JAKARTA — On that day, the streets were uniformly drenched by a heavy downpour, which paradoxically brought with it an abundance of blessings. This rainfall symbolized the divine grace bestowed through the collaborative kindness between Shopee and Dompet Dhuafa in their Shopee Barokah Sharing initiative.
Despite the relentless rain, a determined group of street children made their way to the Akur Kurnia Shelter Home. Located in the vicinity of the East Jakarta Wholesale Market, this facility offers sanctuary and guidance to street children from the Pasar Rebo, Taman Mini, and Cililitan areas.
Managed by Otong Suryana, the shelter was established out of a profound concern for the plight of these children. His firsthand experiences as a former street child motivated him to create a safe haven where street children could lead dignified lives.
“As someone who grew up in the market and on the streets, I understand their struggles intimately. Our mission is to provide these children with the care they deserve. If they have nowhere else to turn, it’s our duty to welcome them,” Otong stated.
The shelter is a refuge for various groups, including abandoned toddlers, individuals with disabilities, street children, and members of community groups like market children and buskers, as well as those with mental health disorders.
Otong’s passion for sports has inspired a range of activities and programs at the shelter, including football training, music, automotive workshops, a literacy corner, and vegetable gardening. These initiatives are part of Otong’s vision for transformative change.
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“We’re driven by the hope that rehabilitation will spark positive change in these children. For example, those interested in automotive work are welcome to start their workshops here. Similarly, those skilled in market trading can be connected with market vendors,” Otong explained.
Life as a street child is fraught with challenges, from limited access to education to a lack of basic protection and opportunities for growth.
Fortunately, on Thursday (4/1/2023), the Shopee Barokah Sharing program allowed these children to enjoy a box of rice and side dishes. Amidst the heavy rain, Shopee Barokah Sharing was able to fill and warm their hungry stomachs.
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“Alhamdulillah, that has fulfilled the children’s rights. There was crispy chicken rice with nutrients. This is food they rarely eat, and they were happy,” Otong expressed.
A total of 102 portions of food were distributed to the street children. In addition to the Akur Kurnia Shelter Home, 120 portions of the Shopee Barokah Sharing Program were also distributed to the Al-Hidayah Assuaidiyyah Foundation in Pondok Kopi, East Jakarta.
“Heavy rain is a blessing. I am grateful that Dompet Dhuafa genuinely cares. Thank you, the children’s rights have been fulfilled by Dompet Dhuafa. Shopee and Dompet Dhuafa have shown care for the children of Indonesia. Allah promises that those who give a lot in charity, inshallah, will receive even more,” Otong thanked Dompet Dhuafa.
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Affrizal Hafidz Daffandi from the Dompet Dhuafa Digital Partnership Team explained that the Shopee Barokah Sharing Program is expected to foster concern among Shopee users.
“Shopee Barokah Sharing is an initiative run by Shopee and Dompet Dhuafa to encourage Shopee users to share and make a positive impact on the less fortunate by sharing food. The program is implemented in two locations: the Akur Kurnia Shelter Home in Kramat Jati and Al-Hidayah Assuaidiyyah in Pondok Kopi. We hope this program will cultivate a sense of care among Shopee users for our less fortunate brothers and sisters,” added Affrizal. (Dompet Dhuafa/Anndini)