NUR

It started when Nur was only 13, and she was curious with our newly established learning group (12 young people) that rented a small shabby house near to her house. Next day, she decided to join us and to learn English with others. She is now a mother of two who joins YCM for 23 years, as a student in the beginning, a tutor and mentor, a friend, and a sister for many younger youths, now she is a manager for our business division (Sola Rumah Karya). Below is Nur’s story about what she experiences and feels at YCM.

“YCM has given me uncountable life lessons. I grew up here, my life lies here. I don’t fly spread my wings wider outside of YCM, but I know that I am improving in every aspect of life every day. I believe that there is always a reason why I’m still being part of YCM for this long, 23 years.

My father was a laborer in a textile factory. He earned not much for his big family of a wife and 8 kids, so my mom worked as a maid in more than one place to help us fulfilling our family needs. My mom is my inspiration of doing and giving the best for her family beyond all the limitations.

I remember one of my tough moments in life when I was a kid. I skipped 24 days in a semester of junior high school time because I was afraid and ashamed. The economic teacher asked me to pay the schoolbooks every time she came to our class. My parents couldn’t afford to pay for the books sand even the school fees, so I was becoming a very shy and quiet teenager. School was a terribly hard time for me. In senior high, I had to help my parents by selling cakes to my friends at school in order to earn a little bit pocket money to help us survive.

YCM is not a school, it’s a home. The place where I’m finding peace. The tutors and students sharpen our skills, but most important thing is how we trained to care and love each other for every little thing.

I remembe, I always wanted to become an English teacher and flashback to the time I was interviewed for a university scholarship, I said my dream was having a place like YCM in another part of Indonesia. Now, it comes true in different way. Not having a new place but involving as one of the tutors for the sustainability of this beautiful place to spread more happiness and positive impact to the young people nearby Bogor is an incredible life achievement.

YCM has changed many lives. There’s no reason not to join this place where we can dig up our strengths, meeting many supportive and amazing people and be confident to dream high.

Now I have 2 kids and I believe I can provide a better education and better life for them as I am empowered enough because of my journey in YCM. Thanks to Ibu Gesine and mbak Putu for establishing this place. YCM, changes my life!”