Yogyakarta — Yogyakarta is not only about history and beauty that can be enjoyed. Behind it, there are many stories of struggle in this mortal life. Yulia is one of the many children in Yogyakarta who have to live a life as strong as a rock, full of sacrifice and struggle.
The sweet and polite girl, whose full name is Hamida Yulia Artha, is busy going back and forth to her kitchen and terrace. While wiping her sweat, she deftly helps her mother who is cooking to prepare a menu for Boga Services (catering).
Yulia is the second of two children. She, who now lives only with her mother and brother, did not expect when the Dompet Dhuafa Team knocked on her door, bringing a package containing a School Kit to support her learning activities at school.
The School Kit package includes school supplies, such as bags and stationery. This School Kit is the result of a collaboration of kindness between Tokopedia and Dompet Dhuafa, through the donation service in the Tokopedia application.
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After the passing of their father, the three sisters held hands and complemented each other. Her mother, Dwi Murdiani, owns an up-and-coming catering business. During Ramadan, her orders soar, coming from mosques, banks and for iftar.
Yulia is a smart child with a high spirit for learning, motivated by her mother who works hard for her education. Yulia stated that at home she does cleaning activities such as sweeping and washing dishes regularly. In addition, she also washes and tidies clothes to put in the closet. While in the catering service, Yulia helps her mother with tasks such as clipping boxes and arranging food into them. After finishing the food preparation, Yulia usually delivers it to the mosque, carrying four boxes at a time.
“I like to help my mother. I help her cook, put in the spices and vegetables, then arrange the food, and put the food in the boxes. When I’m done arranging the rice, it’s delivered. I’m really happy to be able to help, because my mom paid for me to go to school and join the karate club,” said Yulia.
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The creeping dawn is not much different from Yulia’s persistent and tireless steps in pursuing her dream of becoming a taekwondo athlete. Although she has to balance helping her mother, being active at school, and also participating in activities outside of school such as joining the Taekwondo club.
“Well, in the afternoon I can help my mother first and in the afternoon I can continue training. At school I participate (in taekwondo) and in outside clubs I also participate (in taekwondo). Because I feel sorry for my mother, if no one helps me, because I’m alone, so I have to help,” added Yulia.
“Yesterday, even though I didn’t win the November PBI competition, I didn’t give up. I remain enthusiastic and ready to face the next challenge, such as the competition that will be held at SMA Teladan tomorrow. I have joined Pleton Inti (Tonti) Senopati and regularly practice every week, from 8am to 10am. Recently, I also attended the inauguration of Tonti. I plan to continue to improve my achievements, and if there is a chance, I will return to UKT to get a higher belt ijo strip,” Yulia added.
Like the fruit falls not far from the tree, a mother is not only the first teacher in terms of manners, but also supports her children’s formal learning. From spelling the alphabet to guiding homework, a mother provides endless encouragement. Dwi Murdiani (56), Yulia’s mother, is willing to work hard for her children’s education. At every step of the way, Dwi gives her children boundless love and attention.
“I happen to take care of catering services, there are rice boxes, snack boxes. Alhamdulillah, I can pay for my children’s school fees,” said Dwi softly.
Through her catering business, Dwi has managed to send her children to school and empower her neighbors. During the month of Ramadan, her turnover has reached more than IDR 7 million.
“Alhamdulillah, sometimes I make 150 boxes per day in one place, and the most I’ve ever made was 250 boxes per day for recitation. Alhamdulillah, for this fasting month, it has been filled, because I have a lot of orders, so I bring my neighbors who are looking for work. We share a little profit together,” Dwi added.
Dwi also dreams of owning her own spacious house. She wants to have a spacious kitchen, making it easier for her and her family to cook food for her catering business.
“My wish is to have a spacious house, specifically for my business. Hopefully, I will achieve what I aspire to, having a house at the same time for my business. I want this catering service to progress and my children to be able to develop this business. Hopefully the children can continue their education to college, the catering service will be more advanced and developed, and what they aspire to can be achieved,” Dwi added, tears flowing gently.
On Friday (3/29/2024), Dompet Dhuafa together with Tokopedia delivered a package containing a School Kit, to help support Yulia’s activities at school. Apart from Yulia, 20 orphans and poor children in Yogyakarta also received the same package.
“Alhamdulillah, I am very happy to be able to get this assistance, it can help for school. Thank you Dompet Dhuafa and Tokopedia. For school, keep up the enthusiasm for learning again. Because I want to make my parents happy and don’t want to bother them, and I want to make my parents proud. I want to prove to my parents that I can achieve my dreams. Thank you ma’am, I’m sorry ma’am I made a lot of mistakes, thank you for taking care of me, for fulfilling my needs, thank you ma’am,” Yulia concluded emotionally. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Anndini Dwi Putri
Editors: Dhika Prabowo, Ronna