Dreams

Stories that capture the dreams and visions of people who continue to strive for the impossible.

An Education For A Better Life

Anissa, 23 Indonesia

Indonesia is an emerging market and has worked to bring it’s poverty level down to single-digits in 2018, a huge accomplishment. But, the vast population in Indonesia means that 25 million people still live below the poverty line, with some areas more affected than others. Even so, young women like Anissa continue to strive for a better life.

Anissa lives with her mother, and her family relies on her mother’s daily wage as a farm field labourer. Despite her mother’s job, the family cannot survive with her income. Anissa realised this from a young age and decided that she would do everything she can to help her mother. Her dream was that one day, her family would no longer be trapped by poverty.

Anissa saw her education as the key to changing their life. So she dedicated herself to school and working hard, and it paid off. Eventually she was able to enroll in university. However, despite this milestone, Anissa still faced tremendous hurdles. The university is 120 kilometers from her school. On a good day, it takes Anissa at least 2 hours to reach her university. But, the time and distance weren’t the problem for her. It was the cost that was slowly becoming prohibitive for her family to support. Anissa’s financial struggles meant that sometimes she would have to miss class, even risk dropping out because the burden was too much some months.

But, Anissa did not give up. She sought help wherever she could, and that is how she found Islamic Relief. She learned that they provide financial support and opportunities to help young adults and families lift themselves out of poverty. And the support she receives now has helped

change her life for the better. With financial assistance and mentorship, Anissa can afford to continue going to school without worrying how her mother will struggle to make ends meet.

Even though the road ahead is still not an easy one, Anissa is studying sociology as a major, and is determined to finish her university degree and become a teacher after she graduates. Every day, she continues to strive towards her dream.