Bogor
Gender inequality and cultural norms in Indonesia continue to hinder girls' access to education, particularly for those from middle to lower-income families. The lack of access to higher education opportunities, coupled with safety concerns and the perceived high costs of education, has discouraged many girls from pursuing their education.
In West Java, despite its proximity to the nation's capital, the region ranks third in Indonesia for dropout rates, particularly among girls. To address this issue, Mestara organized a program attended by 330 young girls aimed at preventing dropouts through seminars on educational opportunities and scholarships.
Our program empowers young girls to unlock their full potential by pursuing higher education, which in turn, will enable them to compete in the global job market. By supporting young girls in their educational pursuits, we hope to break the cycle of gender inequality and cultural norms that have hindered their access to education and create opportunities for them to build better lives for themselves and their families.
East Sumba
One of the poorest regions in Indonesia, East Sumba presents a huge challenge for the proliferation of female education. With 4 out of 10 girls aged 16-18 no longer accessing education in East Sumba (source: BPS),
Mestara aims to prevent further dropouts by alleviating the financial struggles of female students to stay in school.
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Through providing over Rp 218 million worth of 719 grocery assistance (sembako), scholarships, and school supplies for 80 girls in 4 different schools in Waingapu, we are determined to reduce their financial constraints and ensure they finish secondary education, graduating with better hopes for the future.
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With Mestara Berdaya Sumba, going to school should no longer be seen as a burden or a waste of money. Hopefully, we can further cut the cycle of school dropouts that lead to early marriages and child labor.
