NORTH KALIMANTAN —-— Dompet Dhuafa’s Zakat Management Partner (MPZ), Almarhamah, held a graduation ceremony for 30 participants of the Nusantara Elderly-Friendly School Program (Nurani) at the Tarakan Mayor’s Multipurpose Building in North Kalimantan on Thursday (February 12, 2026).
The graduates are those who passed after completing a series of 10 learning sessions. This program marks a joint commitment between MPZ Almarhamah and the local government to provide an inclusive learning space for seniors in Tarakan City, North Kalimantan. This demonstrates that education should indeed be accessible to everyone, regardless of age.
During those 10 sessions, the participants—comprising seniors—received materials designed to support their physical, mental, and social well-being. The approach used was participatory, encouraging seniors to actively discuss and share their life experiences. This was one of the program’s strengths, deemed effective in building the participants’ self-confidence.
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The graduation ceremony for the Nurani Senior Citizens’ School was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Tarakan, Ibnu Saud Is; the Chairman of MPZ Almarhamah, Muhammad Zulfunun; and the families of the graduates, as well as volunteers who accompanied the senior graduates.
This event served as a significant milestone, not only for the participants but also for their families and all parties involved in the program’s implementation. From early morning, the senior graduates arrived wearing their academic gowns, accompanied by their families and volunteers.
An atmosphere of emotion and pride filled the room as each participant’s name was called to participate in the official ceremony before the invited guests.
Tarakan Deputy Mayor Ibnu Saud Is expressed his appreciation for the graduation ceremony of the Nurani School for the Elderly. He described the program, initiated by MPZ Almarhamah, as an extraordinary initiative and the first of its kind in North Kalimantan.
“This is extraordinary. As far as I know, this is the first of its kind in North Kalimantan. This certainly reaffirms that Tarakan has once again become the most prominent part of North Kalimantan, as a center of development and the anchor of Paguntaka,” said Ibnu.
On that occasion, Ibnu Saud Is also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to MPZ Almarhamah Indonesia for its dedication and active role in providing education for the elderly.
“We hope that, in the future, MPZ Almarhamah can continue to expand the reach of the Elderly School in Tarakan. May more and more elderly people gain access to education and sustainable empowerment,” he concluded.
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The Chairman of MPZ Almarhamah, Muhammad Zulfunun, explained that the Nurani Senior Citizens’ School is not merely a ceremonial program. Rather, it is an empowerment platform designed to foster a love of learning, boost self-confidence, and strengthen social interactions among the elderly.
“Through this program, the graduates have proven that age is no barrier to continued growth and contribution to society,” he said.
The hooding ceremony was the moment most anticipated by the graduates. With great respect, the Deputy Mayor of Tarakan hooded the graduates. Lively applause from the audience echoed during each ceremony, making the atmosphere even warmer and more festive.
Through this graduation ceremony, MPZ Almarhamah hopes that the Nurani Senior Citizens’ School will continue to operate and reach more senior citizens in Tarakan City. It is hoped that the collaboration between social organizations and the government will grow stronger in order to deliver programs that have a tangible and sustainable impact on the well-being of senior citizens. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: MPZ Almarhamah, Hafiz, Anndini
Editor: Ronna