Story from Retno Hardaningsih, Program and Content Development Officer YCAB Foundation
“Miss, is this a saving book?
Do I give my savings to you, Miss Retno?
Can I save my money at home?
Am I going to get an ATM Card too?
Miss, do I have to save money everyday?
What if I run out of money?”
Yesterday, I remembered the students from Rumah Belajar (RB). During YCAB’s joint project with First State Investment Indonesia (FSII) titled “Teach Youth to Save” 2015-2016,” I distributed pass books to children from RB to keep note of their savings. I was then met with enthusiastic questions that still occupy my mind today.
Photo 1: Enthusiastic students from Rumah Belajar participating in “Teach Youth to Save.” More than 500 students were impacted.
TYS held a workshop for our little friends about proper (pocket) money management. Aside from lectures, the kids also received a fun savings project. Each of them were given Rp.50,000.- as their first deposit. With guidance from YCAB and FSII, children were instructed to save money and note each deposit in their saving book. After three months, the participant who did the best effort to set aside money, will win a saving prize of Rp.250,000.-.
Mas Baskoro, several RB teachers, and I remember clearly their suprised and gleeful expressions when they found out about the prize. Some screaming, some jumping, some embracing, and some cheering, “Lucky we decided to save!”
Now, 1 year after the program ended, I still remember that experience vividly. Yesterday (13/7), I went to work in RB Duri Kepa. Surprisingly, I heard a student whom said,
“Miss Mimi, I want to start saving money again!”
I was prompted to think back and reflect again to one year ago. I remember the kids’ newfound motivation to begin saving money once they heard about the Rp.250,000.- waiting for one of them in the finishing line. By the grace of God, I was able to not only given respect, but I was given the opportunity to instill in them the skill to properly manage their money. Coincidently, I saw more of the same children approach Miss Mimi, a teacher from RB, to deposit their savings. Once I approached Miss Mimi, she told me that some students decided to continue depositing money with her even after the TYS project concluded.
Awww…. what heart wouldn’t melt once hearing that? What heart wouldn’t melt when they find out the impact of their guidance on teachers and students now eager to start saving money?
This has now become my daily dose of happiness and motivation to continue my work, because we are here for them, to give the children opportunity to a better future
14 July 2017, Sunrise Garden