Rows for Children’es Dreams

Leni never imagined that she would build a school for her children, let along the children from poor families in the neighborhood. Even more unimaginable is that her school does not charge tuition.

KOMPAS/IRMA TAMBUNAN

Leni Haini, 42, a former rowing athlete from Jambi, is now developing a rowing school for underprivileged children in Legok village, Danau Sipin, Jambi city. The picture was taken on Friday (13/12/2019).

Habibatul Pasehah\'s request was like a life’s guide for Leni Haini, 42. Her youngest child, who has a rare disease, wanted to go to school, so Leni fulfilled not only her child’s wish, but also those of many other children from poor families.

"’Dede wants to go to school, Ma’," Leni said on Friday (13/12/2019), recalling her youngest daughter’s request of seven years ago. It was almost impossible for Leni to fulfill the wish of her daughter, Habibah, because she had epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare genetic disorder that causes fragile skin that blistered easily.