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

 

December 2024: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

 

School Assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 21 December 2024 - Photographed by Riche's collection

Today I am going to give an update on our project. The first is that the three children have received their monthly assistance. The second is an update on their school performance. Let's check it out!😊

First of all, I apologize for the delayed update. For those who are following our blog, you know why I am often late in providing updates on our project. School assistance is distributed on the 20th of each month. However, we might encounter circumstances where I am busy with my studies or Riche is occupied with other things as well. 

Similar to last month, this month each one of them received IDR 300,000 to support their school matter and IDR 100,000 to support their families. As I mentioned before, this school assistance isn't much, but I do hope they can spend it wisely. And the funds come from our own pockets. Indeed, when we first initiated the school assistance program, we received some donations that lasted for 2 or 3 months. After that, the funds have come from our own pockets. We documented those donations and have published the records.

                                                   

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 21 December 2024 - Photographed by Riche's collection

As I mentioned above, I would like to provide an update on the children's school performance. Uun and Suci are currently ranked third, while Novi is ranked sixth. I am so proud of them! Despite the difficulties, they embrace the challenges and get through them. Normally, Novi is in the first or second rank, so this semester she dropped to sixth place. Riche told me that Novi cried because her rank dropped. I told Riche that it's okay and there's no need to worry. For me, ranks can rise and fall. The most important thing is that Novi maintains her spirit to study and her willingness to learn. That's what truly matters—knowledge is far more important. 

Indeed, for some students and their parents, rank is important as they believe it brings success in the future. However, I have a different opinion. Without focus and commitment, we cannot achieve anything. Throughout my education, from primary school to my bachelor's program, I have seen many smart students who ranked above me. Moreover, many of them came from wealthy families, which meant they had the opportunity to study abroad and obtain the highest degrees if they wanted. However, this does not guarantee a successful future. I have seen average students, and even those from low-income families, achieve great things. Meanwhile, those with 'access' and 'facilities' often fell behind. Several years ago, I knew someone who ranked well in school and had a dream of studying in Germany. However, during university, in his second year, he lost focus and commitment, getting distracted by unnecessary things. As a result, he took seven years to complete his bachelor's degree. I was extremely disappointed in him. My question was, 'If you took seven years to finish your bachelor's degree, how can you study in Germany?' Even in Singapore, one of the requirements to pursue a master's degree is "finish a bachelor's in four years" (for those coming from Indonesia; typically, the bachelor's program in Indonesia is four years). Why? In Singapore, Bachelor's degrees typically take three years to complete.

What I am trying to say through the story above is that we need focus and commitment to achieve something. Keep your head down and study. Find something that makes you curious to learn. If, in the end, you achieve a high rank or become an honor student, that's a bonus. I understand it's not easy for those from low-income families, but embrace the challenge. 

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 21 December 2024 - Photographed by Riche's collection

I hope Novi, Suci, and Uun can understand that to have a better future, other things such as focus and commitment can shape our paths. Rank alone is not enough to achieve our dreams. Many factors influence how far we can walk or fly. A wise person once said, 'If we do what many others do, we will end up like them—average.' So, if we want to be different, we must do something different.

It seems I've talked quite a bit in today's update. Speaking of which, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! What are your wishes for the upcoming year? Whatever they are, I hope you can focus and commit to them.

Note:

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

November 2024: Ichikraft's School Assistance Has been Distributed

 

Ichikraft's school assistance has been distributed on 20 November 2024 at Riche's home - Photographed by Riche's collection

Hi all of you, hope all of you are doing well. Today I am going to update our project. And my apology because I give a late update. Let's check it out!☺️

I know, today it has already December 1st. I know I am late to update the project. I try my best to give an update on our project monthly. However, I have been busy. If you are following our blog, you know that I pursue my academics since last year. Yes, I got accepted in two universities in Belgium. And now I am in the second academic year!✌️

Ichikraft's school assistance has been distributed on 20 November 2024 at Riche's house - Photographed by Riche's collection

On November 20, 2024, my dearest friend, Riche, sent me a message in the evening that the three children had had their school assistance. Each month they visit Riche's house to get their assistance. I am glad to see that they are safe and sound and so is their family. And I can see all of them grow up now. Several years ago they were still little girls in primary school. Now they are big girls🥲Time flies soo fast😊 My only hope is that they will have a better life in the future and able to get out from poverty.

In November, Novi, Uun, and Suci, got IDR 300,000 each. Additionally, each one of them received IDR 100,000 to support their family. I hope they can manage the money wisely. I understand it is a small amount of money. However, it is enough to support necessary things regarding their school such as buying a school bag, shoes, stationary, et cetara. 

Ichikraft's school assistance has been distributed on 20 November 2024 at Riche's house - photographed by Riche's collection

One of them will graduate in this academic year. She wanted to meet me, but I could not grant her wish. Maybe someday I will visit the village where these children live with their families. However, I do not know when the time comes.

Thanks to my dearest friend, Riche. It has been a wonderful journey with her for the past years. It gives me valuable experiences and I will continue my work on this project.👊 For some people maybe this is far from what we call "project." However, our commitment, and consistency, would achieve the result. This result can not be achieved in 1 or 5 years. We can see the result in years (it could be 20 years or more). 

Thank you for reading our update. I hope all of you also help others who need help. Regardless of  ethnic, language, and religion, give your hands☺️

NOTE:

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

October 2024: Ichikraft's School Assistance Has Been Distributed

 

Ichikraft's school assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 20 October 2024 - Photographed by Riche's collection

Today I am going to update our project. Yes, we have been working on this project since 2013 and I am so proud as these children work hard on their studies although they encounter circumstances. This is our contribution to creating a better world with a small act to help others, for those who are willing to study as I believe school is the key to break the cycle of poverty. 

I am able to write this update on time as today I have a little time to do it. Well, literally I do not have weekends or holidays. Last summer holiday I spent all my time finishing my research which was my research paper. After it was done, I needed to work on finding another topic for my next research which is my thesis topic. And just last Friday I got approval for my thesis topic. Actually, when I proposed my research topic for my research paper, I was preparing it as my thesis. However, I could not control external factors, hence I decided to find another topic for my thesis. Yes, I made a major decision in June this year. 

Ichikraft's school assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 20 October 2024 - Photographed by Riche's collection

This evening my dearest friend, Riche, sent me a message that Uun, Novi, and Suci, they have gotten their monthly assistance. I am happy to see that all of them are doing fine. Each month on the 20th, the girls come to Riche's house to receive their school assistance. After the children got their money, Riche would give me an update including the pictures. Why does Riche take their pictures and send those pictures to me? The reason is to prove that she is doing her job. Put another way, it is to gain trust. At first, I did not want to place the pictures even did not want to write either, however at the time we received some donations, therefore I had to give them evidence that we were doing our work on this project. And this is our contribution to creating a better world. A small act for a big hope.

Same as previous month,  Uun, Suci, and Novi received the same amount of money, IDR 300,000 each to support their school with an additional IDR 100,000 to support their families. If you are following our project's update each month, last month I announced that Uun and Suci graduated from secondary school and they attend high school in this new academic year. It is the reason why both get the same amount of money as Novi gets. Meanwhile, for the additional money, the amount is still the same which is IDR 100,000 each to support their families. It is not much but I do hope it could ease their living expenses, at least they could use it to purchase rice. 

Thank you for reading our update. And many thanks to my dearest friend, Riche, who has always helped me to distribute the money for the children. It is a valuable partnership on this project. Without her, it's virtually impossible to reach them. 

Ichikraft's school Assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 20 October 2024 - Photographed by Riche's collection

Take care all of you, and have a wonderful day!👊🙂

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Photographed by Riche's collection
• Do not copy this article without permission
• Do not reuse these photographs without permission

September 2024: Ichikraft's School Assistance Has Been Distributed

 

Ichikraft's school assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 20 September 2024 - Photographed by Riche's collection

First of all, thank you for following our project's update each month. Today I am going to share news which I believe if you have been following our project you easily notice what is it about. Let's check it out!✌️🙂

Last Friday, in the evening my dearest friend, Riche, sent me a message that Novi, Uun, and Suci have taken their assistance. I was glad to see their pictures because they looked healthy. On top of that, I believe they have studied hard and content. What does it mean? Well, I am happy to see children from a small village that almost no sufficient support to facilitate their studies such as laptops, and textbooks yet they try their best at school. I am really proud of them!👊 Future is a mystery, I want/ hope they are (not only Novi, Suci, and Uun) but to all children who come from villages and low-income families to not give up so easily on their dreams or what they want to be in the future. I know very well, it will encounter obstacles along the way, but if they keep walking and working, eventually they will achieve something.

Ichikraft's school assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 20 September 2024 - Photographed by Riche's collection

As I mentioned last month, Uun and Suci attend high school in this new academic year which means their monthly assistance increases from IDR 175,000 to IDR 300,000. And this school assistance will end after they graduate from high school and we will find others who are in elementary school to support them. Indeed, this project was initiatived by my partner and me around a decade ago. When we started it we were aware to achieve the project's goal would take a while. What is the goal? The project is aimed to support children who come from low-income families by giving school assistance monthly hence they can at least hold a high school certificate. By holding the certificate, they can find a job and have income. In the end, this is a small mission to break the cycle of poverty. 

Ichikraft's school assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 20 September - Photographed by Riche's collection

This September 2024, Novi, Uun, and Suci received IDR 300,000 each for their school assistance. Additionally, each one of them got IDR 100,000 to support their family. It is not much, however, I do hope with this assistance at least they can hang on a little longer to stay at school until get the certificate. 

Thank you for reading the article. And many thanks to Riche. 

NOTE:

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

August 2024: Ichikraft's School Assistance Has Been Distributed

Welcome back to our monthly update! How have you been, all of you? Hope all of you are doing well. Today I am going to give an update on our project. Briefly, we have been working on this project for more or less 10 years. Therefore, it is not over night project to see the result and we believe on what we have been doing. 

On 20 August 2024, my dearest friend, Riche, sent me a message that the children visited her house and received their monthly assistance. I am glad the three of them are doing fine and look very well. On top of that, Uun and Suci have graduated from secondary school which means they are entering high school this new academic year (2024/2025). I am proud of them, they are really amazing kids. And I do hope they keep going and work hard on their study and do not give up so easily. 

Indeed, as I mentioned last month I would increase their school assistance starting this month. Hence, for August 2024, each one of them got IDR 300,000 for their school assistance. With IDR 100,000 for each to support their family. If you are following our update each month, you have already noticed that additional money was originally to give a little help to these children families due to the pandemic. However, we decided to keep supporting their family until these days. 

Moreover, I apology, because I am late to give an update each month. If you are following our blog, you know that I have started my Master's program since last year. I have been busy with my school matters. This year is my second year and I do hope it will be going well.👊

Thank you to all of you who read our update. Furthermore, thank you to Riche who has always helped me to distribute school assistance monthly. 

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Do not copy this article without permissions

July 2024: Ichikraft's school assistance has been distributed

It's been a while, I hope all of you are doing well! Today I am going to update our project. Yes, we have been working on this project for a decade🙂 Indeed, it is not overnight work as it needs commitment. Ok, let's check it out!

On 20 July 2024, my dearest friend, Riche, sent me a message. Same as a month before, it is good news because the three children which are Novi, Uun, and Suci have received their monthly assistance from us. In brief, each month those children get school assistance and the amount of money depends on the level of education. To be clear, this school assistance ends when they graduate from high school and we will select another to receive our school assistance. Deep inside, personally, I would like to help them until university, however, this project is funded by our own pocket. But it is possible maybe in the next few years I will be able to give school assistance until a university level. For those who have strong motivation, they will find a way to study at university no matter how hard it is, I believe that. 

Talking about university, I have heard many say they are not able to go to university because of financial issues. However, I have seen many succeeded hold university degrees even though they came from low-income families. Which one is credible, the first statement, or the fact? If I disagree with the first statement, someone might say "Acik, you do not know the situation they encounter." And, if I agree with the second fact, somebody might comment "Acik, they are just lucky can study until university." And, the third case, someone from a low-income family able to enroll at a university, has a big dream, yet does not strong enough to keep going, breaking in the middle of roads. It is likely the same with my research (but my research is not in this field, just similar) when psychology influences the decisions made and what an individual believes. From my point of view, "lucky" is not in my dictionary, and do not wait for luck for you who want to reach your goal/ target, or whatever you want to achieve. Moreover, stay strong, keep going even only step by step, and never give up. And I do really, really hope, these kids focus and work hard to reach whatever they desire for their future. 

This month, I have another good news as two of them, Uun and Suci will attend high school in this new academic year!!✌️🤩 Congratulation, I am really proud of you girls! I hope they keep studying and working hard no matter what happens. 

Speaking of which, this month Novi received IDR 300,000 for her school assistance, while Uun and Suci got IDR 175, 000. Additionally, each one of them received IDR 100,000 to support their family. As Uun and Suci will be attending high school, their monthly assistance will increase next month. 

Thank you for reading our update, and my apology as I give a late update and there is no picture. If I have time I add the pictures. As you may already know I have been busy. Indeed, I am on summer holiday, but not me. Even, I do not have weekends to relax unless I am sick. I still have to work on many things day and night. I also wonder why I keep having a lot of things on my hands🤔😅 

Anyway, take care and have a nice day to all of you! bye!😊👊

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Do not copy this article without permissions

June 2024: Ichikraft's school assistance has been distributed

 

Ichikraft's school assistance this month (June 2024) has been distributed - Photographed by Riche's collection

It's been a while, how are things going? I hope all of you are doing good! 🙂 Today I am going to share good news that the children who have been receiving our school assistance each month finally received their assistance for June 2024! Let's check it out!😊

On Friday 21 June 2024, my dearest friend, Riche, sent me a message that Uun, Suci, and Novi, received their money. This June, Uun and Suci got IDR 175,000 each while Novi received IDR 300,000. And IDR 100,000 each to support their family. I am glad to see all of them are in good shape. Moreover, they keep their spirit to work hard on their study.

Ichikraft's school assistance for Suci this month (June 2024) has been distributed - Photographed by Riche's collection

My hope for Uun, Suci, and Novi: generally for all children who come from low-income families, they must believe education is the key to get a better future. Indeed, as I mentioned in the last update, I had seen many of them did not have faith in it. However, learning from my own experience, my father put my faith in education, "education is number one!" And it is not done overnight to achieve something beyond. Looking back at the day, when my father wanted to send me to university, "everyone" opposed  even though that decision did not have any relation to their life. Then my father passed away not long after I graduated from my first university. Everybody blamed me and accused me that I was the reason my father died because my education was costly. They said I was a looser, a village girl who live in imaginary world. Instead of giving up on my dream, I kept walking through those fire. And what I have been doing for years is not to prove they are wrong. What is my motivation? Well, I just want to achieve my dream. I do still remember, my father attended my graduation day long time ago. He had a big smile that I had ever seen since the horrible tragedy attacked him and he lost everything. I can not imagine how big his smile when he can attend my graduation again, here, in an alien world because it's beyond his imagination. Happy father's day! From this story what I am trying to say is that there is a mountain obstacle we will encounter when we build a bridge from scratch. Therefore, I hope those children able to understand that education is the hope to alter their life into a better one. 

Ichikraft's school assistance for Uun this month (June 2024) has been distributed - Photographed by Riche's collection

I want to thank Riche for the past 7 years (more or less). It has been invaluable experinces in my journey. I have learned soo much from her. She is an amazing person🤩 and a great role model. And as a friend, I am proud of her!👊😊

Thank you for reading our update, have a nice and bright day!👊

Note:

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