DEPOK, WEST JAVA — The diploma redemption program by LPM Dompet Dhuafa offers a beacon of hope for Elsa’s (19) future. Previously feeling like a bird trapped in a cage, Elsa yearned to soar towards her dreams but found herself ensnared by harsh realities devoid of mercy.
Elsa Nur Syekha, a graduate of Assalamah Vocational High School in Depok with a major in Office Administration Automation, faced significant economic challenges that hindered her immediate entry into the workforce after high school.
Financial constraints led to her diploma being withheld, impeding her ability to realize her dreams. The diploma was held due to outstanding payments for the Educational Development Contribution (SPP) and examination fees.
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Many opt to dive into the job market immediately after high school, driven by economic limitations or the desire to explore personal potential and interests in various professions. This step often marks the beginning of a journey towards financial independence and career development.
However, Elsa could not embrace this path after finishing high school. Her creativity and potential seemed to be halted by financial burdens that locked away opportunities. After graduating in July 2023, Elsa battled economic demands to make ends meet and redeem her diploma for better job prospects.
“It’s been tough; I’ve had difficulty applying for jobs without a diploma,” Elsa said.
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Despite stumbling, Elsa’s spirit continued to chase the shadows of her dreams, hoping to break free from the economic chains that bound her. With only a Certificate of Completion (SKL), she worked freelance as a storekeeper in a shopping center in Depok to survive.
“Since July until now, I’ve mostly been freelancing while looking for jobs at a shopping center in Depok, guarding a store,” she added.
Elsa faced this reality daily, persevering in her job despite the meager daily wage of IDR 50,000.
“It’s a daily wage of IDR 50,000, with full workdays. If we don’t show up, we don’t get paid, and there’s no off-day system,” Elsa shared.
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Elsa further explained that her freelance work barely allowed her to chip away at the SPP debt, as the earnings were only sufficient for daily needs.
“I can’t save much. From IDR 50,000, it’s just enough for a day. I’ve been behind on SPP payments and couldn’t cover them. While working, I tried to pay off a little at a time, but I still owe IDR 1.9 million,” she continued.
Elsa, the second child of Sri Wahyuni, lives with her mother and a toddler sibling. Her mother, a homemaker, felt helpless, relying on Elsa’s elder sibling, who is married, for family needs.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m happy to redeem the diploma. Without it, many job applications were rejected. For daily needs, I rely on my child, Elsa’s elder sibling. Thank you, Dompet Dhuafa. I hope you can help others in need in the future,” Sri Wahyuni said with a smile.
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Thanks to the generosity of Dompet Dhuafa donors, Elsa can pursue her dreams. The remaining debt was cleared by Dompet Dhuafa through the Community Service Institution (LPM) on Friday (19/1/2024), as part of the Diploma Redemption Program.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m happy and grateful. I thank Dompet Dhuafa for helping redeem my diploma. I plan to apply for jobs and have committed to LPM Dompet Dhuafa to continue to the next educational level,” Elsa expressed hopefully.
The diploma redemption is one of LPM Dompet Dhuafa’s Empowering Family Programs, prioritizing high school and vocational school diplomas.
“We prioritize orphans and the needy first. Now, besides the needy and orphans, our goal with this program is to enable them to continue their education to the next level. Many needy students have finished high school and want to pursue further education or scholarships but are hindered by unredeemed diplomas,” added Ahmad, a Diploma Redemption Program Surveyor. (Dompet Dhuafa/Anndini)