Enabling Students to Fulfill Their Aspirations

Economy is one of the causes of school-age children not being able to continue their education.  Sometimes, a child must help his or her parents by working to supplement the family income.  This is also experienced by Randy Rentanaka. While he was a student at Dr. Wahidin Soedirohusodo Senior  High School in  Medan, he had to work and earn money so his school fees could be paid.

“I had to work and help my parents to pay for my education. I worked until late at night, so it was very difficult for me to focus on studying during day time,” acknowledged Randy. After a while, this condition affected his academic performance negatively.

Fortunately, Randy was selected as a Tanoto Scholar or recipient of Tanoto Foundation Scholarship.  The Foundation, which was established by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, supports the advancement of education in Indonesia. One of the Foundation’s programs is to provide scholarships for students who are academically outstanding but experience economic limitations.

“After I started receiving Tanoto Foundation Scholarship, I did not have to work until late at night anymore. I was able to focus on my studies. I am now enrolled at Pharmaceutical Faculty at Universitas Sumatera Utara. I know that, without the support of Tanoto Foundation, I would not be able to continue my education to the university level.  For me and many others, Tanoto Foundation provided the right type of support at the right time.  My hope is that Tanoto Foundation can help more students who are in similar situation like myself, “said Randy.

To date, more than 6,700 school and university students have benefited from Tanoto Foundation’s scholarship programs. In addition to obtaining financial support for tuition fee and allowance, Tanoto Foundation Scholarship recipients also receive different kinds of training to harness their skills in different areas such as leadership and team work.