Several months after floods struck Sumatra, the impact is still being felt, especially by children who have lost their learning spaces.
As of April 2026, 4,922 school buildings have been recorded as damaged in the affected areas. Aceh has the highest number of damaged schools (3,122), followed by West Sumatra (653 schools) and North Sumatra (1,147 schools). In addition, the need for 381 emergency classrooms remains an urgent challenge.
In North Sumatra, many children are still taking turns studying in emergency tents, while others attend classes in schools that remain standing. While these conditions are far from ideal, the children’s determination to attend school and continue learning every day remains strong.
In Central Tapanuli, one early childhood education center that previously used a village hall as a classroom can no longer operate due to the disaster. For the time being, teaching and learning activities are being held on the porch of one of the teachers’ homes, despite the many limitations.
As part of its post-disaster response, and in line with its commitment to providing access to quality education, Happy Hearts Indonesia is supporting the restoration of learning spaces in affected areas. Central Tapanuli is one of the focus areas, where a school is currently under construction as an initial step toward restoring safe and appropriate learning environments.
These efforts will continue, with a target of building six schools by 2026, ensuring that children can return to learning in safer and more comfortable environments.
From Unity, the Impact Continues
In the spirit of togetherness, Happy Hearts Indonesia, supported by Grand Hyatt Jakarta, held an Iftar gathering on March 2, 2026, bringing together corporate and individual donors, as well as partners who have contributed to expanding children’s access to education in Indonesia.
On this occasion, Happy Hearts Indonesia also shared its plans for 2026, including a focus on response efforts in Sumatra, particularly in Central Tapanuli, which continues to require attention and collaboration.
Through this event, donors and partners reflected on the journey throughout 2025, during which various initiatives were successfully implemented, from school construction to programs that have delivered tangible impact for children and communities.
The commitment to providing more equitable access to education continues, including through the I AM CHANGE campaign in East Nusa Tenggara.
The event was warm and meaningful, serving as a reminder that every impact begins with collaboration and that this journey will continue together.
Because every classroom that is rebuilt ensures that learning can continue without interruption.
