Instilling Education, Igniting Dreams: Hey Youth’s Visit to TBM Kolong
Last update: 15 April 2025
"Education is the key to opening the world, bringing people to freedom and opportunities." – Dewi Sartika
To celebrate its sixth anniversary, Hey Youth organized a meaningful social initiative—a visit to Taman Bacaan Masyarakat (TBM) Kolong in Ciputat, South Tangerang. This literacy community, located beneath a flyover, provides free educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
The event aimed to foster a love for learning by engaging children in English storytelling while introducing them to Indonesian folklore. A total of 80 children participated enthusiastically, eager to interact with volunteers and explore new knowledge.
The success of this initiative was made possible through collaboration with TBM Kolong volunteers, The Facial Skin Lab, Learning With Us, and generous donors who contributed both financially and through their participation in Hey Youth’s fundraising events.
Among the volunteers, Kak Kiki shared her experience of teaching in such an unconventional setting.
"Teaching under a flyover was a completely new experience for me. It gave me a fresh perspective on the importance of education and how compassion can truly make a difference," Kak Kiki said.
Kak Kiki expressed hope that TBM Kolong would continue to grow with support from both the community and government, ensuring that more children have access to quality learning spaces.
The event was carefully designed to make education both engaging and enjoyable. The children were encouraged to participate actively through a structured yet flexible approach:
- Storytelling sessions in English to improve language skills
- Exploration of Indonesian folklore, including Malin Kundang, Ande-Ande Lumut, and Keong Mas
In an era where global communication is essential, English proficiency equips children with the ability to access broader knowledge and opportunities. However, strengthening cultural identity is equally important. By integrating traditional folklore into the learning process, the event helped ensure that these young learners remained connected to their heritage while expanding their horizons.
Hey Youth believes that partnerships between non-profit organizations and businesses play a crucial role in creating sustainable social impact. Education is a powerful tool for change, and initiatives like this serve as a stepping stone toward a brighter future for underprivileged children.
This small step may be just the beginning, but it is one that carries the potential to shape young lives and inspire lasting transformation.