Since we started the University Program 7 years ago, Ariska is the 7th students who we have funded from primary school all the way to College graduation. Ariska and her parents was at the Graduation Day early this month. She graduated for her Diploma degree in Nursing with Cumlaude.
Ariska said, ‘I chose to study Nursing, because I have a strong desire to help my family and others to improve their health. I learned a lot more than what I thought I knew, such as nursing, pharmacy, lab analyse, radiography,, etc’.
When asked about her challenge in pursuing her education, she said the challenge is in the financial limitation in continuing her education. But with the help of XSProject, support from both her parents, and stay focus on the goals. She was able to finish it.
Ariska then said, ‘I want to give back to the organization that have helped me all these years, by sharing what I have learned to other students the important of health and education, so that it can motivate them to continue to study while they have the opportunity to receive support from XSProject, because I understand how expensive the education is in Indonesia. I want more children to have the same opportunity as I have received’
As a person who does not give up easily, and knowing the hard life that her parents have endured all their lives. Ariska is more and more determined to pursue to higher education. ‘If it is possible, I would like to continue going to Graduate School. Maybe then I will be able to give back more to the organization that have supported me and the community that has been with me since I was small.
College used to be just a dream not for the boys and the girls of trash pickers family but also for their parents. So, attending their children at the Graduation Day is a big day from them too. We want many more students and parents to have the day like Ariska and her parents.
Your support for the XSCollege Scholarship Fund will provide many more students from the trash pickers and marginalized families to get their education as high as they want to be.