For the Third Time, Berlari untuk Berbagi Program Shows Its Commitment to Build the Nation
Jakarta, 24 June 2011 – For the third time, young Indonesian entrepreneur Sandiaga S. Uno took part in a fund-raising initiative through a running-for-sharing program called ‘Berlari Untuk Berbagi’. This year, Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB Foundation) was chosen as the recipient of the donations raised through his participation in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in July 2011. The money raised through the event would be multiplied by Sandiaga S. Uno, who would later donate to YCAB Foundation to fund its education and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Berlari Untuk Berbagi (BUB) was started in 2009 by Sandiaga S. Uno, with the aim of providing opportunities for the underprivileged under the care of various foundations in Indonesia. The program also aims to inspire others − individuals and organizations − to give back to the society through their hobbies and other simple gestures of kindness.
The first BUB program was held in Singapore (2009) and Jakarta (2010), in which all donations collected from those activities were given to a number of foundations which mainly focus on natural disasters. Meanwhile, the program was held twice in 2011, i.e. the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in Australia on 3 July 2011 and the New York Marathon in the U.S. on 6 November 2011.
“We hope this program can inspire people, that each of them can make a difference and create positive impact regardless of their profession and their individual passion. Starting this year (2011), the ‘Berlari untuk Berbagi’ Program will adopt a unique theme each year. We chose YCAB Foundation as the beneficiary this year, as we would like to extend a helping hand to drop out school in Indonesia, and to encourage them to be economically independent, and to adopt the entrepreneurship spirit”, Sandiaga S. Uno said during a press conference which was held in YCAB Foundation’s Rumah Belajar (House of Learning) in Duri Kepa, West Jakarta.
“Leadership and entrepreneurship are the two most crucial elements in efforts to improve the national economy, as well as to maximize the potential of Indonesian resources. Currently, entrepreneurs in Indonesia make up a mere 0.18% of the total population. Therefore, we have responsibility to create at least 5 million entrepreneurs who would contribute to the national economic growth and create job opportunities. I am optimistic that Indonesia can produce numerous entrepreneurs; this would not only turn our contry into the ‘Asian Tiger’, but also make Indonesia as one of the major players in the world economy,” he added.
Sandiaga S. Uno also shared with the students insights on entrepreneurship prior to the press conference. Sandi, who was also awarded as the ‘Indonesian Entrepreneur of The Year’ by Enterprise Asia admitted that he was very pleased to have direct interaction with the students and hoped to see more young Indonesian entrepreneurs in the future.
“It is an honor for YCAB Foundation to be chosen as the beneficiary of the BUB program. It would be very meaningful for our students, as they can now enjoy access to qualified education, which is an invaluable asset that would help them to be financially independent,” Founder/CEO YCAB Foundation Veronica Colondam said. She added that the donations would be allocated to YCAB Foundation programs in 10 Rumah Belajar throughout Indonesia. Since 2003, Rumah Belajar has educated more than 12,000 students, and 70% of the graduates have worked and are financially independent.
As an organization that focuses on youth development, YCAB has a vision to enable Indonesian youth to be independent through its three pillar programs, i.e. Healthy Lifestyle Promotion (HeLP); House of Learning and Development (HoLD); and Hands-on Operation for Entrepreneurship (HOpE).
Through its Rumah Belajar, YCAB Foundation not only provides informal education equivalent to elementary up to senior high school levels (Kejar Paket A, B, C), but also certified computer and English courses, and a number of certified vocational skills training programs. In its efforts to promote financial independence through entrepreneurship, YCAB Foundation also has a microfinance program, training centers, as well as a seed capital program.
“We see Sandiaga S. Uno as a public figure who can inspire, the perfect role model for our students, both in leadership and entrepreneurship. We are optimistic that this partnership would produce numerous young entrepreneurs of the future. YCAB Foundation also seeks to give them the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurship spirit and leadership skills, as the two most important assets becoming independent in the competitive global landscape” Veronica concluded.
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About Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB Foundation)
Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB Foundation) is an independent non-profit organization in Indonesia that was established in August 1999 and became a global organization in 2011 through YCAB Foundation. YCAB Foundation is headquartered in New York and is registered as a non-profit organization with tax deductions facility through section 501 (c) (3).
Over the years, YCAB Foundation has evolved into a social enterprise with a focus in youth development by improving their well-being through three areas of concentration: healthy lifestyle promotion, education provision, and economic empowerment.
For further information, please visit: www.ycabfoundation.org
Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB Foundation)
Linda Chalid
Development and Communications Division
Tel: +62 21 5835 5000
E-mail: linda.chalid@ycab.org