October 2008 - For more than 6 months, a huge tent dominated the open field in front of a primary school in Mekar Jaya village in Sukabumi, West Java. It was not an attempt at alternative education; this was outdoor education in the most literal sense.

Built in the 1960s, the buildings of SD Negeri Cihamerang were run-down and badly in need of renovation. In July 2007, the school’s management were forced to move 140 students from class 3 and 4 out of their crumbling classrooms into a temporary structure. The students and teachers traded comfort for safety.

Lessons in the tent were hard to bear. At mid-day, with the sun directly over the canvas roof, the tent became a green house. A hot and stuffy classroom does not help children study, but conditions became miserable when it rained: rainwater seeped through the seams and wet their heads.

When funding became available from PNPM – Generasi Sehat dan Cerdas, the local community was quick to identify the need to rehabilitate SD Negeri Cihamerang as a priority. Village representatives then put together a proposal for the construction of buildings to replace the unsafe school blocks.

Of the funds provided to Mekar Jaya village, USD 6,950 was allocated for the rehabilitation of two school buildings. Local contributions came in the form of voluntary labour. Villagers, including children, contributed building materials such as stones, sand and bricks, giving whatever they could within their capacity. Some were even bringing a brick or a bottle of sand a day to the construction site.

To keep the spirits of the students high, the PNPM Generasi facilitators organized a “Draw Your Dream School ” activity. The Sub-District Facilitator, Gresy Renysanty, was impressed with the drawings collected, “They are very beautiful, true expressions from the heart.”

On 25 February 2008, the dream school was no longer just a dream. The new buildings were completed and furnished after one month of construction. Finally, the students say they can study in the same kind of environment children from other schools have been able to enjoy. Before when lessons took place in the tents, students often played truant, not wanting to study in the heat or the rain. Nowadays, attendance is almost at 100 percent, except for the occasional absence due to medical reasons.

Looking back at the experience, Gresy says, “For all the time I’ve worked as a facilitator for this and other programs, this is the first time I really feel a sense of pride as a facilitator. I can do something good for others after all. ”