aidha in Indonesia

The Republic of Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country, with a population of approximately 238 million people.   In 2006, an estimated 11% of workers in Indonesia were unemployed, and over 20% were underemployed.

As a labour-surplus nation, Indonesia sees an increasing number of both skilled and unskilled workers migrating overseas for work. There were 2.7 million Indonesians working overseas with official permission in mid-2006, but an even larger number who are not registered officially as overseas contract workers. While the Middle East is the top destination for Indonesian migrants, a significant and increasing number has been moving to other Asian nations such as Singapore and Taiwan, largely as temporary domestic workers.

A significant percentage of students at our Singapore schoolhouse hail from Indonesia. They are saving to invest in productive enterprises,  build homes, and to educate their children. Our Indonesian graduates are already creating tremendous impact for their families and communities.

Siti Mutowimah, for example, has crafted a striking success story for aidha. She graduated in June 2010, bagging the “best business plan award” for an internet café business she designed as part of her entrepreneurship course. Immediately after graduation, she returned home to start her business. Months later, with much hard work invested, “Sidha Net Café” opened its doors. In recognition of the learning she realised at aidha, Siti erected a beautiful banner outside her shop, which reads: “Sidha Net Café – Inspired by aidha”.   In truth, she is OUR inspiration.