Laptop and Printer Provision for Elementary Schools in North Kalimantan

On January 5 2024, YPP Indosiar SCTV donated 5 laptops and 1 printer to the Malinau State Elementary School 004 teacher, Zuliawati Ningsih. The donations are made as part of the Border Heroes program in which Zuliawati herself was appointed the North Kalimantan-Malaysia Border Hero.

Having worked as a teacher in Kalimantan for 18 years, Zuliawati previously served as an honorary teacher at Brangkal State Elementary School 02 in Bandar Kedung Mulyo, Jombang. She then became a first grade teacher at the isolated Boh River State Elementary School 001. Boh River can only be accessed through a small plane followed by a boat ride. The village itself still does not have an adequate electricity supply due to a fire accident a few years back. Ultimately, Zuliawati was transferred to Malinau, now having taught first grade at Malinau State Elementary School 004 since 2016.

She expressed concerns regarding the state of her students' education throughout her time in Kalimantan, noticing severely inadequate literacy levels in students even of high school age. This was also due to the fact that many parents or families did not go to school or cared about education. Therefore, she often gives extra lessons at home in addition to lessons in school.

One of the biggest challenges Zuliawati and her coworkers have had to face is the lack of supporting facilities for teachers. They were required to follow through with the modern curriculum and staffing systems despite insufficient or inadequate electronic appliances. The Department's assistance is also constrained, as it is not extended to all schools. Furthermore, the nearest electronics store is 3-4 hours away by speedboat, costing Rp 600,000 for a two-way ticket.

With YPP's help, teaching materials can be produced and printed much more quickly, efficiently, and effectively. Zuliawati had also generously contributed 4 laptops and 1 printer to support the academic growth of students at Malinau State Elementary School 004.