Zakat Funds Drive Educational Programme for Orphans and the Underprivileged
The management of zakat, infak, and sedekah (ZIS) funds is not only realised in the form of social assistance but is also utilised to support the education of orphans and underprivileged children. One such initiative is an educational excursion programme that invited 100 orphaned and underprivileged children to learn about the environment and beekeeping at Taman Wisata Lebah Cibubur.
The programme, organised by Yayasan Baitul Maal PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (YBM PLN EPI) in collaboration with Yayasan Gelora Insan Mandiri (YGIM) Pondok Cabe, Pamulang, was designed to broaden the participants’ horizons while instilling a concern for environmental sustainability from an early age. During the activity, participants were taught the importance of bees in maintaining ecosystem balance, the process of honey cultivation, and were introduced to various types of bees, such as Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, and Trigona, along with their characteristics and benefits for the environment. All materials were presented interactively so that the children could learn directly from nature through an enjoyable experience.
PLN EPI Corporate Secretary, Mamit Setiawan, stated that the activity is part of YBM PLN EPI’s commitment to managing ZIS funds productively through programmes that not only provide assistance but also improve the quality of education and build the character of the younger generation. ‘We want to provide a fun and meaningful learning experience for orphaned and underprivileged children. Through this educational excursion, they not only gain new knowledge about the environment but are also expected to be motivated to continue learning, love nature, and become a generation that cares about environmental sustainability,’ said Mamit.
He added that all programmes run by YBM PLN EPI are a mandate from the zakat, infak, and sedekah funds collected from PLN EPI employees. The funds are managed to provide broader and more sustainable benefits for the community. ‘The trust given by the employees motivates YBM PLN EPI to continue presenting programmes with real impact. We hope this spirit of sharing continues to grow so that more people can feel the benefits, while supporting the birth of a generation that is intelligent, has character, and cares for others and the environment,’ he added.
One participant, Kayla, expressed her happiness at being able to take part in the activity because she gained a new experience she had never had before. ‘I just found out that bees have many types, like Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, and Trigona. The activity was exciting because we could learn directly while observing the beekeeping process. Thank you to YBM PLN EPI for inviting us to this educational excursion,’ she said. Through this programme, YBM PLN EPI aims to demonstrate that ZIS fund management is not only oriented towards meeting short-term needs but also contributes to building the quality of human resources through education, learning experiences, and fostering environmental awareness.