Feature on Jakarta Post, July 9,2007

Three philanthropic groups have set up a free school in a village on the outskirts of Bogor, making it easier for village children to remain in school. The three groups- Soekarseno Peduli Foundation, High Desert International Foundation and Jakarta Menteng Rotary Club, officially opened junior high school SMP Pengerasan in Cijeruk on Saturday. The school has already enrolled 60 new elementary school graduates.

Previously, the nearest junior high school was located about five kilometers from the village. Because there is no public transportation in the area, children had to walk through rice fields and bamboo forest to reach the school.

The three organizations spent Rp. 425 million in setting up the school. "I know how difficult it is for the government to set up a good school and provide quality teachers. It cannot work alone, that is why we will help build some 1,000 schools nationwide," HDI Founder Peter Chia said.

HDI is already working with Soekareno Peduli Foundation on plans to build a vocational high school in the village. The vocational school would be located in the same complex as the junior high school, helping students' complete secondary school.

The foundation has selected 10 top students from neighboring elementary schools and will cover all of their education expenses to attend the new junior high school. Jakarta Menteng Rotary Club president Peter Fanning said his organization also would help provide electricity for villagers.