A Renewed Hope for Educating Street Children.

Sometimes, I still think of ISCO Foundation, as a small, community based organisation struggling to bring hope to the street children of Indonesia. While it may be a small organisation, its impact is growing and it now sponsors over 2500 children in school from Kindergarten to Year 12! For less than $100 a year, you can sponsor a child in school and be assured that they will be supported by dedicated staff with over 14 years of experience. As problems of inequality and unequal access to education for the poor people of Indonesia continue, it is essential that organisations like ISCO Foundation are supported by individuals, foundations and local businesses in Indonesia.

Eleven Memories from Temu Tahunan ISCO 2014

ISCO celebrated its Annual Gathering on Sunday 10th August at the Museum Satria Mandala. The theme for the day, "Raih Prestasi, Bukti Cintaku Pada Negeri", translates to "Reach Your Achievement, for the Love of Your Country". 

ISCO invited 513 sponsored children from Jakarta who achieved both a 90% attendance at school and 35% at our Activity Centers. We also invited the parents whose children came in the top 5% in their class. If you couldn't make it dont worry, below are 10 unforgettable memories from the day.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this event: Tauzia Hotel, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Philip Van-Heusen Corporation, Starbucks Coffee, PGN Saka and Bravo Adventure.

International Day for Protection of Children

Celebrating Buku Puasa (Breaking the Fast)

Did you know that today-the 23rd July, is the International Day for Protection of Children in Indonesia? Nope? Well dont worry, because neither did I! Perhaps, you were more concerned about the results of the Presidential Election. It was not until I clicked on the 'Google Doodle' at 4.30pm, that I too realized that today was in fact International Day for Child Protection.

Why Does Indonesia Need an International Day for Child Protection?

• To promote education for all children in school
• The chance to have a normal childhood, to play and have fun
• Reduce the phenomenon of child labour and child beggars.
• To bring awareness about children who have succumbed to abuse, sexual and phyical violence, exploitation and discrimination.

The Chance to Have a Normal Childhood
All Children deserve a chance to have a normal childhood. Going to school is where a child learns to play sports, make friends, socialize and develop as a citizen. However, 90% of street children are unable to go to school because they dont have a Birth Certificate. Since 2009, ISCO, together with our partners LAPAM (Education Advocacy for Marginalized Children) has registered over 800 birth certificates for marginalized children.

Reduce Phenomenon of Child Beggars
The problem of child beggars is heightened during the period of Ramadan, when the parents take the children to the Mosque or the Church to beg. ISCO sponsors up to 4 children per household in school which brings economic and social benefits to the family. Our Education Support Program is designed to reduce the 'demand' factors, but more work needs to be done about the 'pull' factors, to stop the public from giving to children,

Raise Awareness About Sex Abuse
The issue of sexual abuse is taboo in Indonesia and has only received media attention recently.

For the children that ISCO work with, we know that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. 

Indonesia does plan to plan to raise the punishment for convictions against child sex abuse.

However, for the children of ISCO, this will not help solve their problem, as criminal convictions is not a practical possibility. In a recent anonymous survey, many children, aged 14-17, reported instances of sexual and physical harassment, problems both at home and in general.

ISCO Foundation can help to reduce the risk of children being victims by raising awareness about the issue of sex abuse amongst the whole community, working with other NGOs and with local officials. ISCO also reduces our children's chance of becoming a victim by providing sex education and offering them leadership training to develop their skills and confidence. 

Keep Them in School!

The best chance for our children to change their circumstances is by giving them an education. ISCO will continue to support them through education, empowering them to finish school, find a good job or continue to university.

Interview with ISCO volunteer Michael Hering

Michael Hering spent two months volunteering at Indonesian Street Children Foundation. ISCO's Christa Qonnah talks with Michael about his experiences below.

Five Highlights from ISCO Youth Camp: Aku Mandiri

Each Year, ISCO Foundation organises a Youh Camp for over 50 Junior and Senior High School students from areas sponsored in Jakarta and Depok. 

Growing up in Sydney, my parents never missed an opportunity to send me away for a week-be it a sport camp, youth movement or band camp. Some of these camps I would rather forget, so much so, I still wake up sweating after a bad dream, thinking im back at 'Counterpoint Camp'.

A Trip to Kali Baru

By my count, I have visited 11 ISCO Activity and Education Centers in the past 6 months. I had not visited Kali Baru...until last Saturday.

I woke up early, at 6am, I decided against catching a taxi, and instead opted to take the busway.  I was meeting a new volunteer at 9am, from the Australian International School at Tanjung Priok Stasiun. The busway is air-conditioned, reliable, and for AU$0.35c unbeatable in price! (The price has remained the same since 2004 when the Busway was first introduced).

10 ways to help Street Children stay in School.

It is difficult to address the underlying causes where children from marginalized communities drop out of school. Below are 10 solutions to help keep children in school and off the street.