Photo: Teda Gembenop’s smile upon receiving financial aid from TSE Group, a payoff for her dedication to educating children in rural South Papua
SOUTH PAPUA – Mornings at Miri State Elementary (SDN Persiapan Miri) begin with little steps of hope. In these modest classrooms, teachers work tirelessly to fill young minds with knowledge.
Teda Gembenop is no exception. As a voluntary teacher, she pours her heart into her students, even when the weight of daily needs occasionally pulls at her focus.
It’s why the recent honorarium payment from Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group brought her so much joy and relief. Beyond physical aid, the Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) program is a morale booster and a payoff of her long-standing dedication to teaching. For Teda, this financial support is a reminder that her efforts to serve the community are seen and valued.
“As teachers, we often have to dig into our pockets to meet needs. This aid gives us some peace of mind and more room to focus on the children,” Teda said on Tuesday (3/24).
She’s not the only one benefiting from the program. Elsewhere, Olivia Yame, a tenth-grader at Boven Digoel 3 Public Vocational High (SMKN 3 Boven Digoel), has found a new sense of motivation.
Money constraints had been forcing her to put aside dreams and even simple wishes like having proper school supplies. Now, she walks with her head high, thanks to the scholarship from the company.
“I can buy items and still have some [money] left for other needs,” she said. “It gives me more motivation to learn.”
In rural South Papua, challenges to education delivery extend beyond the classroom. Distance, access, and economic limitations are other hurdles constantly faced by local schools. Amid such conditions, tangible support is central to kindling the hopes of teachers and students.
Photo: Alongside his team, TSE Group’s General Manager Daniel Sim Ayomi presents local teacher and student reps with financial support — part of the company’s educational assistance for South Papua
TSE Group is providing regular honoraria and scholarships for teachers and students at its operational locations. This CSC initiative is part of the company’s commitment to growing alongside the people by enhancing local manpower.
TSE Group’s General Manager, Daniel Sim Ayomi, stressed that a company’s social contribution should be measured by its impact on the lives of those around it, not just operational performance.
“We believe our presence must tangibly benefit [immediate communities]. Through this program, we want to support educators and students so they can continue to move forward and reach a brighter future.”
In South Papua, hope grows from simplicity. TSE Group hopes to help expand educational access, strengthen manpower capacity, and push for inclusive, sustainable development in the region. (PR)
