Empowering the Next Generation: How HRC Supports SAAJA’s Mission

The Heart of the Mission: Education for All

Every great journey begins with a foundation of support and belief. While many dream of a global career, the first step often starts much earlier—with access to basic education. Since 2002, SAAJA (Sekolah Alternatif untuk anak Jalanan) has been providing that critical first step for children from underprivileged families.

Founded by the late Farid R. Faqih, SAAJA was born out of deep concern for the educational gap facing low-income communities. In the early 2000s, education was often seen as an expensive luxury rather than a right.

"Many people in the lower layers of society do not prioritize education because they prioritize filling their stomachs over schooling," explains Mrs.Iin, the current Head of School at SAAJA.

From the Streets to the Classroom

The school originally started in 2000 at Waduk Pengarengan, North Jakarta, where most families earned their living on the streets as buskers, street vendors, or cleaners. Today, SAAJA has expanded its reach to the Setiabudi area of South Jakarta, focusing on character building and mental development for children aged 4 to 6 years old.

Despite its growth, SAAJA operates with a very lean, dedicated team:

• Mrs. Iin: Serves as Head of School, administrator, and teacher for TK-A (ages 3–4).

• Mrs. Nunung: Teaches the older children in TK-B (ages 5–7).

The school runs six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, ensuring these children have a consistent, safe environment to learn and grow.

HRC International: Turning Compassion into Action

At HRC International, we believe that "Success starts with believing in yourself," but that belief is easier to foster when you have a supportive community. Recently, the HRC International ASIA team visited SAAJA in Setiabudi to provide hands-on support.

Our team contributed by:

• Providing Nutritious Meals: Ensuring the children have the energy to learn.

• Knowledge Transfer: Teaching foundational skills in English and Mathematics.

• Educational Games: Engaging the children in fun, interactive ways to boost their confidence and cognitive skills.

The Challenges Ahead: A Call for Support

Since the passing of its founder, SAAJA has faced significant hurdles. The school lost its primary foundation support and currently lacks a formal legal entity. Today, it relies entirely on the kindness of individual donors to keep its doors open.

Mrs. Iin’s Vision for the Future:

• To see SAAJA continue to develop and grow.

• To establish a legal entity so the school can secure its long-term future.

• To continue proving that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to dream big.

Start Where You Are

As Arthur Ashe once said, "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.". Whether it is preparing for an international hospitality career or helping a child in Jakarta learn their first words of English, every action counts.

Just as SAAJA provides a foundation for children, HRC International provides the framework for young professionals to reach the global stage. Through our structured J-1 visa training programs in the U.S., we offer the mentorship and cultural immersion needed to transform your local experience into international mastery. By bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, we help you build the "unshakable confidence" required to thrive in multicultural environments.

Ready to make a difference in your own career?

Join HRC International’s Hospitality Training Programs and turn your confidence into success.