BMW brings spirit of learning to underprivileged children.

Jakarta. Two recently opened Children Activity Centers funded by PT BMW Indonesia are increasingly busy with educational programs for hundreds of children from underprivileged families in Jakarta. The centers, offer extracurricular courses as well as education in life values and morals for children aged from 6 to 18 years from the densely populated neighborhoods of Pademangan, North Jakarta, and Cipinang Besar Utara, East Jakarta.

Pademangan was the first center to be opened in January 2010. Preparation for the opening of a third center is under way.

”We are delighted that the Children Activity Centers in Pademangan and Cipinang Besar Utara are in operation,” said Ramesh Divyanathan, the President Director of BMW Indonesia. “Now, children can use the centers to obtain the education they need.  We hope that the third center will be open soon.”

All daily activities in the Children Activity Centers are managed by the Indonesian Street Children Organization (ISCO). Activities range from intensifying the study of school subjects to developing children’s talents in arts and skills.  The center also teaches life and moral values, such as cleanliness, honesty, peace and courage, several areas that are often neglected in formal education or in the children’s homes. The centers are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with classes divided according to age and educational backgrounds. Children also receive a nutritious meal.  

Currently, there are more than 150 children at the Children Activity Center in Pademangan and 60 at Cipinang Besar Utara. The number is expected to rise in line with increasing public awareness of the importance of education.  Most of the children’s parents are involved in non-formal occupational backgrounds, such as trash pickers, ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers, road sweepers, street musicians and beggars,

“The educational program in the Children Activity Centers was designed to motivate children to enjoy education and learn about ethical values,” said Josef Fuchs, who founded ISCO in May 1999. 

Mr. Fuchs acknowledged it was challenging to encourage children in the slum areas to learn and also shield them from negative influences in their neighborhoods.  However, with patience and their educational experience, the facilitators of ISCO have gradually increased the children’s participation and obtained community support.

Children expressed enthusiasm about the center’s activities. “I am happy to be able to learn at the center.  The teachers are nice, we can learn many things, sometimes we get milk and breakfast,”, said Dian, 10, who dreams of becoming a teacher. 

“The center has encouraged me to learn and to dream again,” added Anto, who is in his second year of junior high school.   

BMW Indonesia is committed to the development of the young generation, particularly in education. It believes every Indonesian child has the right to obtain an education, and that the private sector must also play a part in supporting the government’s efforts to improve educational opportunities. 

Since 2006, PT BMW Indonesia has participated in various educational programs, including Kelas Super (Super Class) in Jakarta, developed and operated 3 Mobile Learning Centersand established a Tsunami Education Parkin Aceh.   

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The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the world’s leading premium car manufacturer since 2005 with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of approximately 1.29 million automobiles and over 87,000 motorcycles for the 2009 financial year. The pre-tax profit for 2009 was euro 413 million, revenues totalled euro 50.68 billion. At 31 December 2009, the company employed a global workforce of approximately 96,000 associates.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last five years.

BMW in Indonesia

PT. BMW Indonesia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG, the world manufacturer of BMW vehicles based in Munich, Germany. The establishment of this subsidiary in April 2001 reflects the BMW Group’s confidence in the long-term future of Indonesia and its commitment to maintaining and extending BMW’s leading position in the premium market segment. PT. BMW Indonesia’s activities cover the wholesale of BMW cars, spare parts and accessories, as well as the overall planning of sales, marketing, after-sales, and related activities in Indonesia. Its dealership network covers 11 new car dealers and 1 used-car dealer spread out in various cities in Indonesia. Selected models of the 3 and 5 Series sedans are also assembled in Indonesia by a local partner. More information about BMW Indonesia may be found online at www.bmw.co.id.

For further information please contact:

Helena Abidin

Corporate Communications Director

Tel: +62 -21- 2992 3003         

Mobile: +62-816-968 450

Email: maria.h.abidin@bmw.co.id

Roberto Sumabrata
Corporate Communications
Tel : +62-21-2992 3009 ext.21724
Mobile : +62-818-306 307
Email : roberto.sumabrata@partner.bmw.co.id

Indonesian Street Children Organization
Josef Fuchs
President

Tel : +62-21-722 2008

Mobile: +62 811 130 011

Email : Josef.fuchs@1stwap.com