EN-ID Blog
That morning, excitement lit up the faces of the students at Pancar Bakti Junior High School in Bogor. One by one, they entered the classroom with confident steps and bright smiles. All 24 first-year students welcomed their school day with a new kind of enthusiasm. For the very first time, they could study in a newly built classroom—strong, safe, and comfortable—something they once could only dream of.
Previously, the classroom was barely usable. Cracks large enough to form holes lined the walls, the floor tilted due to weakened structures, and the roof was on the verge of collapsing. The classroom, which should have been a safe space for learning, became a place filled with anxiety. Every day, students studied under the constant fear of danger that could strike at any moment.
Mahra*, one of the students, still remembers how worried she used to be when sitting in class. “The old classroom always made me scared, Kak. I didn’t want to sit in the back because I was afraid it would collapse. I couldn’t concentrate on learning because my mind was all over the place,” she said.
The same concern was shared by several teachers. Munawaroh, one of the school’s educators, admitted she often ran out of options. With limited classroom space, they were forced to continue using the room despite its hazardous condition. “I didn’t know what else to do. When it rained heavily or the wind got strong, we had to send the students home early for their safety,” she explained.
A classroom should be a safe haven for learning—not a mental burden. If left unaddressed, such conditions could hinder the development and future of the students.
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Building a Safe Space for the Future
Hope began to rise when the renovation started in February 2025. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, supported by generous donors and volunteers, began rebuilding with a focus on the students’ safety and comfort. The project included reinforcing the building’s structure, replacing the roof and ceiling, installing new ceramic flooring, repairing door and window frames, and repainting the classroom to make it more pleasant and inviting.
The changes have made a real difference. Teachers can now teach without fear, and students can learn with peace of mind. “Now I feel more confident stepping into the classroom. There’s no more fear like before. The students are also incredibly enthusiastic,” said Bu Munawaroh.
Mahra, too, no longer dreads sitting in the back row. “Now I’m excited to go to school. I really like the color of the walls. The classroom feels safe and cozy now,” she said with a smile.
A Learning Space as the Foundation of a Golden Generation
More than just a renovation of a physical building, this classroom project is part of a larger effort to create a brighter future for Indonesian children. When they have proper learning spaces, they have more opportunities to grow, learn, and dream big.
Access to safe, inclusive, and quality education is the right of every child. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 4: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” That’s why investment in educational facilities is not just about today—it’s about building a strong foundation for Indonesia’s future golden generation.
Habitat for Humanity Indonesia believes that education is the key to change, and a safe classroom is the first step toward that transformation. Be a part of this journey. Support Habitat Indonesia’s education programs and help build more proper learning spaces for children across the country. Visit www.habitatindonesia.org/education-health and lend your hand today.
(kh/av)
