Stories of Change
A lively morning greeted the faces of young children as they stepped into the schoolyard. Their cheerful laughter echoed as they ran, carrying their small backpacks. In the hallway, their singing harmonized, creating a simple melody that brought the atmosphere to life. This day wasn’t just the first day back after a long holiday; it was a vibrant new beginning for RA Dwi Tunas Bangsa, a school in Tangerang Regency that now seemed to have been reborn.
The school building, once fragile, now stands strong. The structure has been reinforced, the leaky roof has been replaced, and every corner of the rooms has been renovated to be safer. The bright yellow walls make the school feel warm and welcoming. The two classrooms are now spacious and comfortable, the teacher’s room has become a proper place for discussions, and most importantly, a new, hygienic, and safe toilet has been built for the children. All of this makes RA Dwi Tunas Bangsa feel like a second home, fit for a young generation full of dreams.
However, the current condition is vastly different from the school’s past. For over a decade, the building had slowly deteriorated. The paint faded, some walls were cracked, the roof leaked when it rained, and the classrooms felt stuffy without proper ventilation. The school’s toilet had long been out of order, forcing children to use a neighbor’s house whenever they needed to go. This situation not only made them uncomfortable but also risked their health and lowered their self-confidence.
Due to the limited facilities, the number of students dropped dramatically. Only about 15 students remained. Many parents were hesitant to enroll their children at RA Dwi Tunas Bangsa, not because of the quality of teaching, but because the building was considered unfit. For Agustini, the headmistress, this was a heavy burden. She wanted the children in her community to receive a proper early education, but the lack of facilities made the struggle difficult.
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Good news finally arrived when Habitat for Humanity saw the situation and decided to step in. This collaboration didn’t just fix a building; it revived hope. A comprehensive renovation was carried out. The building structure was reinforced, the roof was repaired, classrooms were updated, the teacher’s room was reorganized, and a new, proper, and hygienic toilet was built.
“The help to build these school facilities has truly helped us. Now we can accept more students. From just 15, the number of students has doubled. Now more than 30 children are studying here,” said Agustini with a relieved smile.
For Agustini, it’s not just the number of students that has increased. More than that, the learning environment has become much more pleasant. “The most important thing is the safe new classrooms, the roof that doesn’t leak, and the proper toilet facilities. The children feel at home, and the teachers are more motivated. A comfortable learning environment truly makes a big difference,” she added.
This change is tangible for both students and teachers. The children can now learn peacefully without feeling hot. The teachers can focus on teaching without worrying about facility limitations. The school is no longer just a makeshift place, but a space truly worthy of nurturing dreams.
Education is the foundation of the future. A decent school building isn’t just about walls and a roof; it’s a place that instills values, character, and hope. Every bright color on the walls of RA Dwi Tunas Bangsa symbolizes a new spirit. Every child’s laughter is proof that adequate access to education truly paves the way for a brighter future.
“I hope this school becomes a support for children in achieving their future. We want them to grow up confident, healthy, and daring to dream,” Agustini concluded with great hope.
From this simple hallway in Tangerang Regency, we learn that the future of children should not be limited by the condition of a fragile building. With collaboration and care, a strong and comfortable school can become the starting point for the next generation to go further.
Writer: Kevin Herbian
(kh/av)
