September 2026: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

 September 2026 Project Update

Hi everyone,

Today, I would like to share our project update, although it is quite late. I sincerely apologize for the delay.

If you have been following our monthly updates, you may have noticed that I often publish them later than planned due to various circumstances. Recently, I have been busy with several activities, and at times I have needed to take longer periods of rest because of my health condition.

Despite these challenges, I truly enjoy what I am doing. I am currently taking a certain lesson that will be completed next year, and I have also joined a choir, which brings me great joy and happiness. Through the choir, I have had the opportunity to meet new people, make friends. And I contribute to the community by lending a helping hand to others as well.

In addition, I have been preparing myself to pursue a research career path. I know this journey will not be easy, but I place my faith in God. Wherever He leads me, I will follow.

Gardening and continuing to write on my gardening blog were also part of my plans for this year. Unfortunately, I have not been able to dedicate much time to either because of the commitments I mentioned earlier. Simply put, I have had very little time for gardening lately.

Around April, if I remember correctly, a friend asked me for a favor: to help his daughter with a particular subject. Naturally, I was happy to help and did not charge any fee. However, I could not commit to a fixed schedule of two one-hour lessons each week. Instead, I told my friend that his daughter was welcome to message me anytime she needed help or had questions about the subject, and I would be happy to help.

As for today's update, Uun and Suci each received IDR 300,000, while Arfan received IDR 125,000. In addition, each of them received IDR 100,000 to help support their family's needs. I hope they are able to use the money wisely.

For some people, these amounts may not seem significant. However, when used carefully and responsibly, even a small amount of money can make a meaningful difference. My hope is that this assistance will help support the children's educational needs and encourage them to continue working toward a better future.

The purpose of this assistance is not to make the children dependent on the help of others. Rather, it is to encourage them to make an effort to improve their own lives. After all, even if we hold a lot of money in our hands, it can disappear quickly if we do not use it wisely. Money is temporary, but the values of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance can last a lifetime.

In short, I always encourage the children who receive our school assistance to work hard and build their own future. That is one of the most important lessons I hope to share with them.

If you have been following our updates, you may remember that one of our beneficiaries, Novi, graduated from high school last year. We supported her education from the fourth grade all the way through high school graduation.

Throughout those years, Novi worked diligently in her studies while also helping her parents in the crop fields after school. Riche once told me that she would often return home from the fields at nearly 6:00 p.m. What an amazing and hardworking young lady she is!

After graduating from high school, and while waiting for her graduation certificate, Novi managed to find a job at a local café. Later, Riche told me that once she received her certificate, she planned to seek employment with a local company. Isn't that inspiring? I am incredibly proud of her achievements.

By securing stable employment, Novi can begin saving money to pursue a university education if she chooses to do so. Whatever path she decides to take, I sincerely hope she will continue growing and achieving her dreams.

Thank you for taking the time to read our update. As always, many thanks to my dearest friend, Riche, for her dedication, kindness, and continued support for these children and their families.

Note: Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

August 2026: School Asistance Has Been Distributed

 August 2026 Project Update

Welcome back to our monthly update!

    Today's update is for our August 2026. As I mentioned in my previous update, there may be times when I am late in posting these monthly reports due to various circumstances that I encounter. However, I remain committed to keeping you informed as this project continues to move forward despite the many challenges I have faced over the past several months, especially after returning home following my graduation.

    To be honest, things have not gone according to my plans. Many things became difficult and complicated. Yet, I believe that God's plan is better than mine, so I choose to place my faith in Him. With that faith, I have started making plans to continue pursuing my academic and research goals. 😊 I know that this journey will not be easy, and there is still a long road ahead.

    Recently, I have also been busy with various activities. Sometimes I feel very tired, but I enjoy staying active. For example, last Sunday I left home at 8:00 a.m. to join a community group activity. After it finished, I took a short break, had a snack, went grocery shopping, and then enjoyed lunch. After resting at home for a while, I left again at around 2:15 p.m. to attend another group activity where we practiced and later joined a performance. By the time I arrived home at 6:30 p.m., I was tired and exhausted, but I spent the day with great joy and gratitude. ✌️😊

    On 31 August 2026, my dear friend Riche sent me a message informing me that the three children, Uun, Suci, and Arfan, had arrived safely at her home and received their monthly assistance. I was happy to hear that they were safe and well, and most importantly, that they came together.

    As in previous months, Uun and Suci each received IDR 300,000, while Arfan received IDR 125,000. In addition, each child received an extra IDR 100,000 to provide additional support for their families.

    Thank you for following our blog. A special thank you to my dear friend Riche for her continued help and dedication.

With gratitude,
Until next month's update!

Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

June and July 2026: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

Project Update – June & July 2026

Welcome back to our project update. I know this update for June and July 2026 comes a little late, but I remain committed to sharing progress, even if delayed.

First of all, I sincerely apologize for the lateness. As I mentioned in my previous update, I have been facing life challenges and ongoing health issues. Despite these circumstances, I continue to move forward with this project to support village children in their education.

In addition, I recently joined a program that has kept me quite busy. Yet, I see this as a positive step. I know myself well. I have always loved to study and learn, with the hope of contributing to a better world. By joining this program, I can keep progressing while gaining new knowledge at the same time.

On 1 July 2026, I received a message from my dearest friend Riche. She sent me pictures of the children, Uun, Suci, and Arfan. This meant they had received their monthly school assistance for June. You might wonder why the June assistance was given on 1 July instead of the usual 30th. Sometimes, due to circumstances when either Riche or the children are unavailable on the scheduled date, the assistance is distributed on the next available day.

As this is a double update, I also want to share that on 31 July 2026, Riche informed me that the children received their July assistance. She sent me more pictures, and I was happy to see them looking well.

June 2026 School Assistance

• Uun: IDR 300,000 (school assistance)+ IDR 100,000 (study appreciation) + IDR 100,000 (family support)

• Suci: IDR 300,000 (school assistance)+ IDR 100,000 (study appreciation) + IDR 100,000 (family support)

• Arfan: IDR 125,000(school assistance)+ IDR 100,000 (study appreciation) + IDR 100,000 (family support)

July 2026 School Assistance

• Uun: IDR 300,000 (school assistance)+ IDR 100,000 (family support)

• Suci: IDR 300,000(school assistance)+ IDR 100,000 (family support)

• Arfan: IDR 125,000(school assistance)+ IDR 100,000 (family support)

I want to express my gratitude to Riche, who has always helped me distribute the monthly school assistance. I truly appreciate her dedication and feel blessed to have her as part of this project. Small acts can carry big hopes.

I know this is a very small project because, over more than a decade, it has supported only three children. Yet, as I shared in last year’s update, one of them, Novi, successfully graduated from high school. We began supporting her when she was in 4th grade, and I am so proud of her hard work and perseverance. Riche told me that Novi worked at a café while waiting for her certificate, with plans to join a company once she receives the certificate.

Novi’s story is truly inspiring. Coming from a low-income family, she showed admirable determination to continue her studies. She often helped her parents in the crop fields after school, sometimes returning home very late. Despite these challenges, she consistently maintained good grades in her class.

Thank you for taking the time to read our update. I hope I won’t be late in writing the next one.

*Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

May 2026: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

Project Update – May 2026

It has been a while, and although this update comes a little late, I’d like to welcome you back to our project update.

Today is June 16, and I am only now sharing the update for May’s school assistance distribution. I apologize for the delay. Despite this, I remain committed to the project I have built and nurtured for over a decade. Even though I face many circumstances, I try my best to keep it running.

As I mentioned in my previous update, I have been dealing with health issues. My recovery has been a long journey and requires much of my focus. Nevertheless, I remain dedicated to this project and continue doing my best to ensure the project moves forward.

Back in February, I told my dear friend Riche that I would stop providing assistance to three children. However, in the third week of March, I decided to continue supporting them ; Uun, Suci, and Arfan. I remember when I was in fifth grade, I had a big dream: I wanted to become a woman with a high education. With higher education, I dreamed of contributing to society by helping those in need. That dream has carried me forward, inspiring me to keep reaching higher.

Because of that, I refuse to give up on helping these three children, no matter the circumstances I encounter. Supporting them is not just an act of kindness; it is the very core of my life’s purpose. It is why I pursued education in the first place: to make a contribution toward a better world, even if it is through small acts.

Starting in March 2026, the children; Uun, Suci, and Arfan, have received their monthly school assistance on the 30th of each month. Sometimes, due to activities or scheduling, they arrive a little late. For May 2026, the assistance was distributed on June 1 at Riche’s house, where all three children came together. I was happy to see their photo and could tell they are safe and sound. Watching them grow up healthy brings me a smile, even in the midst of my own struggles. It feels like a small light shining in the darkness.

To be honest, I am at the lowest point of my life right now. Yet even a small light can guide me toward the right path. Speaking of light, I remember my father once told me the meaning of my name. He said: “Dhiyan: D is for December, since you were born in December. Dhiyan means a small light. So your name means a small light in December.” The “Mar” in my name simply connects me to him, as it was part of his own name. My younger brother also carries “Mar” in his name, almost like a family name, though my father never used that term.

On June 1, my dearest friend Riche sent me a message confirming that the children had received their monthly support. Uun and Suci each received IDR 300,000, while Arfan received IDR 125,000. In addition, each child was given an extra IDR 100,000 to help support their families. I truly hope they continue to work hard in their studies and build a better future.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Riche, who has always lent me a hand in distributing the school assistance every month. And thank you to our readers for following these updates. Wishing you a wonderful day, please take care.

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

March and April 2026: Schools Assistance Has Been Distributed

Project Update – March & April 2026

First of all, I sincerely apologize for missing last month’s update. My health challenges have made it difficult to write regularly, but I remain committed to sharing progress on this project that has been part of my life for more than a decade. Recovery may take months or even longer, but I continue to do my best.

Back in February 2026, I mentioned the possibility of stopping school assistance due to my worsening health. I even discussed this with my dearest friend Riche, who kindly spoke with the children; Uun, Suci, and Arfan about the situation. However, after much reflection, I realized that stopping would leave me with sadness. Helping these kids has always been the purpose of my hard work since I was 11 years old: to pursue academics, contribute to society, and create a better world. Without continuing this mission, my life’s purpose would feel incomplete.

So, in March 2026, I told Riche that I would continue supporting the children. Despite the difficult life I encounter I decided to continue to make different in the my life.

School Assistance Distribution

Unlike before, when assistance was given on the 20th of each month, it is now distributed on the 30th.

• March 2026

  • Uun: IDR 300,000 + IDR 100,000 family support

  • Suci: IDR 300,000 + IDR 100,000 family support

  • Arfan: IDR 125,000 + IDR 100,000 family support

• April 2026

  • Uun: IDR 300,000 + IDR 100,000 family support

  • Suci: IDR 300,000 + IDR 100,000 family support

  • Arfan: IDR 125,000 + IDR 100,000 family support

Gratitude

I want to express my thanks to Riche, who continues to help me distribute the school assistance each month. Without Riche’s support, this project would be far more difficult to sustain.

Note:

Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

February 2026: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

February 2026: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

Monthly Update-February 2026

On Friday, 20 February 2026, my dearest friend Riche sent me a message with heartwarming news. The three children, Uun, Suci, and Arfan, received their monthly support and came together at Riche’s house. I am glad to know they are safe, healthy, and surrounded by care.

Just like the previous month, Uun and Suci each received IDR 300,000, while Arfan received IDR 125,000. In addition, every child was given IDR 100,000 to help support their family’s daily needs. This small gesture may not solve everything, but it brings a little relief and comfort to their households.

However, I must share something important. This month might be the last time I am able to provide financial support to these children. I am facing personal challenges that weigh heavily on me, and at this moment, I need to focus on resolving them. It is not an easy decision, because my heart is always with Uun, Suci, and Arfan.

I hope they understand that this pause does not mean I have forgotten them. My prayers and best wishes remain with them, and I trust that their resilience and the love of those around them will carry them forward. Life sometimes requires us to step back, but the bonds we build remain strong.

This update is not only a record of financial support but also a reminder of the importance of kindness, community, and hope. Even in difficult times, the spirit of giving and caring continues to shine.

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

January 2026: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

Monthly Update

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all doing well. Welcome back to our monthly update! For those of you who have been following along, you might sometimes feel a little bored since we often share similar updates each month. But please bear with us 😊🙏

As I mentioned earlier, I completely understand why these updates may feel repetitive. They are always about the three children receiving their monthly assistance. For us, however, this is very important.

Why do we write these updates each month?

1. To keep a record of our project’s history.
   By publishing an article every month, we can easily track the progress of our work. Without the blog, we might forget important details, for example, when Riche joined us, or the month and year Novi started receiving assistance. These records matter.

2. To evaluate the project’s progress.
   Each month gives us a chance to reflect and adjust. Sometimes we change the way we distribute the funds. For instance, at first, my dear friend Riche personally visited the children’s homes by motorcycle to deliver the money. Later, we decided that the children should collect their assistance directly from Riche’s house. At other times, we’ve discussed whether or not to cut off additional support.

Because of these reasons, I will continue writing monthly updates. They may seem simple, but they help us stay organized, accountable, and thoughtful about the project’s future.

Sustaining the Ichikraft SG Program

Some of you might wonder, “After all these years, shouldn’t you expand the Ichikraft SG program?” The truth is, this project began as a small initiative by just a few people, and the funding has always come directly from our own pockets.

Several years ago, we did receive donations from kind people, and we documented those contributions by publishing articles and simple reports. However, since then, we have continued the journey on our own, funding the project ourselves. For now, this means we can only assist three children.

Finding trusted people to work alongside us has not been easy. In the past, I invited relatives and friends to join the project, believing that with more people involved, we could grow and help many more children. Unfortunately, they had different perspectives, and since there were no personal benefits, they withdrew. As a result, my husband and I decided to carry out the initiative ourselves.

Now, we are deeply grateful that the project has been sustained for over a decade. One of the children who received monthly assistance has already graduated and found a job. I am truly happy and proud of this achievement.

What matters most to us is ensuring that the assistance remains sustainable in the long term. Our commitment is to provide monthly support for the children’s education, from primary school until they graduate from high school. This is, and always will be, the heart of our project.

January 2026 Update

On Tuesday, 20 January 2026, my dearest friend Riche sent me a message in the evening to let me know that Uun, Suci, and Arfan had received their monthly assistance. The three children came to Riche’s house together, which I believe was the first time they collected their support at the same time. I was happy to hear that they are in good health, and I hope their families are doing well too.

Uun and Suci each received IDR 300,000, while Arfan received IDR 125,000. In addition, all three children received IDR 100,000 to support their families. This extra support was originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but even after the pandemic ended, we decided to continue providing it to help ease their family’s burden.

I truly hope that our small contribution can open doors of opportunity for children from low-income families, helping them build a better future and break free from the cycle of poverty. At the very least, we aim to support them until they graduate from high school and are able to find a job. If they choose to continue their studies at university, having a high school certificate will give them the chance to pursue higher education someday.

Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my dear friend Riche, who has dedicated her time and effort to help distribute the monthly assistance. I am deeply thankful to have her as part of our little team.

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

December 2025: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

Welcome to our monthly update. I am happy to share that the three children, Uun, Suci, and Arfan have already received their monthly assistance. Let’s check it out!

On Saturday evening, my dearest friend Riche sent me a message that Suci and Uun came to collect their assistance on 20 December 2025. And what about Arfan? He came the next day, on Sunday morning, 21 December 2025, and received his assistance as well.

I am glad to see that all three children, Uun, Suci, and Arfan are in good condition. I truly hope they continue to work hard in their studies for a brighter future. Something that has always been on my mind is the importance of giving children from low-income families access to education. At the very least, I want them to obtain a high school certificate. With that certificate, they will have the opportunity to find jobs. Once they are able to work, their lives can gradually improve, helping them break free from the cycle of poverty.

As in the previous month, Suci and Uun each received IDR 300,000 for school assistance, while Arfan received IDR 175,000. In addition, each of them received IDR 100,000 to support their families. I always remind the three children to study hard and work diligently toward whatever goals they want to achieve. I hope that my small contribution can help open the path to their success.

Many thanks to my dearest friend Riche, who has helped me distribute the school assistance for the past nine years. I am truly grateful to have her in our team. I hope we can continue this wonderful project together. Even though it is a small initiative, it carries deep meaning in our effort to build a better society and break the circle of poverty.

Lastly, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

November 2025: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

Welcome back to our monthly update! Today I’m excited to share the latest news with all of you. Some of you who have been following our project closely may already know what’s coming, but let’s go through it together.

I’m feeling happy today because I managed to prepare this update earlier than usual. There are two reasons for that. First, our dearest friend Riche has planned to be away for two weeks for something important. Last month, she told me that she wanted to distribute the monthly assistance earlier before her departure, and after a short discussion, I agreed with her suggestion. Second, even though my daily schedule has been quite packed and I feel tired, I still found the energy to write this update today. That makes me feel grateful.

This month, there were no special events, and the distribution amounts remained similar to last month. Uun and Suci each received IDR 300,000 for their school assistance, while Arfan received IDR 125,000 for his school support. In addition, each of them was given IDR 100,000 to support their families. We continue to keep the assistance consistent so that they can rely on it as part of their monthly needs.

Looking ahead, our focus remains on stability and ensuring that the children and their families feel supported. Even though the amounts may not be a lot from month to month, the consistency of this help is what truly matters. It provides them with a sense of security and allows them to plan better for their education expenses. 

Finally, I want to take a moment to thank Riche. Month after month, she has been a huge help in distributing the assistance and making sure everything runs smoothly. Her dedication and kindness make a real difference, and without her, we are not able to reach those children. Thank you, Riche, for your commitment. we truly appreciate you.

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

October 2025: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

Welcome back to my update. Sorry, it’s coming a bit late!

October 2025 has been a tumultuous time for me. I’ve completed my master’s degree and made the decision to return home afterward. Interestingly, this was actually my third option. My initial plan was to go straight into a Ph.D. program. The second was to stay in Belgium and find a job. After a lot of deliberation, weighing the pros and cons of staying versus returning, I chose to come back to Singapore.

Now comes the inevitable question: “Have you applied for a job yet?” or “Did you get a job?” 😅 Honestly, I haven’t applied for anything yet. Before heading home, I took a short trip around Belgium to visit some cities I’d wanted to see. I had hoped to explore neighboring countries too, but because of widespread protests across Europe and limited time, I decided not to risk getting stranded. I just wanted to experience being a tourist, just once! 😁

During my two years of study, I barely took a break. It was nonstop work, day in and day out. So this little trip was my way of rewarding myself before jumping into the hustle of working life.

Since arriving in Singapore, I’ve been busy settling a few things. Unfortunately, I also fell sick and have already seen the doctor twice. It’s been a long journey, and I’m still catching my breath.

On 20 October 2025, my dear friend Riche sent me a message letting me know that the three children in our project had visited her house to receive their monthly school assistance. Each month, they come to Riche’s home to collect the support. In the past, Riche used to reach out to them directly, but things have changed since she became pregnant. Now, instead of her going to them, the children come to her.

Currently, our project supports Arfan, Uun, and Suci. Arfan is the youngest. He’s in second grade and joined us in August 2025. It’s heartwarming to see how we can continue the project, even with the changes.

Arfan received IDR 125,000, while Uun and Suci each received IDR 300,000. In addition, all three children were given IDR 100,000 to support their families. There was nothing particularly special about this month’s distribution, but I truly hope they use the money wisely and stay committed to their studies. I believe in them and know they have the potential to achieve good things in the future.

Some people may question whether education is truly the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. I understand that everyone has their own opinion, and I can’t change their minds. But as for me, I choose to act on what I believe in. Looking back, I’m reminded of Novi. She was one of the children we supported. Today, she has graduated and holds a high school certificate, which helped her find a job. I’m proud of her; her dedication and commitment to her studies opened the door to opportunity.

I’m also deeply grateful to my dear friend Riche for her unwavering support in this project. She continues to lend a helping hand to reach the children who need it most. Her dedication, especially as a volunteer expecting nothing in return.

Thank you for following our update. Until next time! 🙏😊

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti