The Online Learning Assistance project is initiated by Project Child Indonesia as a response to the uncertain circumstances occurring since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in the beginning of March 2020. The project is a form of adjustment of our main program, Sekolah Sungai, to solve the new problems that arise due to the shifting in learning process system at schools as well as our made adjustment through our regular on-site meetings in large groups to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus and follow certain rules required in the operation, such as the social distancing and health protocol regulations.
After the spread of the Covid-19 virus was officially announced as a pandemic by WHO, the Indonesian government made a policy about changing the offline learning system in school into distance learning. For the middle to lower class groups in our Sekolah Sungai communities on the banks of Code river, Winongo river, and Gajah Wong river, Yogyakarta, this policy has created several new problems. One of the biggest issues faced by the communities is that parents struggle to provide internet data packages to support distance learning. Meanwhile, for the learning process, teachers from formal school provide assignments but not necessarily equipped to explain the subject materials to children. The parents themselves have limitations in time and knowledge to assist their children in understanding the school materials and in doing their school tasks.
To help compensate for these issues, Project Child Indonesia through the Online Learning Assistance project provides:
Internet Data Aid
Project Child Indonesia has collaborated with PT. XL Axiata Tbk. to provide internet data quota to support the online learning activities of the children. The internet data aid is made possible by the help of Gollaborate.id’s crowdfunding on Kitabisa.com. The internet data aid was distributed to a total 81 children for September, October, and November 2020.
Online and Offline Tutor Sessions
The Online Learning Assistance project combines 50% online and 50% offline tutor sessions by volunteers to children in the three Sekolah Sungai communities to help them do their school tasks and understand the school material better. The teaching materials particularly are Mathematics, Science, and English. The weekly offline tutoring sessions adhere to safety and health guidelines, with five (5) learning posts consisting of a small group of children (3-5 children) and assisted by 1 (one) volunteer in each Sekolah Sungai location. Meanwhile, the online classes are conducted via Whatsapp video call.
We have conducted a total of 21 tutoring sessions in the three Sekolah Sungai communities in Code river, Winongo river, and Gajahwong river and it has helped more than 80 children for this year. Hopefully, we will be able to continue to support the government’s movement in creating equal access for distance learning for every child in Indonesia during Covid-19 pandemic and continue to help the underprivileged communities in Yogyakarta.
