- Elementary School Teacher in a Remote Village
Mr. Hasan's Daily Life:
Every morning, Mr. Hasan walks about 5 kilometers through forests and rice fields, sometimes under the scorching sun, sometimes in drizzling rain, just to reach a small elementary school at the edge of the village. The school has only three classrooms, and electricity frequently goes out.
In class, he teaches using chalkboards and worn-out books. The children sit tightly packed, but their eyes shine with a thirst for learning. Despite the lack of teaching aids, Mr. Hasan always strives to make lessons come alive, connecting them to the children's world—nature, togetherness, and dreams of a better future.
During breaks, he often sits with the village mothers, listening to their struggles—failed harvests, children forced to drop out due to poverty, and their hopes that their kids might one day have a better life.
Personal Conflict:
Mr. Hasan often wrestles with exhaustion and limitations. Sometimes he feels like he's fighting alone against a world that doesn't care. Government aid often arrives late or fails to meet the real needs.
He also feels sorrow when children are forced to miss school to help their families, or when he has to suppress his own despair and keep smiling to keep his students motivated.
The hardest part, however, is knowing that his desire to bring change can be hindered by deeply rooted traditions and resistance to new ideas in the village.
True Motivation:
Mr. Hasan believes: "Education is the key. Though the road is long and difficult, planting knowledge today is like lighting a candle in the darkness."
He wants these village children to see a broader world, to have opportunities he never had.
He hopes to create a generation that can develop their village differently—not relying solely on nature, but also through technology and knowledge.
Interesting Facts:
In many remote regions of Indonesia, teachers like Mr. Hasan are the only source of information beyond parents. They often teach everything from literacy to health and agricultural education.
Studies show that teachers' presence in remote areas greatly impacts school dropout rates and long-term village welfare.
Mr. Hasan knows that, according to UNESCO, investing in education in remote areas is one of the best investments for a nation's future.
People's Views on Mr. Hasan and His Profession:
Parents of Students:
"Mr. Hasan is incredibly patient. Even when our children are naughty or struggle to understand, he keeps teaching with his heart. We believe our children learn not just lessons, but also good character from him."
Village Head:
"We're fortunate to have Mr. Hasan. He even helps with village programs, acting as both a teacher and an informal community leader."
Fellow Teacher (from the City):
"I admire Mr. Hasan. Working in the city is much easier, but he perseveres in a challenging environment with minimal facilities and much lower pay."
Mr. Hasan's Students:
"Mr. Hasan feels like a father to us. He doesn't just teach us reading and writing, but also teaches us how to dream."
Education Observer:
"Teachers in remote areas are the often-forgotten pillars of development. They face numerous obstacles, yet their role is strategic in reducing educational inequality."
Mr. Hasan's Philosophy on Education and Life:
"Knowledge is a window to the world. If the window is small or closed, we'll never know how vast the sky outside really is. I just want to help these children open that window, little by little."
He believes that patience and perseverance are more important than fancy tools and facilities. For him, education is not just about grades, but about shaping character, building confidence, and nurturing hope.