May 2025: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

 

School assistance for May 2025 has been distributed at Riche's house - Photographed by Riche's Collections

It's been a while—how have you all been? Welcome back to our monthly update. Today, I want to share the latest progress on our project. In truth, what we've been working on for more than a decade. This is just a small initiative that I've personally dedicated myself to working on.

Today, I received a message from my dearest friend, Riche, who has been working with us for around a decade (if I’m not mistaken). She informed me that the three children had received their monthly assistance. Novi arrived separately, as she was working, while Uun and Suci had already received their school assistance a day earlier.

School assistance for May 2025 has been distributed at Riche's house - Photographed by Riche's Collections

As I mentioned in last month’s update, Novi now has a job at a café while she waits for her school certificate. Once she receives it, she plans to seek employment at a company. I’m incredibly proud of her—she has finally graduated from high school! Although I can no longer assist her, I truly hope she finds her way to a better life in the future. One of my dreams has always been to help children in the village break free from the cycle of poverty, and I believe education is the key to achieving that.

This month, Novi, Uun, and Suci each received IDR 300,000 for their school assistance and IDR 100,000 to support their families. As I always remind them, I hope they spend the money wisely. While the amount may not be large, they can prioritize their needs and make thoughtful decisions on how to use it.

School assistance for May 2025 has been distributed at Riche's house - Photographed by Riche's collections

It’s important that they learn financial responsibility early on, as it will benefit them in the long run. Even small amounts can make a difference when used wisely. My greatest hope is that this school assistance helps them stay focused on their education and build a better future for themselves. 

Thank you for following our updates. A special thank you to my dear friend, Riche, who has consistently helped me distribute the monthly school assistance. Her dedication has made a real difference in the children's lives.

This initiative is more than just financial support, but also fosters hope. Each contribution, no matter the size, brings them closer to a better future. I am deeply grateful to Riche, who believes in this mission and continues to stand by us.

NOTE:

• Written by Acik M.
• Photographed by Riche MA.
• Do not copy this article without permission
• Do not reuse these photographs anywhere else without permission

April 2025: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

 

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 21 April 2025 - Photographed by Riche's collections

Hi everyone, welcome back to our project update! Each month, I’ve made my best effort to keep you informed about our progress. We’ve been working on this project for around 10 years, and we remain committed to assisting children from low-income families, helping them maintain their spirit for studying. Our goal is to break the cycle of poverty, as I firmly believe that education is the key to achieving a better life in the future.

Yesterday, my dearest friend Riche sent me a message that Novi, Uun, and Suci received their monthly assistance. Each month, the three of them visit Riche's house to collect their monthly allowance. I was happy to see pictures of them, knowing that they are safe and sound. The most important thing is their health; being "healthy" is everything. It’s amazing how fast they’ve grown up☺️ Now, they are big girls!❤️ I still remember a few years ago when they were just little girls🙂.

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 21 April 2025 - Photographed by Riche's collections

Riche shared wonderful news about Novi. She will graduate from high school this year! 👊🎉🤩 While waiting for her certificate, Novi is working at a café and planning to secure a job at a company once she receives the certificate. I couldn't be prouder of her! 🥰✌️ I wish her all the success in this exciting new chapter. Seeing our project goals come to fruition fills me with joy. My hope is that in the coming year, we can help more children in the village break free from the cycle of poverty.

If some people ask why I am pursuing my academics, especially at my age (no longer in my 20s), my answer is simple: I have been chasing my dream since elementary school. After my father passed away many years ago, one of my dreams was to send my only brother, who has Down syndrome, to the best school possible for him, and I am proud to say that I achieved that dream. But I have other dreams as well. I want to help more children in the village break out of the cycle of poverty. To achieve this, I aim to assist these children in getting an education, ensuring they can at least complete high school. To do this, I have to get a higher education. I have to help myself before helping others. 

    

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 21 April 2025 - Photographed by Riche's collections

This month, just like the previous one, Novi, Uun, and Suci each received IDR 300,000 for their school assistance. Additionally, they were given IDR 100,000 each to support their families.

Thank you for keeping up with our update today. See you next month!👊🙂

Note:

• Written by Acik M.
• Photographed by Riche M.A.
• Do not copy this article without permission
• Do not reuse this article anywhere else without permission

March 2025: School assistance has been distributed

 

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 20 March 2025 - Photographed by Riche's collection

Welcome to our March 2025 project update! I'm excited to share that Uun, Suci, and Novi have received their school assistance.😊

Honestly, I didn't have time to write an update. As always, my school responsibilities have been overwhelming—I don't even get weekends to myself. Even during my upcoming two-week spring break, I'll still be buried in schoolwork. It feels suffocating at times, but I know I have to keep pushing myself beyond my limits.👊

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 20 March 2025 - Photographed by Riche's collection

On March 20, 2025, Riche informed me that Uun, Suci, and Novi had received their school assistance. I was happy to see their picture and know that all three are doing well. This month was particularly special because I provided them with additional money. Tomorrow, Uun, Suci, and Novi will celebrate the festive season, which is why I decided to give them extra support. It may not much, but I hope it brings a smile to their faces during the festivities, just like other children. They could use the money to buy meat, cakes, or perhaps new sandals or a new dress from the market. 

This month, each of the three children received IDR 300,000 for school assistance, IDR 100,000 to support their families, and IDR 600,000 for the festive season. I hope to continue supporting children who remain committed to their studies, with hopes of securing work after finishing high school. I believe that education holds the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. And I understand that this is not work that can be accomplished instantly. Just keep going.🙂

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 20 March 2025 - Photographed by Riche's collection

Thank you for taking the time to read our update. I apologize if it was delayed. This will likely be the case in the coming months.

Note:

• Written by Acik M.
• Photographed by Riche MA
• Do not copy this article without permission
• Do not reuse these photographed anywhere else without permission

February 2025: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

 

School assistance was distributed at Riche’s house on February 21, 2025 - Photographed by Riche

Welcome back to our project update! Today, I'll be sharing our project's progress. This project represents our contribution to creating a better world and a brighter future. "small acts for a big hope"

School assistance was distributed at Riche's house on February 21, 2025 - Photographed by Riche

Today, I have the time to write this update. This semester has been the most challenging one for me, as I have 5 subjects plus a thesis to work on. I could have taken all my elective courses in the third semester, but some of the elective courses I want to enroll in are offered this semester, not the last semester. I am determined to take specific elective courses as I believe it will be relevant to the career I want to pursue after graduation. About my thesis, I am happy to work on the research because it was my own idea!😊 I am grateful to have enrolled in these specific courses because one of the courses allowed me to finally find the answer to my long-standing question about the Asian economic crisis of 1996/1997. I discovered the answer in my third semester! It's incredible to think that I’ve had this question since I was about 11/12 years old, and I only found the answer at 40. I first learned about "inflation" in secondary school, and it was related to a crisis in Indonesia. However, one thing I’ve always wanted to know was what triggered the crisis and "why" "how" bla bla....😅 Another course I took was also engaging, as it offered knowledge of the 2008 financial crisis. Alright, let's move on from the Asian crisis and whatever else.😵‍💫😅

School assistance was distributed at Riche's house on February 21, 2025 - Photographed by Riche

Speaking of which, last Friday, Riche sent me a message to let me know that the three children have received their school assistance. If you've been following our story, you might have noticed that they visit Riche's house each month to receive the money. Before, Riche visited Novi, Uun, and Suci at their homes every month to distribute the school assistance. Novi, Uun, and Suci each received IDR 300,000 for their school assistance, along with an additional IDR 100,000 to support their families. I hope they use the money wisely and continue to stay motivated in pursuing their education.

Thanks to Riche for helping me distribute the school assistance each month. I'd also like to thank you for following our story.

Note:

• Written by Acik
• Photographed by Riche
• Do not copy this article without permission
• Do not reuse these photographs anywhere else without permission

January 2025: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 24 and 25 January 2025 - Photographed by Riche's collection

Happy New Year, everyone! Today I am excited to share my happiness at the start of 2025! The three children have received their school assistance in January 2025! Let's make this year amazing! 🙂

First of all, thank you for following our updates each month, even though I've been late in writing them. I've finally finished my last exam for this semester on Saturday. This was the first time I had an exam on the weekend. My first class for the next semester will begin in the second week of February, so I thought I could take a rest. Well, dream on!😆😅 After a few days of rest, I'll continue working on my research (thesis). And for the next semester, my schedule is packed! I'll do my best!💪 

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 24 and 25 January 2025 - Photographed by Riche's collection

On Friday, the 24th of January, 2025, Riche informed me that Uun and Novi visited her house and received their monthly assistance. Every time I see their pictures, I feel relieved knowing they are safe and sound. The next day, I received another message that Suci had also received her monthly assistance. For those of you who have been following our updates, you might be wondering why the assistance was distributed on the 24th of January in 2025. The reason was that Riche had been occupied due to the passing of a relative. Therefore, the distribution of school assistance was delayed.

Just like in December 2024, Uun, Suci, and Novi received IDR 300,000 each for their school assistance in January 2025. Additionally, each of them received IDR 100,000 to support their families. I always hope they use the money wisely. Even though it may not seem like a large amount, it can support their school-related needs. I also hope they maintain their high spirits and continue to pursue knowledge at school. As I mentioned in the last update, school grades alone do not guarantee a better future, especially for those who have big dreams. Other factors such as focus, commitment, and discipline are also important if you want to achieve your dreams. Being born into a low-income family doesn't mean you can't achieve something big or great. Nowadays, I see many Indonesians from regular families studying abroad. Of course, this requires tremendous effort and sacrifice. Therefore, if anyone laughs at you because you have a big dream, just ignore them; it means your dream is not big enough if they aren't laughing. Being different is not that easy😊

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 24 and 25 January 2025 - Photographed by Riche's collection

Finally, thank you to those who have been following our story for the past decade. Thanks to Riche, who has always helped me distribute the school assistance each month with her big heart.🙂

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Photographed by Riche's collection
• Do not copy this article without permissions
• Do not reuse these photographed anywhere else without permissions