean porridge and fresh watermelon slices as a nutritious snack for breakfast for residents around MIN 1 Pidie Jaya.
Lia, a student at MIN 1 Pidie Jaya, said, “I am happy to be able to go to school again after the holidays and floods. Although for the time being, some of us are studying in mosques and emergency shelters. I am even happier now that there is an Emergency School and volunteer brothers and sisters. I also got a doll from sister Tiara.”
They are a portrait of the resilience of the children of Sumatra. Surrounded by water, they remain steadfast, ready to return to school when the water recedes. Dear friends, you can also play a role in strengthening humanitarian solidarity for the survivors of the flash floods in Sumatra. Your donations will help provide various necessities for long-term recovery. Send your best assistance through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/prayforsumatera. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil