Indonesia: real lives

Children in the greater Jakarta area of Indonesia no longer have to drop out of school to help support their families. In this part of Indonesia, many parents are so poor that their older children must work during the day. It is not unusual to see children doing odd jobs like singing on the city bus, selling newspapers and polishing shoes - when they should be in school.

Today, however, these children are able to help their families and continue their education through a night school program run by ChildFund Australia's affiliate organisation in Indonesia. The program was a result of the community's increasing concerns over the large number of young dropouts. ChildFund in Indonesia began a night school for students of elementary school age in May 1999 in the Tunas Kasih program area.

A program for those of junior high and high school age followed later. Because of its success, the program has spread to other areas. "I enjoy my night school because I can earn money in the morning," said Aang, a labourer at a cable factory. Aang, who began night school at the elementary level, is now in his third year of high school.

ChildFund in Indonesia provides all of the night school fees except transportation. The educational activities take place in the evening, when students meet twice a week for three to four hours per session.

The program also draws students like Soleha, 20, who has to take care of her younger siblings and keep house during the day because her mother died. Additionally, the night school attracts those who cannot afford school uniforms, fees, and even shoes required by the government schools. Also participating are young adults who left the educational system at an early age to work.

Many of the students have already completed the program, which involves taking tests in maths, language, English, history and economics. Others have moved on from the elementary school level to junior high, or from junior high to high school.