YOU are the KEY

The story of Muntaka is a wonderful insite into what can be accomplished with Love, dedication and hard work.

Muntaka had been a scavenger, but he never gave up on life. Always thirsty for knowledge, he kept trying to learn. He hopes that his knowledge will lead him to success.

The desire to find experiences and work in Jakarta made Muntaka move from Indramayu his home village. Equipped with a high school certificate from MAN Sukra Indramayu, he followed his uncle, without knowing what he would become. He only had his strong willpower; the willingness to succeed in the capital city. Unfortunately, his willpower was not enough. Without qualified skills, it would be difficult to compete with other job seekers. Even with a high school diploma, it still had not much value. Having no choice, Muntaka survived by being a scavenger.

 Luckily, near the house of his uncle in Pondok Bambu, the man who was familiarly called Mun saw Rumah Belajar. At that time, in 2013, YCAB Foundation had recently established a Rumah Belajar (Learning centre). Mun was interested and decided to take a mechanical course. "I wanted to know everything about motorcycles, including any problems that were often encountered," he said. Never dealing with mechanical tools before did not make Mun tremble. He even managed to become the best graduate. 

The Best Graduate

As the best graduate in Rumah Belajar, Mun was selected to participate in advanced training at Astra Honda Motor. During the first month Mun learned the theory, the second month of practice, and the remaining two months were spent in an internship at a Honda Motor shop in the Pondok Bambu area. "Because of my apprenticeship, I understood about motorcycles, knew the damages, knew the difference between Honda and Yamaha motorcycles, and knew the difference between two-stroke and four-stroke motors," Mun said in detail. In the training, he managed to become the best graduate, so he earned a prize of Rp5.000.000, -.($375)

After the course was finished, Mun still went to Rumah Belajar. "I felt the need to get more experiences and knowledge. For example, learning about fuel injection. In the past, all the motorcycles were using a carburetor, but now it has changed, it is now the fuel injection era," Mun explained. In addition, Mun also wanted to help the younger students of his generation. "I can teach how to open the carburetor, change the oil," said Mun. He was not paid to teach, but volunteered to do so, because he knew he could benefit from sharing knowledge. "By teaching, our knowledge will automatically increase," he added.

One day, Mun received some information about the course in another Rumah Belajar. Apparently, Rumah Belajar Duri Kepa provides audio, mobile, and sewing courses, while Rumah Belajar Cipinang holds a computer course. Mun decided to take the computer course.

The reason was simple, "Technology is getting more and more sophisticated, I do not want to miss out," he said. At Rumah Belajar he learned how to operate Microsoft Office.

After the computer course, Mun returned to Indramayu. Using the gift from Honda, he enrolled to the Department of Information Management, Bina Sarana Informatika (BSI) in 2014. However, his plan to be a college student did not run smoothly. Paying tuition became an obstacle for Mun to earn his bachelor's degree. "I was forced to leave college, after 1.5 years," he said softly.

Weaving The Dream

As a strong and tough person, Mun did not want to get lost in sorrow. He remained diligent in looking for new opportunities. He returned to Jakarta and visited Rumah Belajar. Apparently, YCAB offered him a job at PT Penta Artha Impressi. Mun accepted the offer straight away. "People said motorcycles and cars were the same, so I took the job offer. But it turned out there was a difference between theory and practice," said Mun. Concerned that he did not quite master the job, Mun admitted that he was often feeling nervous. "Because I haven’t got to know my friends and the surrounding, and my lack of skills, I am a bit embarrassed," he said. But Mun maintained his curious attitude. That way, he is constantly learning, even at work. Every day, Mun works from 8am to 5pm. Sometimes, he must work until late. While working, Mun still keeps the dream of finishing college. "Thank God, it turns out my dream to go to college can come true, because YCAB gave me a scholarship to continue college," he concluded.

So dear reader, please keep on donating to YCAB Foundation, without you we would not be able to help young men and women like Muntaka to realise thier dreams and live a better life. Donate a little now, and pay it forward for a long time.