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

September 2025: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

    We’re happy to share our September 2025 project news with you.

    I’m glad to say this update is right on time. Arfan, Uun, and Suci received their school assistance on Sunday, September 21, 2025. I managed to write this update while enjoying a bit of free time. After working hard to pass my final exam earlier this month and receiving my graduation certificate, I'm now taking a moment to recharge, waiting for my proclamation (graduation) day next month before jumping into the next chapter of my busy life.  Believe me, once I start working, every day will feel like Monday. In the worst case, there won’t even be weekends😅

    On September 21, 2025, my dear friend Riche sent me a message confirming that Arfan, Uun, and Suci have received their school assistance for this month. Since Novi graduated this year, Arfan has now taken her place. He’s a second-grade student and such a sweet boy 😊 I truly hope he can shape a better future by studying hard at school.

    Our commitment is to support underserved children with monthly school assistance until they graduate from high school. Some of you might wonder why we don’t extend this support through college. The reason is simple: this is a small, personal project funded entirely from our own pockets.

    Back in the beginning, if I remember correctly, between November 2015 and early 2016, we received donations, which we passed on to our trusted team members for distribution. We documented and reported all those activities. Since then, however, all funding has come directly from us.

    If you’re asking why we don’t support these children through university, our honest answer is: for now, we can only afford to help them through high school. We hope that even this small support can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

    This month, Arfan received IDR 125,000 in school assistance, while Uun and Suci each received IDR 300,000. In addition, all three children received an extra IDR 100,000 to help their families.

If you're wondering why the amounts differ, it's based on their level of education:

• Elementary school students receive IDR 125,000 per month

• Secondary school students receive IDR 175,000 per month

• High school students receive IDR 300,000 per month

• All students also receive an additional IDR 100,000 monthly to support their families.

    Originally, this extra support was implemented during the COVID-19 crisis to help families cope with financial hardship. Even after the crisis ended, we chose to continue this assistance because we believe that even a small contribution can help ease their burdens.

    We know the amount may not be much, but we hope it brings encouragement and helps families stay strong as they face life’s challenges.

    A heartfelt thank you to my dearest friend, Riche. I admire her dedication to helping children from low-income families. She is an inspiring person who deserves the highest respect. Riche built her own kindergarten school from scratch, providing education to children who need it most.

    She’s a hard-working person. Despite facing financial challenges and being unable to attend university after graduating from high school, she never gave up on her dream. It took years of perseverance and resilience, but she overcame every obstacle. In June 2025, she earned her Master’s degree!

    To those still working toward their dreams: keep walking, don’t stop, and never give up!👊🙂

    Thank you for following our journey. See you in the next update! 🙏

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

August 2025: Schools Assistance Has Been Distributed

Welcome back to our monthly update. We've been dedicated to this project for more a decade, and today I'm excited to share the latest news.

Looks like I'm right on schedule this month to write my project update! ✌️😀 I wrapped up my study today at 3:30 PM. I usually start studying around 9 or 9:30 AM every day, treating my university life like a full-time job at a company. That means I’m typically hitting the books from around 9 or 10 in the morning until 5 PM. Of course, when exams roll around, like last June, I can keep studying until midnight (depend on the workload). Before I forget to write this update, I want to get it done now.

Just a moment ago, my dear friend Riche messaged me to confirm that the three children have received their monthly support for August 2025. If you've been following our updates each month, you’ll know that Novi graduated from high school this year. We support each child until they complete high school, so with Novi’s graduation, a new student has joined our program. His name is Arfan, and he’s currently in the second grade.

This month, Suci and Uun each received IDR 300,000, along with an additional IDR 100,000 to support their families. As for Arfan, since he’s a second-grade student, he received IDR 125,000 for August 2025, plus an extra IDR 100,000 for his family. If you read our update from last month (July 2025), you might remember that Arfan wasn’t able to collect his school assistance at the time. So this month, he received both July and August support. I’m really glad he came to Riche’s house. Riche told me that he is a shy boy.☺️ 

I'm deeply grateful to my dearest friend, Riche, who has consistently helped me distribute financial support to these children. Without her, it would be nearly impossible for me to reach them. Having a reliable and committed partner is absolutely essential to keeping this project running smoothly. More than that, trust is everything, especially when it comes to handling and distributing funds.

Anyway, have a nice day! and see you until next time!

NOTE:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti

July 2025: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

Welcome to our project update. Today, I will give you the latest info from our project. Let's check it out!☺️

It’s August 3, and I know I’m late in sharing the July school assistance update. Life has been quite busy, and it looks like things will only get busier. Because of that, I might not be able to keep up with monthly updates as regularly as before. But I’ll do my best to keep you informed

On July 20, 2025, my dear friend Riche informed me that Uun and Suci received their school assistance, along with additional support. Each of them received IDR 300,000 for school-related expenses and IDR 100,000 to support their families. I’m really glad to hear they’re doing well. I hope they continue to study hard in this new academic year. I'm cheering them on! 👊☺️

In July 2025, we began providing school assistance to another child. However, my dear friend Riche mentioned that he hasn’t come to her house yet to collect his July support. He’s a second-grade student, so likely needs an adult to accompany him.

In the past, Riche used to visit the children to deliver the assistance directly. But over time, the process changed. Now the children are expected to come and collect it themselves. If you’ve been following our blog, you probably already know the reason behind this change.

Thank you for taking the time to read this brief update. A heartfelt thanks to my dear friend Riche for her generous support in helping me distribute school assistance to these children.

Take care, and see you next time!

NOTE:

• Written by Acik M. 

June 2025: School Assistance Has Been Distributed

 School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 22nd June 2025 - Photographed by Riche MA. 

Welcome back to our update! Today, I'm excited to share the latest progress on our project. let's check it out! 🙂 We've seen some meaningful developments this month, and we're proud of the positive impact we've made.

I know today is already July 2nd, and I’m a bit late in writing the June update, my apologies! June was my exam season, and things got incredibly intense. I had five exams to prepare for, plus my thesis defense. Since my last class on May 23rd, I dove into full-time study: starting around 9 or 10 AM and continuing until 5 PM, then studying again after dinner until midnight. Most nights, I didn’t get to sleep until 1 or 2 AM.

I had to be strict with myself, sick was not allowed! Just paracetamol, vitamins, and back to the books. 😢 Originally, I planned to begin studying in early May, but my thesis was my priority. I only began exam prep after submitting it, while also preparing for the defense at the same time.

Last Friday, I passed my thesis defense 🎉. After that, I just wanted to step away from my computer and everything study-related. Even now, while writing this update, my head feels heavy. I’m exhausted. 😵‍💫

Yesterday, I checked my exam results and found out I failed one subject. I'll have to resit in August. I have tried my best, and I'm okay with not passing one. What matters most is: I passed my thesis defense. 🙌

School assistance has been distributed at Riche's house on 22nd June 2025 - Photographed by Riche MA.

On June 22, 2025, Riche informed me that three children, Novi, Uun, and Suci, received their school assistance. June also marked the final support installment for Novi, as she graduated from high school.

While waiting for her graduation certificate, Novi has been working at a café. Once she receives her certificate, she plans to apply for a job at a company. I'm incredibly proud of her and truly wish her the best as she steps into this new chapter! 👊🙂

In June 2025, each child received IDR 300,000 for school assistance, along with an additional IDR 100,000 to support their family

School assistance has been distributed at Riche house on 22nd June 2025 - Photographed by Riche MA.

I'm sincerely thankful to my dear friend, Riche, whose dedication has been key in delivering educational support to the children. I couldn't have done it without her. I'm beyond excited to celebrate a remarkable achievement: last Saturday, Riche officially graduated with her Master’s degree! 🎓✨ Her story is nothing short of inspiring. After high school, financial struggles meant she couldn’t attend university right away. Instead, she began her academic journey by enrolling in a course to become a kindergarten teacher. Through persistence and determination, she continued to climb the academic ladder and never let go of her dream.

Thank you for reading our update. Until next time! 😊

NOTE:

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

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

 

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