Story by Anand Yahya ｜ Indonesia

On May 14, 2024, Tzu Chi volunteers, in collaboration with the military and police of Penjaringan District, provided healthy breakfasts to students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Raudlatul Islamiyah. | Photo courtesy of Anand Yahya

Education is a beacon of hope for children, a way to purify hearts, transform society, and most importantly, a chance for underprivileged families to escape poverty. Seeing many children from impoverished families suffering from malnutrition, Tzu Chi Indonesia has launched the "Healthy Breakfast Program." Supported by one of Tzu Chi's partners and modeled after the "food bank" system, this initiative is being implemented in several schools in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, to provide students with bread and milk.

Improving Nutrition to Boost Academic Performance

Starting May 14, 2024, Tzu Chi volunteers, alongside Penjaringan's military and police, began offering healthy breakfasts to two classes of students (approx. 30 to 40 students) at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Raudlatul Islamiyah elementary school every day.

Seven Tzu Chi volunteers from Jakarta's Pluit area worked together harmoniously to deliver healthy breakfasts to the school. ｜Photo courtesy of Anand Yahya

That morning, seven Tzu Chi volunteers from Jakarta's Pluit community worked together to deliver healthy breakfasts to the school. Bambang Ng, a Tzu Chi volunteer and coordinator of the program, explained, "Today marks the launch of the 'Healthy Breakfast Program,' which will extend to other schools selected by the military and police. After assessing which schools should be prioritized, we decided to start with Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Raudlatul Islamiyah, delivering 60 single-serve milk and 50 pieces of bread to the students."

Ng shared that almost all the students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Raudlatul Islamiyah come from underprivileged families, with parents mostly working as daily laborers at the market. Fortunately, the children can attend this school for free. "The primary goal of the 'Healthy Breakfast Program' is to improve the children's nutritional intake which will in turn enhance their focus in class and subsequently improve their academic performance."

Students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Raudlatul Islamiyah happily receive their healthy breakfast, sitting together on the ground and joyfully enjoying their meal. ｜Photo courtesy of Anand Yahya

Lilis, who has been the principal of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Raudlatul Islamiyah for ten years, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for Tzu Chi's concern for the students. "Our students come from poor families, but they are not classified as extremely poor. By the grace of God, they can still meet their daily needs. However, the students usually do not bring lunch, as their parents only provide a small amount of pocket money."

Lilis said that most students' parents work as daily laborers. "The foundation running this school was established for charitable purposes, allowing orphans to study here for free. If students face malnutrition issues, we collaborate with health centers to address the problem."

Striving to Pursue Dreams and Encouraging Hard Work

Ika Susilowati, a sixth grader, expressed her joy in receiving the healthy breakfast from the volunteers, and participating in singing and games before breakfast. "The bread is delicious, and I like it. I’ll save the milk for lunchtime."

Currently in 6th grade, Ika Susilowati (right) dreams of becoming a policewoman when she grows up. ｜Photo courtesy of Anand Yahya

"After school, I help my father by organizing used cardboard boxes. I flatten and organize them before taking them to my grandfather's yard," Ika told the volunteers. She is the eldest of five in her family.

After school, Ika helps her parents, who are scavengers, by sorting cardboard boxes. She dreams of becoming a policewoman and plans to continue her studies at a pesantren in Pekalongan, Central Java, after graduating from junior high school. "I want to improve my family's living conditions by attending university and securing a job."

During the healthy breakfast distribution event, Second Police Inspector Andreas Jonathan (first from the left) from Penjaringan Police Station urged all students to remain diligent in their studies and to be cautious of bad influences. ｜Photo courtesy of Anand Yahya

During the breakfast distribution, Second Police Inspector Andreas Jonathan from Penjaringan Police Station encouraged all students to work hard and stay diligent in their studies. "In school, avoid mischief and focus on your studies. It's okay to play online games, but only during holidays. Stay healthy, avoid fights, bad company, and alcohol!"

With the inaugural "Healthy Breakfast Program," Tzu Chi hopes to continue benefiting more students in other schools, ensuring underprivileged children receive adequate nutrition.