Venda, a student in Rumah Belajar (RB) Duri Kepa and aspiring fashion designer, ceased to give up despite the challenges she faced. Let’s get right into her story!
Venda’s imperfect household threatened to pull her out of school permanently, but she is now a 13-year-old going through the eighth grade. Before attending RB Duri Kepa, Venda attended a regular school until the sixth grade. Although due to her father’s bankruptcy, she was forced to end her schooling.
Venda is the third child of six siblings. Following her father’s bankruptcy, her household became dismantled. For a while, she lived with her mother and five siblings. Her oldest brother, who works in passport services, became the main breadwinner of the family.
Her father’s financial difficulties not only broke up her family, but her relationship with him as well. Venda experienced a major rift with her father because his bankruptcy threatened her dreams and family unity. For a year, she was forced to move around often which made her feel unsettled. Fortunately she was introduced to RB Duri Kepa by her neighbor. Her hopes to continue her pursuits in higher education prompted her to enroll as a student in RB Duri Kepa.
Venda’s student heart values learning, therefore she took this opportunity to achieve her dreams to be a renown fashion designer. She has a hobby of drawing, particularly drawing clothes and human figures. Her mission as a future fashion designer is to introduce Indonesian culture into the global market through her clothing line. In RB Duri Kepa, Venda is an active member of the drawing club and is planning to join the Rumah Jahit, where she will learn basic sewing skills necessary for clothing design. After graduating from RB Duri Kepa, Venda aims to enroll in an university to major in Fashion Design.
Not only is her fighting spirit revived, the happiness and blessings Venda received renewed her spiritual faith. She was able to repair her relationship with her father while understanding his tough condition. Now she lives with her reunited family complete with both of her parents and all her siblings.
Venda’s message to her fellow peers in RB Duri Kepa is quite simple: education is key to achieving your dreams. Any place can be a place to study, and any time can be a time to study when paired with endurance, perseverance, and willpower. Never slack off on studies, and never give up on your dreams!