Out of 2.2 million children, about 4 to 5 children drop out of school every minute. According to the BPS (Badan Pusat Statistik), in Indonesia, less than 10% of households have computers and only some schools provide computer lessons with certification. Meanwhile, most jobs on the market require basic computer skills.
Toshiro Mizutani, the President Director of PT. Hino Motors Sales Indonesia, said: “It is important for young people that they can be qualified workers in the workplace. Therefore, in line with one of the three main pillars of Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB Foundation), namely education, we were pleased to collaborate in the making of vehicles specifically designed to learn computer science.”‘Learning Car’ or ‘Mobil Belajar’ (in Indonesian) is equipped with 11 laptops, 1 generator, 1 modem, 1 printer and 1 air conditioner. The target of this program is youths aged 10 to 24 years old. YCAB Foundation which will operate the Hino Learning Car has extensive experience in providing non-formal education to nearly 12,000 underprivileged children since 2003. Under the supervision of a certified teacher, a learning car can accommodate up to 10 children. They will be given a lesson in introduction to computers, the basic operation of computers, and the use of Microsoft Office. As a condition to obtain a certificate, each child will attend classes for 4 months, with meetings twice per week and 1.5 hours per meeting.
Hino Learning Car will go around to the Greater Jakarta area such as Tambora, Petamburan, Cengkareng, Tangerang, and Rawa Buaya to reach out to those who live far away or do not have access to computer facilities. A total of 300 children will get education from this program each year. Hino commits five buses, on e each year from this point on.
“Through this program we hope to create opportunities for children to develop their computer skills which will open up employment opportunities for them, especially in the modern era where information technology would be part of their daily work routine. Finally, we hope that YCAB Foundation can use the Hino Learning Car to support their programs effectively,” says Mizutani.“In 2012, Indonesia’s Human Development Index had increased and was ranked 121 out of 187 countries around the world. Hopefully with the cooperation with Hino by giving computer classes can bring teenagers to get a decent education to improve the welfare of their future,” says Founder / CEO of YCAB Foundation Veronica Colondam.