Nowadays, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It plays a pivotal role in society, whether it’s for accessing information, conducting transactions, or simply staying connected with friends and family. Even now, a lot of people are doing charity from social media, like fundraising or donation. Surprisingly, this tool can move people to build a sustainable school in NTT!
Here’s a story from Erika Richardo, a talented young person who is highly passionate about painting while concerned about education issues in Indonesia. On her 22nd birthday, she wants to make her special day truly meaningful by combining her passion for art with her commitment to education and ultimately, Erika decided to use social media as a platform to inspire change.
On June 18, 2024, she launched a collaborative campaign with Happy Hearts Indonesia and Kitabisa.com to raise 500 million rupiah for the construction of a school, PAUD EFATA in Nusa Tenggara Timur. Her first campaign video has over 1 million views on Instagram and 7.6 million views on Tiktok. Only 7 days later after the campaign launched, she successfully raised the determined amount.
With the help of more than 13,000 supporters, she successfully raised the necessary funds to rebuild a school in NTT. PAUD EFATA, situated in Sumba, was in poor condition and unable to accommodate the learning needs of its students. The school lacked proper infrastructure, including safe classrooms, furniture, and educational materials, making it challenging for children to receive a quality education.
Through the collaborative campaign, Erika and her supporters helped transform PAUD EFATA into a sustainable, safe, and inspiring learning environment. The new equipment will be able to accommodate the needs of students and empower them to reach the maximum potential. Therefore, the power of social media played a crucial role in uniting people from diverse backgrounds to contribute to a meaningful cause.
This school has contributed not only to improving the quality of education but also to preserving nature through innovative green solutions. It has recycled 2.1 tons of plastic waste and reduced 9.1 tons of carbon emissions. The school is equipped with two spacious classrooms, proper toilet facilities, and an interactive playground designed to support children’s motor-skill development.
By leveraging its reach, Erika was able to connect with thousands of individuals who shared her vision for better education in remote areas. This success story highlights how social media can go beyond mere connection and entertainment—it can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy and change.
Erika’s campaign not only rebuilt PAUD EFATA but also inspired others to take action, showing that collective efforts can create lasting impacts. Her journey is a reminder that when passion meets purpose, and with the support of a united community, significant transformation is possible. Let Erika’s story motivate us all to use our platforms for positive change and help build a brighter future for every child in need.