An Oasis of Knowledge in Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal

The Al Barkah Social Home was founded in 2010 by Bang Nur to his friends. Bang Nur is a shop owner living in a kampong just behind the terminal. The father of five from Lebak, Banten, said that he did not want local kids to grow up uneducated like him.

KOMPAS/SATRIO PANGARSO WISANGGENI

Iis Sugiarti teaches her students at Rumah Singgah Al Barkah Shelter in Rambutan Kampung bus terminal, East Jakarta, on Thursday (19/7/2018). Every day, about 15 to 20 young children come to the shelter to study free of charge.

Rean, 5, was running and laughing heartily around the classroom, disrupting Riska, 5, and Naya, 6, who were drawing. The two girls asked Rean to pipe down. Rean, as boys often do, just kept on running.

This is a common sight in early childhood education centers everywhere, where children spend their “school hours” learning and playing to their hearts’ content.