Batam is Indonesia’s “SEZ” (Special Economic Zone). Hundreds of multinational companies (MNC’s) have factories on this island. In the past two decades, almost a million people (mostly from other parts of Indonesia) have come to Batam to look for work.
Many of them eventually bring their families over and settle down in Batam. Because almost every one on this island is a migrant, Batam has the feel of a frontier town. Needless to say, most of these migrants face many challenges as they try to cope in a new environment, learn new skills, etc.
Goducate started its first learning center in Batam in Punggur, to meet the needs of the poorer migrants. This center provides English, computer and music classes for both school-age students and adults.
Presently, over a hundred regular students attend its classes throughout the week. A Singapore health-care organization, MHC Asia Group (Singapore) generously supports this center – not only financially but also by sending its staff over to help teach the students and to provide medical care.
Encouraged by the success of this center, Goducate decided to start a second center in a much larger town called Batu Aji. Again, MHC Asia Group stepped up to provide advice, encouragement and finances. Two months ago a large shop-house right in the “heart” of the town was rented and extensively renovated.
Goducate expects this center to attract hundreds of people because of the large population in Batu Aji and the lack of free education for the migrants. Goducate expects to start operations at the end of November and provide kindergarten classes, English, computer classes and other livelihood programs.
Thankfully, some excellent teachers have offered their services to help us to develop our curricula and training programs.
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