By Khusnul Khotimah 

Building Confidence Through Speech Training 

When organizations unite for a common goal, the impact can be transformative. On January 18, 2025, Tzu Chi Indonesia and Bakrie University held a public speaking event at Nurul Islam Primary School in Kamal Muara, Jakarta, for fourth to sixth-grade students. The goal was to help children overcome shyness and develop their ability to speak with confidence in public settings. 

Students proudly display their drawings, expressing their creativity and personal experiences. | Photo: Khusnul Khotimah | Indonesia | 2025/01/18 

The session featured an engaging puppet story about Nisa, a young girl who loved to draw but struggled with public speaking. When her artwork was selected for a competition that required her to present a speech, Nisa felt overwhelmed with fear. 

Encouraged by her father’s advice—starting with a friendly greeting, using a simple and engaging story, and concluding with confidence—Nisa practiced diligently. On the day of the competition, she successfully delivered her speech, realizing that challenges can be overcome with preparation and support. 

The story of Nisa, who was shy and afraid to speak in public, was told through a puppet show. | Photo: Khusnul Khotimah | Indonesia | 2025/01/18 

Through Nisa’s story, students learned the importance of perseverance and embracing new challenges. The session, titled "Exploring Skills and Communication Abilities," left a lasting impression on the children. 

Activity leader Mateos Alexander was pleasantly surprised by the students' enthusiasm. "We didn’t expect such eagerness at first. Collaborating with Tzu Chi has been a wonderful experience, and the guidance we received helped us conduct this event smoothly," he shared. 

Activity leader Mateos Alexander (standing) enthusiastically shares speech techniques with the students, guiding them in building confidence. | Photo: Khusnul Khotimah | Indonesia | 2025/01/18 

The speech training didn’t end there—on January 24, students participated in a follow-up activity where they created drawings based on a given topic and then presented their stories, further reinforcing their newfound confidence. 

New Home, New Opportunities: A Family’s Journey 

One of the participating students, Denovan Ramadan, drew a picture of himself winning a Quran recitation competition, a cherished memory that symbolizes his dedication to learning. 

Denovan has consistently excelled in school, securing first place from first to fifth grade. He credits much of his academic motivation to Tzu Chi’s support in rebuilding their home. 

"We used to live in a stilt house, and whenever it rained, water would spray through the windows and soak my books. The house also shook when my brothers played, and it worried us all. Now, we live in a strong, comfortable home, and I feel proud to invite my friends over to study," Denovan shared with a smile. 

Denovan (left) with his mother, Dede (right), who is committed to ensuring that her children receive higher education, thanks to newfound stability. | Photo: Khusnul Khotimah | Indonesia | 2025/01/18

Denovan’s family was one of the thirty beneficiaries of Tzu Chi Indonesia’s Kamal Muara "Aid and Reconstruction Program" (Phase Five), which provided families with secure housing. 

The improved living conditions also transformed the family’s financial situation. Previously, they depended solely on Denovan’s father’s congee business, but Tzu Chi provided a food cart, enabling his mother, Dede, to start selling noodles. 

For the past six months, Dede has been selling noodles using the cart provided by Tzu Chi, helping to increase the family’s income and stability. | Photo: Khusnul Khotimah | Indonesia | 2025/01/18

Dede expressed her gratitude: 

"With this opportunity and our determination to learn, I started selling noodles to support my husband. We sell about twenty bowls a day, and on weekends, we reach up to thirty. This new house has brought us so many blessings. We thank Allah for our improved economy. Our old house was in such poor condition, but now, we live comfortably."

With the family’s growing income, they were able to purchase a motorcycle, allowing them to expand their food delivery service. 

Tzu Chi volunteer Efi reflected on the transformation: 

"This is truly remarkable. Many children can rise above difficult circumstances with determination. Their previous living conditions were unstable, but now, in a secure home, they can focus on their studies and dream bigger. Improved living conditions create a ripple effect, fueling their motivation to move forward." 

A Future Shaped by Kindness and Opportunity 

The collaborative efforts of Tzu Chi Indonesia and Bakrie University are empowering students and families in Kamal Muara, not only by building confidence in children but also by creating stable living conditions that enable long-term growth. 

Through speech training, creative expression, and housing support, these initiatives are helping children and their families overcome obstacles, embrace learning, and build a future filled with possibilities. With the right support and encouragement, every child can spread their wings and soar toward a brighter future.