YCAB Foundation and Opera Software together, officially launched Browse For Change program on October 22nd, 2013 at Patio Function House. Browse For Change aims to facilitate underprivileged and school dropped-out children to attain primary education. The program invites millions of internet users in Indonesia to participate on this program from October 22nd, 2013 to January 21st, 2014 through downloading Opera Mini from micropage.opera.com/bfc and browsing at least one time. Opera will donate Rp 1,000 for every download and browsing activity to support 22 YCAB House of Learning Development (HOLD) across Indonesia. Opera records that Indonesia is home to the second largest Opera users in the world, and thus Opera has deep concerns to contribute to the Indonesian citizen. Through this program, as part of Opera’s CSR agenda, Opera wishes to deliver token of appreciation to Indonesian people.
The launching activities involved several talking points through a talk show between the General Secretary, YCAB Foundation, Dr Iskandar Irwan Hukom (Dr. Andie), Opera Software ASA, Human Resources Vice President, Tove Selnes, and Opera – Asia, Senior Vice President, Fabrizio Caruso. Dr. Andie emphasized that internet accessibility is imperative agenda from the government. As mentioned by Dr. Andie, “The Indonesian government is targeting 100% of Indonesian people must be able to comprehend computer and at least 50% of them must have access to internet.” Therefore Dr. Andie believes that YCAB and Opera share the same vision, which both education and internet must be accessible unexceptionally to all people.
Ms Tove reiterated similarity of the importance of internet accessibility and education attainment. Quoting Ms Tove, “The core principle of Opera Mini is that internet is available and accessible to anyone, to any device, even at any device with limited circumstances, e.g. small screen, limited memory. Bearing the importance of internet accessibility to people nowadays, Opera perceives that access to education also shares similar purpose, which is to empower people through attaining essential knowledge and skills. Education is important to our heart, as important as it is to the business.” At last, she stressed out that how helping people can be done through simple act, as simple as browsing on internet, and therefore she invites all Indonesian people to join hands with us to support this program.
Opera – Asia, Senior Vice President, Fabrizio Caruso highlighted YCAB as imperative partner to Opera as a foundation that has directly affected the lives of 15,000 underprivileged youths, and school dropped out children. Concluding his remarks, Fabrizio demonstrated the Opera microsite to downloading Opera Mini and browsing internet through the newly downloaded Opera Mini, which can help underprivileged youths through the donation of Rp 1,000 on each click.
To encourage people to participate on this program, YCAB and Opera will hold “Opera Goes to School” with Calvin Jeremy as YCAB Ambassador. The campaign will promote the genuine idea of Browse For Change to the youths and how their simple contribution can change someone else’s life. Calvin Jeremy has been actively participating at YCAB events, campaigns, and activities since 2011. He is proud to be part of YCAB. “As YCAB Ambassador, I have strong belief that YCAB can be the extension of us to help those unfortunate children.” Jeremy stated.