Empowering disadvantaged young people in Indonesia

Ronald he achieved his goal to work for “The Jakarta Post“, the biggest English newspaper of Indonesia! But not only this great achievement made us happy for him. Ronald finally got accepted for an Australian Awards Scholarship - this will enable him to pursue his Master studies in Australia. Amazing! We are so very proud of him. Read what he has to share!

“My name’s Ronatal (Ronald) Siahaan. I was a student who learned soft-skills and hard-skills at YCM from 2007 to 2011, and I also lived there from 2007 until 2017. I studied English Literature from 2011 to 2015. During my college years, I also spent my time teaching English and sharing my knowledge to YCM’s students.”

“YCM has changed my life upside down. There are so many important, useful things that I have gained from the foundation such as English, life-skills, and opportunities, which have helped me every step of the way.”

“In 2018, I accomplished two huge goals. The first one is I got accepted by a well-known, reputable English newspaper The Jakarta Post. I work there as a part-time proofreader, where my tasks revolve around reading and checking news stories – it’s been my fifth month. Ever since I started there, I have learned so much about journalism. There is always something new to absorb in terms of knowledge. Rather than calling it as a job, I’d prefer to call it a passion. Working there is such a great opportunity for me.”

“The second goal is I got awarded with the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) – thanks a lot to Mbak Mira M. Lay, YCM’s former volunteer, who nominated me through Embassy Partners category – which allows me to undertake a Master’s degree program in Australia next year. I would like to study Creative Writing, Publishing, and Editing that will take two years. I feel extremely grateful and lucky to receive the prestigious opportunity and I will harness it and make the most out of it.”

“YCM has changed my life – and it still does. Thank you, YCM. I couldn’t have done it without you. Hopefully, the students at YCM are inspired with the achievements that I have accomplished, so that they’re brave and confident to aim high when they grow up. Good luck!”