STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Less than 7 million out of 21 million Indonesians aged 19-24 attend college or universities —an enrollment rate that is staggering by contrast when compared to a neighboring country’s 60-70%. Among the main reasons of absence is financial difficulty.

As ‘arkatama’ means ‘a light that shines on its family’, AIF wishes to help the young generation reach their highest potential through education regardless of their socioeconomic status so that they can better their families’ living standards. With access to learning process and a competitive spirit, they are also equipped to be prime, driven individuals who are willing to give their best for their country wherever they find themselves in the future.

Our higher education scholarship program is intended for students with highest academic test scores with priority given to those from underprivileged families. Grants cover entry and tuition fees as well as costs for dormitory and books. Since 2013, we have given financial aids to 103 recipients from Semarang, Sampit, Sampit Teachers, and BBU Jayapura with a splendid maximum GPA of 3.97 out of 4. Donate now to help us empower more students in more cities.

LITERACY PROGRAM

The ability to process information by reading and writing is critical to economic development as well as individual and community well-being. With the number of illiterates reaching more than 3 million, Indonesia ranks 60th among 61 countries in literacy rate*** In order to get people to read and write, sources of information such as books should be accessible in a way that is engaging. In addition to storytelling trainings and book donations, microlibrary is an innovative program that aims to raise the ability and interest to read and write in local communities by bringing education closer in the form of attractive landmarks.

Eight microlibraries will be spread strategically at downtown public areas and neighborhoods across Indonesia in coordination with local governments. Iconic and environmentally friendly, each one is created in cooperation with an international architectural firm using cutting edge design and recycled materials. Alongside books provided by civil society organizations, the landmarks will also act as hubs of educational activities managed by the local government and members of the communities. To spread the word, we will enlist the help of media for coverage and exposure.

TEACHER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The quality of education is determined by the quality of teachers. As deliverers of information whom students look up to, they need to be empowered in not only teaching methods, but also character, professionalism and social competence. Indonesia’s 2015 schoolteacher competence test results averaged less than 60% with a highest regional score of 67**. There is definitely a lot of room for improvement.

With the help of Universitas Negeri Semarang and Universitas Negeri Solo which are accredited A in mathematics and science respectively, AIF has held training sessions for 262 teachers in 3 cities: Sorong, West Papua; Sampit, Central Borneo; and Semarang, Central Java. Seeing the resulting drastic rises in students’ test scores, we are planning to continue by conducting more intensive training programs for several subjects in remote areas such as Papua and Ternate.