Ramadan Festival: Rumah Amal Invites 100 Orphans on Educational Safari and Joy-Sharing
Ramadan presents an ideal opportunity to spread goodwill. Rumah Amal Salman, a national zakat management institution, organised a Ramadan festival by inviting approximately 100 orphaned recipients of the Beasiswa Teladan Negeri (Model Scholarship) to participate in a series of educational safaris and community bonding activities on Saturday, 28 February.
The event was part of the monthly mentoring programme of the Beasiswa Teladan Negeri, which consistently provides learning spaces, character strengthening, and psychosocial support for beneficiary children and families.
The activities began with a visit to the Gedung Sate Museum, where children were introduced to history and national values through an engaging approach. Following the museum visit, participants were taken shopping at Griya to create mini gift parcels, fostering independence and the joy of sharing. The event concluded with an iftar meal together at Mitra Hotel, accompanied by the distribution of financial assistance to the orphaned children.
Beyond bringing cheer to the children, the activity also created a space for reflection and strengthening for parents. Two Beasiswa Teladan Negeri beneficiaries, Erfina Rosa and Neti Susanti, shared their stories of struggle as single mothers raising children amid hardship.
Erfina Rosa, 37, recounted how her husband passed away suddenly following a series of autoimmune illnesses that attacked his lungs. As a homemaker taking on various odd jobs—sometimes driving motorcycle taxis, sometimes managing her parents’ shop—Erfina had to strengthen herself, particularly for her youngest son, Bilal, age 8, who often cried when seeing friends play with their fathers. “After each prayer, I teach Bilal to pray for his father. Gradually, I encourage him to engage in activities so his heart becomes more peaceful,” she said.
She expressed gratitude that since joining the Beasiswa Teladan Negeri, Bilal has become more cheerful through meeting friends in similar circumstances. “I am grateful Bilal is part of the Beasiswa Teladan Negeri family. He no longer feels inferior because of teasing from friends. Here he is with friends in similar situations, strengthening each other, growing together. Thank you for the kindness of the donors. It truly means a great deal to us,” she said.
A similar story was shared by Neti Susanti, 39, who lost her husband suddenly at dawn. “My husband was a book seller. When he returned from work, he complained of nausea. When he was about to pray, his breathing became laboured, and it turned out he had passed away,” she recalled.
Neti supports herself by driving a motorcycle taxi to take children to school in her neighbourhood and selling some of the books left by her husband. “I am often strengthened by my children’s resilience. Even Bilqis, who is still young, never complains. I admit this is somewhat influenced by the positive environment. Her involvement in today’s agenda—going out, shopping with friends in the Beasiswa Teladan Negeri—makes my child enthusiastic from morning, easing my worries,” she added.
She appreciated the support of the Beasiswa Teladan Negeri and the generosity of donors that allowed her children to experience Ramadan togetherness.
Firda Syafriyanti, Head of Education Programme at Rumah Amal Salman, stated that today’s activity was designed not merely as a ceremonial event but as part of sustained efforts to build resilience in orphaned children and families through education and simple happiness. “Ramadan is a moment to share hope. We hope this programme continues to have impact and provide strengthening,” she said.
She also mentioned that similar activities of care towards orphans are conducted by children in the Beasiswa Perintis (Pioneer Scholarship) programme. Students participating in the Pelajar Berdampak (Impactful Student) programme distributed assistance to 250 orphaned children across seven orphanages in Bandung.
The seven orphanages visited include Panti Insan Harapan, Panti Al Hilal, Panti Tunas Harapan, Panti Ikhlasul Amal, Panti Al Fitrah, Panti Tambatan Hati, and LKSA Putera Muhammadiyah.
Assistance distributed included food packages, financial aid, and iftar-sharing programmes previously collected by participants together with facilitators. Beyond distributing aid, activities also included sessions on university enrollment motivation, educational games, storytelling, and communal prayer.