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Minister Visits PA
April 18, 2010 - Peduli Anak again had the honor to welcome another high official from the capital of the country. This time, Indonesia's Minister of Education, Mohammad Nuh, came to visit the foundation. This is the first time a minister ever visited Peduli Anak. With some highlighted programs taking place this year, we need all the support and recognition from the government. The Minister, along with his wife and staff, was in his official duties visiting and inaugurating some schools on the island of Lombok. Peduli Anak is also going to open its school in July, therefore it's the right thing to do to ask the Minister to spare a little time of his hectic schedule to see our projects. The Peduli Anak team had to 'steal' a moment during the Minister's visit in the University of Mataram to personally and directly invite him to Peduli Anak on his way to the airport! And how relieved we were when the Minister was attracted to visit the foundation after our founder, Chaim Fetter, showed him the foundation's profile and introduced Peduli Anak all in a minute.
 Upon arrival at Peduli Anak, the Minister and his team were astonished because they thought they would be visiting a small drop-in house, but instead they arrived in a large project area complete with all the facilities. The Minister couldn't wait to see our new school. The Head of Peduli Anak, Khalid Isnulwadi, explained our programs, accentuating the importance of free education for street children and other disadvantaged children.
 The Minister toured our new formal school and vocational school for non-formal education. He had a chat with our boys who were in the mechanic workshop. He was surprised to meet Suryadi, a 17-year-old boy whom we found in a garbage dump in Surabaya four years ago. The Minister, who is also from Surabaya, asked Suryadi how he like it here in Peduli Anak. Suryadi explained how Peduli Anak has helped him to find his true passion which is repairing vehicles. He also added that he is now apprenticing in a real garage and he hopes that he will score a job in a leading garage in a few months. The Minister praised our education program which combines formal and non-formal education. This is a perfect combination for these children, once they graduate from Peduli Anak, they are able to support themselves and they have broad knowledge to pursue higher career.
 Meanwhile, Martina, Peduli Anak's PR, accompanied the Minister's wife, Layly Rahmawati, and other female staff touring the premises. Mrs Lelly was interested to know how we run the foundation on a daily basis. She also greeted our children in the art class who are drawing some nice pictures. Mrs. Widi, a lecturer from University of Mataram, offered her help to train our children and staff how to process healthy meals and train our children with life-skill about starting a small-scale business once they graduate from Peduli Anak. This is a great opportunity that we'd like to follow-up in the near future.
 All in all, The Minister was very proud of our work and commitment to help street children in Lombok and would like to talk more about our education program on different occasion. Once again, thank you to The Minister of Education, Mohammad Nuh and wife, Mrs. Layly for visiting Peduli Anak. We hope that this visit will encourage the Department of Education to work hand in hand with Peduli Anak and other organizations alike promoting free qualified education for helpless children in Indonesia.
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