Worthy Education Towards Dream Campus

Morning at the Pemali Boarding School Dormitory always begins earlier. A number of students have woken up before sunrise, making their beds, ready to take part in the morning activities, before going to school to follow their academic studies.

For these students, the morning routine is their responsibility, examples of which have been given by their seniors. Later, these habits will become the values on which to raise their families’ level of livelihood back at their villages.

In the dormitory, the students were given space and opportunities to study and better develop. Through the scholarship based dormitory school program, the students who come from families of daily workers, fishermen, to casual workers, now have access to education which had been difficult to obtain in the past.

The Pemali Boarding School Program supported by PT Timah, Member of MIND ID or Mining Industry Indonesia, the Holding State-Owned Enterprise for the Mining Industry, has been running since 2000 and covers the territories of Bangka Belitung, Karimun, to Meranti. To date, there are about 952 alumni who have enjoyed the program benefits.

Behing the figures, the Head of the Pemali Boarding School Dormitory, Ulul, said that the majority of the students come from underprivileged families.

“Many parents were initially reluctant due to cost restrictions. They did not realize that their children can receive such educational facilities,” said Ulul.

However, after understanding that this program is fully supported by the company, from high education to various guidance programs, the parents were the ones urging their children to follow the selections.

As a result, each year as many as 36 students were selected for full scholarships and living in dormitories during their education at the SMA Negeri 1 Pemali High School. The selection process was conducted based on their academic and psychology assessment, in cooperation with the team from Padjadjaran University.

Ulul stressed that guidance at dormitories is not only focused on the academic. Students are also given skills such as public speaking, social media management, as well as character and leadership strengthening.

The guidance is conducted routinely, to assist students in facing challenges outside the school, whether at work or social life.

“What we are building is not only academic ability, but also self-confidence and future outlook,” he said.

The impact of the program can be seen from the achievements of the students. This year, 20 students have gone to universities through the prestige channel, while other students are still in the process of selection through the test channel. The students also showcased their abilities in the Indonesian and English Language debates at the Bangka Regency level.

Moreover, the more crucial impact is actually seen in the long term. Many alumni who further their studies or who are working, are slowly contributing to their surrounding areas.

“They are not only changing themselves, but also bring influence to their families and communities. That is greatly felt,” he said.

According to Ulul, the biggest challenge for the students arise at the beginning of their adaptation. Some of the students have never lived apart from their parents and must adapt to the more disciplined learning style.

“However, it is the process that is shaping them. In time, the students began to show the changes. Those that are quiet, began to speak courageously, have more self-confidence, and able to follow the more structured learning rhythm,” he explained.

For children from the coastal and mining areas, the opportunities are not only about school.

The opportunities become the starting point to open a new future, to continue their education, assist their families, and viewing the future differently than before.