Written by Rico Dian Sahputra, Tanoto Scholar from Medan Institute of Technology

The sadness that the evacuees of Mount Sinabung eruption feel is also felt by all of us. Because of that, members of Tanoto Scholars Association Medan tried to lessen the hardship of the victims of the eruption, particularly that of the young ones.

As evacuees, they had to live in conditions that are far from normal. They often have to spend cold nights in temporary tents. They also should be able to use the limited supply that they have wisely. More importantly, the education of the children in the area has been disrupted with no end in sight.

On July 15, the recipients of Tanoto Foundation scholarships, or Tanoto Scholars, visited these young children. With this visit, we tried to improve the children’s spirit. Through fun games, we also tried to make them forget their sadness, even for a little while. We were so happy to see that they took part in all the activities enthusiastically. During the time we were there, all their faces were filled with smiles and happiness. Through the games, we also tried to teach them some general knowledge that they found interesting. We distributed snacks, toys, text books and reading books so they could continue learning.

We hope the children realized that although their current condition was far from normal, there were people who cared for them.  We also hope that they eruption will ends soon so these young people could go back to their villages and continue their education.

Written by Khairun Nissa, Tanoto Scholar from Universitas Mulawarman, Samarinda

“If not us, who? If not now, when?” Motivated by these questions from John F. Kennedy, we, the recipients of Tanoto Foundation Scholarship or Tanoto Scholars, decided to do a blood drive and free health check up at Universitas Mulawarman, Samarinda recently.

Working with the Students Executive Body of the University Mulawarman Community Health Faculty, Medika Kesehatan  Vocational School, and Indonesia Red Cross, we carried out the activities from May 21 to 24, 2015.

We set up two booths where one was used for blood drive and another for free health check up. Visitors could donate their blood and check their level of cholesterol, blood pressure, and stress for free. However, visitors could participate when they fulfilled one requirement. They must donate one reading book to us.

The visitors’ response was positive. In addition to the University students, many community members turned up, donated their blood and got their free check up. “This activity is very helpful for me. I don’t have to go far to have my health checked up,” said one of the participants.

For us, the Tanoto Scholars, this activity brought a great deal of pride. We helped members of the surrounding community to care for their health. We were also able to help the Indonesia Red Cross to increase their stock of blood.

We learn a great deal from the philanthropic work of Bapak Sukanto Tanoto and Ibu Tinah Bingei Tanoto, the founders of Tanoto Foundation. Throughout their life, Bapak Sukanto Tanoto and Ibu Tinah Bingei Tanoto have helped many children who come from underprivileged families to continue their education and improve their chance for a better future.

As recipients of Tanoto Foundation Scholarship, we are encouraged to give back to the community. This blood drive and free health check up are parts of that effort.  Our other activities include teaching children at different schools to love learning and books. Remember the previously mentioned requirement for the event’s participants to bring one book? These books will be used in reading corners in schools that we work with.

Training students to wash hands with soap regularly.

Written by Yudha Priana, Tanoto Foundation Jambi

SDN 12/I Terusan is located at Batang Hari Distict, Jambi. The Village of Terusan could be found near Batang Hari River, not too far from the area of Tanoto Foundation’s corporate partner, PT. Inti Indosawit Subur. Since its establishment in 1980, the school has been the main choice for the area’s parents as a school to send their children to.

As a part of Tanoto Foundation’s effort to improve the quality of education for schools in rural areas, this school has been taking part in different trainings of the Foundation. For example, teachers have been trained to improve their class room delivery in contextual teaching and learning. Also, Tanoto Foundation has provided support for the school’s facilities. Finally, teachers and students of SDN 12/I Terusan have been encouraged to have healthy living habits.

The school takes part in Tanoto Foundation programs enthusiastically and consistently. The school stakeholders also continue to implement the newly-learned skills and knowledge as part of the school’s activities. Because of this, SDN 12/I Terusan is now known to be the area’s school that has been supporting its students to have healthy living habits. In 2015, defeating 201 other schools in the District, SDN 12/I Terusan won the Healthy School Competition for Batang Hari District.

“This achievement is possible because of the efforts of the teachers and community members, as well as the support from Tanoto Foundation. Because of the assistance from Tanoto Foundation, our school is now a strong contender when it comes to the healthy school competition,” said Intizom, Principal of SDN 12/I Terusan.

As the winner of the district level competition, SDN 12/I Terusan will represent Batang Hari District in a similar competition at the provincial level. The school extends its appreciation for the support of Tanoto Foundation and hopes to perform well at the provincial and national level.