Help Us Renovate SDN 20 Sijuk, Belitung!

Despite being a key driver for the region’s local economy, Belitung’s tin mining sector has tragically lured countless children away from their classrooms into the hazardous world of the mines.

The allure of quick financial gain has led to widespread child labour across the province. Alarmingly, this practice has become so deeply rooted in the local culture that many view it as a societal norm, with some parents even encouraging their school-age children to engage in mining operations to boost family finances. This prioritization of work over education has had devastating effects on the children’s education, leading to the province’s consistently low school participation rates combined with high dropout rates. Moreover, this early entry into the mining workforce significantly stunts the children’s future opportunities as well as diminishes their long-term earning capacities, condemning families into a perpetual cycle of poverty.

This sense of neglect towards education is physically evident in the deteriorating conditions of numerous schools in Belitung. In fact, according to a survey by the Belitung District Education Office, over 60% of elementary schools require urgent repairs. Among these schools, SDN 20 Sijuk has become a priority to us due to its critical state. The 109 students currently enrolled in the school often find themselves studying next to taped-up windows, beneath leaking roofs, as well as surrounded by severely cracked walls and missing doors.

Ultimately, this creates an environment that actively undermines both the educational experience and overall well-being of the students, potentially leading to even lower school participation rates as students continue to choose the appeal of work over proper education.

Therefore, SETAPAK!, an annual social initiative organized by Melbourne University’s Indonesian Student Association (MUISA), invites you to support our efforts in renovating SDN 20 Sijuk in order to transform the school into an engaging learning environment while providing the necessary resources to reignite a passion for education.

Join us as we pave the way for a more promising tomorrow for the children of SDN 20 Sijuk! The first step starts with you.