The scorching afternoon sun beats down, and sweat trickles from 14-year-old Muhammad Zaidani Abdul Ghani’s forehead. Wearing flip-flops, Ghani walks along the asphalt road, carrying plastic bags filled with fried snacks he hopes to sell. His voice is soft, yet full of anticipation as he calls out to passersby and vendors:

"Fried snacks for sale!
Uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters, would you like some fried snacks?"

A Mother's Struggle, A Son's Support

Every day after school, Ghani, who lives in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau province, Indonesia, is accustomed to walking over ten kilometers alone, selling door-to-door, to shops, and food stalls. He is the fourth of seven children. His 43-year-old mother, Saidah Rahmah, is the family's sole provider since his father left and never returned, leaving no financial support.

To raise her seven children, Saidah sells fried snacks at the market, earning a meager income. Saidah shared with a choked voice,

Ghani has been helping me sell fried snacks since third grade. His older brother used to accompany him, but after his brother started second year of junior high, classes ended too late, so only Ghani could help.

She paused, then continued, "Sometimes I truly feel ashamed. Our family is deeply in debt, and the children's tuition fees haven't been paid, but what else can I do?" Listening to her words, Tzu Chi volunteer Sartika Sembiring could only respond softly, "Keep going, be strong for your children."

Perseverance in Education Amidst Hardship

The family's financial difficulties have forced Ghani's older siblings to interrupt their studies. His eldest sister, 19-year-old Hairunnisa Azzahra, took a three-year break from school before returning with a scholarship. She is currently studying at an Islamic boarding school in East Java. Ghani's second sister, 18-year-old Siti Hajar, also resumed her education after nearly two years, now attending junior high at an Islamic boarding school in Desa Suhada Village, Riau province.

Ghani's third brother, 16-year-old Muhammad Haidar Abdul Latif, successfully completed junior high and is now attending Islamic high school. Ghani himself recently graduated from elementary school and is enrolled in a local Islamic junior high.

His three younger siblings, 11-year-old Maisyaroh, 9-year-old Nabila Nuraini, and 8-year-old Muhammad Abdullah Alhadist, attend an Islamic elementary school not far from their home.

Currently, Ghani, his mother, brother, and three younger siblings share a cramped rented house with only one bedroom. Due to their economic struggles, the family has had to move multiple times.

After school, Ghani is full of energy as he walks to sell fried snacks. Although he earns only 1,000 Indonesian Rupiah (about 5 cents USD) per bag, a smile always graces his face, undeterred by the hard work.

I want to help my mother earn money so my younger siblings can go to school. Instead of playing, I'd rather sell things. Sometimes I also help deliver iced tea and iced orange juice, earning about 30,000 rupiah a day. I give it all to my mother, keeping only a small amount for pocket money.
—Ghani

A Warm Home Visit

On July 19, 2025, volunteers visited Ghani's home to deliver school backpacks, pencil cases, crayons, and pens to Ghani, Haidar, and their three younger siblings. Additionally, the volunteers covered their book fees, handing the payment directly to Tukiman, the school's finance officer.

"Thanks to Allah, we are able to be here today, and thank you to Tzu Chi Sinar Mas for your assistance and care. We are deeply moved by such selfless social care, especially the interfaith support. Before, the children couldn't get their textbooks because their book fees hadn't been paid. This aid can encourage everyone to give more and care for others," Tukiman stated.

When the volunteers handed the stationery to the children, all five were overjoyed. Seeing the colorful crayons, the three younger siblings beamed with surprise.

Wow! Is this school backpack waterproof? It's so beautiful!
—Ghani.

 Thank you! I haven't bought a new school backpack in a long time. Now I have a new school backpack and a new pencil case, I'm so happy!
—Haidar

Volunteers Experience Ghani's Perseverance

Before leaving, the volunteers purchased some of Ghani's fried snacks and even helped him sell them outside his home. On the busy roadside, vehicles passed continuously, but few stopped to buy. "Come, come! Crispy, delicious, and cheap! Come buy!" a volunteer cheerfully called out.

"After standing for just a few minutes, I felt unbearably hot. I truly admire Ghani, who walks around selling like this every day. His perseverance is admirable, and it made us personally feel the helplessness when business is slow," volunteer Julianti Nasution remarked while helping. Seeing that only a few fried snacks remained in the bag, Ghani's face lit up with a satisfied smile.

Thank you everyone, I truly didn't expect you would be willing to stand by the roadside with me to sell things. I never imagined so many people would come to help. All of this is Allah's blessing to our family through you. Thank you.— Saidah Rahmah (Ghani’s mom)

This home visit not only allowed the volunteers to understand Ghani's family's situation but also conveyed warmth and care through their companionship and practical actions. The volunteers did not merely donate supplies; they actively participated in the children's daily lives, ensuring that their care was truly put into action.

Through this experience, the volunteers deeply felt the determination of a child willing to share his mother's burden. Ghani's resilience in the face of life's challenges also serves as an example for children his age.

Written by Fithria Calliandra

Source: 逆境中成長的少年 陪母親撐起一個家