'Smart Vans' to reach out to slum children

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Starting today, what are being dubbed "Smart Vans" will be traversing slum areas in Greater Jakarta from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day to provide alternative education opportunities to children from poor families.

Each equipped with a library, computer, toys and a mini-stage, the seven vans will visit Cilincing, Semper, Kampung Bandan, Prumpung, Tanah Abang, Tanah Tinggi, Menteng Wadas, Duri Kosambi, Rawa Buaya and Cikunir subdistricts.

Provided by the wives of Cabinet ministers grouped in the United Indonesia Cabinet Wives' Solidarity group, the Smart Van program was inaugurated on Wednesday at a ceremony presided over by First Lady Kristiani Herawati.

The blue vans, which are decorated with yellow book logos, will visit each target area twice a week.

Volunteer students from the state University of Jakarta (UNJ) will act as tutors and read stories to children of between four and 12.