JAKARTA —— Genuine smiles and tears of joy covered the faces of these education warriors when Dompet Dhuafa announced the happy news: 10 teachers from the Sekolah Guru Indonesia (SGI), spread across various corners of the country, would be going on a free umrah pilgrimage. This noble program is a form of the highest appreciation for the dedication and tireless service of teachers in remote areas of Indonesia, who sincerely accompany Dompet Dhuafa through the SGI education program.
These selected teachers are true unsung heroes. They strive to educate the younger generation amid limited facilities and challenging terrain, from West Nusa Tenggara to remote areas of Sumatra. This umrah reward was made possible thanks to the sincere concern of donors who channeled their good intentions through Dompet Dhuafa.
More than just a religious journey, this initiative is a tribute to their sincerity and struggles in illuminating the future of the nation’s children. This teacher appreciation program also serves as Dompet Dhuafa’s effort to create a social impact in the field of education while fostering a spirit of sharing.
The Story of Riyati: Turning the Akit Tribe’s Hut into a School
One of the recipients of the umrah award was Mrs. Riyati from Meranti Islands Regency, Riau. Long before becoming a temporary teacher at SDN 19 Repan in 2024, Mrs. Riyati had been devoting herself to teaching since 2012.
Every afternoon, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., she taught reading, writing, and arithmetic to children in remote areas that had not yet been touched by formal education. In fact, many of the students’ parents were illiterate. To ensure that the Akit tribe children had the right to learn, Mrs. Riyati did not hesitate to invite them to study by borrowing a hut. Her efforts finally bore fruit, as the Akit tribe’s study group was recognized and became students of SDN 12 Sokop (a remote local school).
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“What’s important in school is not the building,” said Mrs. Riyati.
“But the children’s willingness to learn. As long as they are willing to learn, we can learn anywhere. Whether under a tree or in a mosque, we can learn there,” she concluded.
When her name was announced as a guest of Allah, Mrs. Riyati couldn’t stop wondering if it was her dedication all this time that brought her to the Holy Land.
“I saw the Kaaba and I was so happy. All Muslim believers surely have the ambition and aspiration to see the Kaaba, including me,” she said emotionally.
Era’s Struggle: Crossing Two Rivers for 24 KM
Another extraordinary story of struggle comes from Ibu Era, an SGI teacher who serves at Lubuk Kumbung Public Elementary School, Musi Rawas Utara, Sumatra. Since being appointed as a temporary teacher in 2018, accessing the school has been a challenge for her.
Every day, Era must travel about 24 kilometers, crossing two rivers. Her commute involves a unique combination of transportation: first, she takes a small boat, then a second small boat, and finally a motorcycle to cross three villages. Often, when there is flooding, the bridge she usually crosses is cut off.
There were times when she felt like giving up, but the faces of her students gave her the strength to remain steadfast in her service.
“Alhamdulillah, we have been called to perform the Umrah, alhamdulillah, masyaallah,” said Mrs. Era, her voice trembling with emotion.
“When I was told, masyaallah, I still couldn’t believe it, it was like a dream,” she added.
Mrs. Era expressed her deep gratitude to the donors and Dompet Dhuafa. She also prayed that her fellow teachers in remote areas would receive the same honor.
Dompet Dhuafa hopes that through this initiative, more kind-hearted people will be moved to support the struggle of teachers in remote areas through the Donasi Bantu Guru Honorer Sejahtera (Donation to Support the Welfare of Honorary Teachers) program. This will ensure that access to quality education is evenly distributed throughout Indonesia. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Elfi Handayani
Editor: Dhika