By: Devane Sharma
At Musim Mas, we recognize that access to quality education is essential in improving livelihoods and preventing child labor, particularly for children of plantation workers living in rural areas. Based on our latest survey, 12,220 children of mill and estate workers under the age of 18 reside on our plantations, with 98% of school-aged children attending our YAK (Yayasan Anwar Karim) schools or nearby institutions.
Through the Anwar Karim Foundation, Musim Mas operates 47 childcare centers, 11 kindergartens, and 14 schools, ensuring that education is accessible to our employees’ children and those from surrounding communities. We also provide free school transportation to encourage enrollment and ease logistical challenges for families.
Beyond education, these schools create employment opportunities for local teachers, some of whom have been with us for years. Today, two dedicated teachers from YAK schools share their experiences, challenges, and hopes for their students.
An Interview with Our Teachers
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| Meet Widya Nanda Sari, a passionate educator at SDS Anwar Karim I Elementary School. Hailing from Batusangkar, West Sumatra, Widya has been dedicated to teaching at the school for over 13 years, since October 2011. With a degree in Chemistry from Universitas Riau, she brings her expertise to the classroom as a Grade 5 teacher specializing in Science. Her long-standing commitment highlights the vital role that experienced educators play in nurturing young minds and fostering a passion for learning.
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Meet Sina Anisah, a dedicated teacher at SMPS Anwar Karim I, Riau Branch Secondary School. Originally from Ukui in Pangkalan Lesung District, Pelalawan Regency, Sina has been shaping young minds at the school for over two and a half years. With a degree in History, she brings a strong academic foundation to her role as a Science teacher. Her journey reflects the commitment of educators in our schools, ensuring that children in plantation communities receive quality education and opportunities for a brighter future. |
What inspired you to become a teacher, and how does it shape your approach to teaching?
Widya: Growing up in a rural area, my school had only three teachers, with each often managing two classes at once. The lack of resources made learning difficult. I became a teacher to improve the lack of educators—to ensure that children in rural communities receive a stable, quality education.
Sina: Teaching has always been a calling for me. My older sister was a teacher, and in my family, we always viewed education as a meaningful profession. Teaching is both a duty and a form of service, so I strive to give my best every day.
Can you share a memorable moment that strengthened your passion for teaching?
Widya: There are many, but seeing once disengaged students become enthusiastic learners is truly rewarding. I’m also incredibly proud when our alumni succeed—some even return as teachers at YAK schools. One particularly memorable moment was witnessing our students win regional and national competitions, such as for drums, where our team secured consecutive championships. We also have a student representing Riau in the National Science Olympiad.
Sina: Every day brings new surprises, but the most rewarding moments come when I see real progress in my students—their growing confidence, curiosity, and achievements.
What motivates you to continue teaching in a plantation environment?
Widya: Education is a fundamental right. Children in plantation areas often have limited exposure to the outside world. I want our school to bridge this gap by providing a strong educational foundation and encouraging students to dream big.
Sina: Every child deserves quality education, regardless of location. Many of our students have never seen life beyond the plantation, so I use my lessons to expand their horizons, helping them dream beyond what they know.
What are the biggest challenges in this environment, and how do you address them?
Widya: One major challenge is the low awareness of education’s importance among parents, many of whom only completed elementary school. This mindset can limit students’ aspirations, leading some to drop out early. To combat this, I incorporate career exploration videos, provide extra support for struggling students, and engage parents in discussions about their children’s potential.
Sina: Initially, adapting to a new culture was difficult. I overcame this by immersing myself in the community and understanding my students’ backgrounds. Now, I use that understanding to make learning more relatable.
What teaching methods do you use, and what are their benefits?
Widya: I use a mix of Cooperative Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, Problem-Based Learning, and Discovery Learning. These methods encourage critical thinking and engagement, ensuring that students not only absorb knowledge but also develop problem-solving skills.
Sina: I primarily use Problem-Based Learning (PBL) combined with group discussions and projects. This approach encourages students to think critically and apply knowledge in practical ways.
How has education impacted the students’ lives?
Widya: Education instills discipline, social skills, and academic excellence. It helps shape students into responsible individuals with strong values and a drive to succeed.
Sina: Education broadens their perspectives. Students with access to learning develop bigger dreams and a clearer vision for their futures.
What are your hopes for your students, and how do you support them?
Widya: I hope more students pursue higher education and break the cycle of early dropouts. I focus on character education, discipline, and creating an engaging learning environment to inspire them.
Sina: I hope they grow into responsible, capable individuals who contribute to society. I support them by being a mentor and encouraging them to pursue their aspirations.
What steps are taken to ensure that children receive a comprehensive education, including extracurricular activities and skill development?
Widya: We integrate various extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and academic clubs to nurture students’ diverse talents. We also encourage the use of technology and keep the parents abreast of their development so they’re further encouraged beyond the school walls.
Sina: Our school offers extracurricular programs like science clubs, debate teams, and sports, ensuring students develop holistically. We also provide vocational training opportunities to equip students with practical skills for their future careers.
What school facilities and resources stand out?
Widya: We have 24-hour electricity, stable internet, textbooks, projectors, computers, and printers—all of which support a modern learning experience, even in a remote setting.
Sina: Our school is well-equipped with modern learning tools—computers, internet access, projectors, and a library—all of which make learning more effective.
How does Musim Mas’s free school transportation benefit students?
Widya: It ensures punctuality, safety, and increased school attendance. Parents are more willing to send their children to school, knowing transportation is taken care of.
Sina: It ensures safety, prevents tardiness, and gives parents peace of mind, allowing them to focus on work.
Have you noticed changes in the local community due to education?
Widya: Yes, there’s been a positive shift. More parents now value education, and an increasing number of students pursue higher studies, broadening their career aspirations.
Sina: Absolutely. Parents now have a more positive outlook on education, and students are more ambitious, aspiring to careers beyond what they see around them.
What kind of support or training do you receive from the Anwar Karim Foundation?
Widya: The foundation provides regular workshops, training sessions, and professional development programs, ensuring that we stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies and curricula.
Sina: We receive extensive training, including curriculum workshops, interactive teaching methods, and professional networking opportunities, which greatly enhance our teaching capabilities.
Through the dedication of teachers like these, the Anwar Karim Foundation continues to provide quality education for children in plantation communities. Their stories highlight the power of education in shaping futures and transforming communities. As we move forward, we remain committed to empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
