Maman, a Top Student from an NTT Village, Stays Motivated to Learn Amid Economic Hardships

In a small village in East Nusa Tenggara, there is a boy named Maman who grows up with strong determination. He is only 14 years old, but the responsibilities he carries are already heavy. Maman lives with his father, grandmother, and younger sibling in a simple house with fragile walls and a roof that leaks whenever it rains.

His mother works far away in Samarinda as a housemaid. Two of his older siblings also left the village to help support the family. In the village, Maman’s father works as a construction laborer with an unstable income. Some days he has work, and some days he does not. Even so, Maman never complains. He helps his grandmother at home and takes care of his younger sibling when his father is out working.

In his daily life, Maman shows a strong passion for learning. Almost every semester, his name is at the top of the class ranking. He is known as a diligent and polite student who also helps his friends when they have trouble understanding schoolwork. “I want to continue studying so I can help my father and mother in the future,” Maman says when asked what keeps him motivated.

For Maman, studying is not only about getting good grades it is about giving hope to his family. He believes that education is the key to changing his future.

Human Initiative sees Maman’s spirit as a reflection of many Indonesian children who keep fighting despite their limitations. Through various education programs and support for low-income families, Human Initiative works to provide opportunities for children to keep learning and growing.

Let us work together in kindness. Support children like Maman as they move toward a better future through human-initiative.jp. Together with Human Initiative, we can create meaningful opportunities for those who continue to strive forward.