Bener Meriah, Aceh — A spark of new hope reached the remote area of Bener Meriah, Aceh, as hundreds of children from Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Swasta (MIS) Simpur and Simpur Elementary School in Mesidah Subdistrict received school supply assistance distributed by ASAR Humanity on Monday (September 1, 2025).

A total of 186 packages were delivered, consisting of 136 study kits containing bags, stationery, books, and other learning essentials, along with 50 sets of shoes and socks for students who have long struggled with limited facilities.

Reaching the schools was not an easy task. The ASAR Humanity team traveled for over 11 hours from Banda Aceh, including three hours on rocky uphill roads and forest trails, to reach the schools deep in the hinterland.

The conditions at MIS and Simpur Elementary highlight the lack of infrastructure. Many students attend school without proper supplies, with some having to share stationery or rely on worn-out books.

Head of ASAR Humanity Aceh Branch, Akhi Munandar, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting education in underserved areas. He said, “We want to help build a generation that is both noble in character and intelligent by supporting educational institutions, including madrasahs. We also call on society to keep caring and sharing, because Indonesia’s future lies in the hands of children, including those studying with such spirit in Simpur, Bener Meriah.”

Chairman of MIS Simpur’s School Committee, Fauzi Muhda, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support. He said, “This is the first time our school has received school supplies in such numbers. The children are overjoyed. We thank ASAR Humanity and the people of Türkiye who made the effort to come all the way here for us.”

The initiative also received appreciation from the Head of the Bener Meriah Religious Affairs Office, Drs. H. Maiyusri, M.Ag., who stated, “This aid is expected to boost students’ motivation to learn and support the teaching process at MIS Simpur, which is a filial of MIN 3 Bener Meriah. We hope the synergy between the Ministry of Religious Affairs, ASAR Humanity, and the community will continue for the advancement of education in Bener Meriah.”

At the same event, the local Ministry of Religious Affairs also received 2,500 coffee seedlings from local farmer groups, to be planted on MIS Simpur’s land. The program is expected to become a long-term investment for strengthening the local economy and developing productive endowment lands.

ASAR Humanity Program Coordinator, Rizal Fahmi, emphasized that education is a right for every child. He said, “We want to ensure that every child has both the spirit and the facilities to learn and pursue their dreams, no matter where they live.”

The long journey to this remote corner of Aceh was more than just aid distribution, it was a tangible act of care for communities on the nation’s fringes, a step to bridge hope and keep the light of knowledge alive in places often forgotten.