Global Reach: Past Grantees

Context:

To help meet the human resources needs of Indonesia’s fast developing economy, President Joko Widodo’s government announced that 20% of the State budget will be allocated to education, with subsidies to schools mainly directed to primary and secondary education. There are a small number of government subsidized post-secondary vocational schools, but they have limited absorptive capacity and use strict entrance exams. Private vocational institutions are too expensive for the poor, who thus have limited opportunity to gain marketable skills to get a job, or start a business responding to the market demand in a growing economy. Girls and young women in particular have less access to vocational training as families generally prioritize boys’ education and livelihoods opportunities.

Organization:

YAPARI was established in 1988 with the mission to help children and adolescents fulfill their rights, gain access to formal and non-formal education, enter the workforce, access quality health care services, as well as influence policy changes that favor children. YAPARI works with destitute and neglected children, youth and their families in greater Jakarta, supporting their education, health care, vocational training and legal aid. It also assists families through Savings and Credit Groups for micro-finance, financial literacy and entrepreneurship training. YAPARI has helped youth and women establish Community Business Units as small vendors, telephone repair shops, etc., and trained youth in computer skills.