Empowering disadvantaged young people in Indonesia

This time, I would love to share you a story about two siblings who were joining YCM many years ago and now they contribute themselves voluntarily as the board members of YCM. Viska and Ebo (Rizky), both are lovely young men who struggled a lot to “find” themselves after the divorce of their parents. The divorce of their parents in their young teen age, impacted a lot to the development of their personality and future. They lost the figure of parents who can guided them towards life as the condition forced them to be separated with both of their parents and lived with their grandmother and aunt. They felt the emptiness and their lives were in a mess. Their condition was like a “broken kite”. They had no picture of how life should be. They hung out senselessly, did not continue their schools after junior high and no specific goals to achieve.

When they heard about YCM, Viska the older one decided to join first and then followed by his younger brother Ebo. Fortunately, YCM is located nearby to their grandmother’s house, and they wanted to learn English as they did nothing at that time. When they firstly decided to join YCM, they thought YCM was a regular English course. So, their only goal was to be able to speak with the foreigners. When they joined YCM, they could continue their formal education to high school (package school) and learnt interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. For both, YCM is not only a place for learning, but also a family for them, other students, tutors, volunteers, board and founders. A home where they can always return to. A house where they can set their dreams and gain them. 

Viska and Ebo, are working at the apparel industry now. Ebo had a chance to continue his education at an International Garment Training Centre (IGTC) and now he is working at one of the biggest apparel factories in Indonesia, while Viska started his garment career even not long after he joined YCM. Last year, Viska received an opportunity to upgrade his textile skill in Shuzuo, China.

They are so grateful that they had ever joined YCM when they were teenagers. They have a family, although they grew up in a broken home one. They have a vision of life, goals to achieve and contribute back to their society.

They said: “YCM is my family, and family will always be together. Kudos to all the tutors and board members who dedicate their lives in YCM and sharing love with the kids, students and give such positive vibe to the neighborhood. And to all donors, I personally can’t thank enough to all the donors, what you gave, your acts have channeled people with brighter future, knowledge, and better life, thank you so much!”