Fatherless child achieves success through Probolinggo People's School

Economic limitations and the loss of parents did not hinder Elang Khoirul Ramadhan (13) from achieving excellence.

The Class 7 pupil at Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi (SRT) 7 Probolinggo proved that the right educational environment can turn limitations into accomplishments.

Elang, the third of four siblings, lives with his grandmother in Mayangan District, Probolinggo City, East Java.

His mother passed away when he was in Year 1 of primary school, while his father chose to return to his hometown in Solo, Central Java.

“If I miss him, I definitely do (miss my father), but given the situation, it has to be endured,” said Elang.

Daily family needs are supported by his grandmother, Sri Aminah Ningsih, who sells fritters and coffee from home.

Nenek Sri’s income is uncertain, ranging around Rp100,000 per day, which must suffice for living expenses as well as the education of her four grandchildren.

It was these economic constraints that led Elang to learn about the People’s School programme, informed by a facilitator from the Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH).

He admitted that initially, he did not feel comfortable at Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi 7 Probolinggo.

“When I first entered, I actually felt uncomfortable. But because of the role of the guardian who helped, I gradually became more at ease,” he said.

Significant changes began after he started life in the school dormitory.

Previously, after school, he spent more time playing, but now his days are filled with structured and disciplined activities.

The scheduled activities after school include rest, afternoon bath, congregational Asr Prayer, Quranic recitation, congregational Maghrib and Isha Prayers, study sessions, dinner, studying, and evening assembly.

This organised environment not only builds discipline but also fosters a spirit of learning and camaraderie.

Elang became more comfortable due to the support from friends and guardians who accompany the pupils in the dormitory.

Olympiad Champion

Academically, Elang shows interest in Natural Sciences (IPA) and robotics. He successfully won first place in the Probolinggo City IPA Olympiad.

“Alhamdulillah, first place,” he said.

This achievement was not easily attained. Elang admitted to studying independently, including through online sources using a laptop. The material studied did not always align with the competition questions.

“The material was somewhat different from the competition questions, so I felt dizzy while working on them. After the competition, I even cried thinking my score was low, but it turned out I could win,” he said happily.

This success is a particular source of pride, not only for himself but also for his grandmother, who has been the family’s mainstay.

“I didn’t expect my grandchild to be this great,” said Sri Aminah, moved.

Besides academics, Elang is also active in non-academic fields, such as basketball and swimming. He is currently preparing for an upcoming swimming competition.

He has also been entrusted as the SMP Student Council Chairman, demonstrating his developing leadership abilities.