Students benefit from industry program

Students benefit from industry program

CIKARANG, West Java (JP): Some 170 students of Pasir Sari 04
elementary school near the Cikarang Baru industrial estate in
Bekasi regency are enjoying newly renovated classrooms thanks to
a program funded by industry.

The students' classes had been held in houses in the
neighborhood since early last November while reconstruction of
their dilapidated school building was carried out.

Unlike many schoolchildren in remote and underdeveloped areas
across the country, the Pasir Sari students have been fortunate
to live in an industrial community.

A group of companies headed by PT Mattel Jakarta Dua (MJD),
an American investment company that produces Barbie dolls and
other toys, raised funds and took part in the repair work
conducted under the Let's Do Something campaign.

The companies spent Rp 343 million (US$34,300) to build six
classrooms, a teacher's room, toilets, and houses for the school
principal and guard. The money also paid for furniture.

School principal Sudiyana said that with the government's
assistance unlikely, the companies' initiative was
enthusiastically welcomed.

"We hope the new school building will boost the spirit of our
students to work hard," he said in a ceremony to mark its
opening.

Also attending the ceremony was Bekasi regent Wikanda
Darmawidjaya.

Director of Primary Education Darmastuti Soetrisno, who
represented Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin,
acknowledged the government's financial shortage and called on
other companies to help cash-strapped schools.

MJD president Robert S. Jezak said the Pasir Sari 04
elementary school was the second to have received aid after the
Mekar Mukti state elementary school, also in Cikarang. Another
school building reconstruction project was being planned, he
said. (01)