Academic scholarships

The Need

For many young people in North Sumatra, Indonesia, the dream of pursing a higher education remains out of reach. The cost of post-secondary education is prohibitive, and access to information and opportunities is extremely limited. After graduating from high school, many youth are left with few options beyond low-paying jobs such as shopkeeping or working as gas attendants.

Education is costly, and many parents simply cannot afford to support their children’s continued studies. Most caregivers work as daily or seasonal labourers and struggle to meet basic needs. To break the generational cycle of poverty, it is essential that youth are given opportunities to pursue higher education. Earning diplomas or degrees equips them with valuable skills that open doors to stable, well-paying employment.

Dedicated and hardworking students at the child development centres in North Sumatra deserve the opportunity to flourish and reach their God-given potential. Access to college or university education would provide them with practical and professional skills, enabling them to compete in the job market and even become successful entrepreneurs.

With financial support and encouraging mentorship, these graduates could achieve their dreams and overcome the barriers of poverty. Without assistance, doors of opportunity will close, leaving them struggling to make ends meet. Staff knew that by pursing higher education, students would become competitive in the workforce as competent, moral and innovative individuals who can create lasting change in their communities and beyond.

Our Response

Thanks to your generous support, 18 students from 12 Compassion centres in North Sumatra, Indonesia, pursued post-secondary education and completed three- or four-year degree programs. Most students graduated from Polytechnic Wilmar Business Indonesia (WBI), which specializes in nursing and midwifery while seven students attended STIKES Murni Teguh School of Health and three students pursued programs at other learning institutions. Throughout their studies, students received mentorship from church staff, who supported them as they progressed through their education and prepared for their future careers.

Here is an update on the students you supported:

• Seven students pursued studies in health care such as midwifery and nursing at Murni Teguh University:
o Fidelia is now 20 years old and became an associate expert in midwifery after graduating from her program in December 2024. She is currently working in a hospital.
o Imelda is 21 years old and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in May 2025. She continued her studies in the professional nursing program (NERS). Imelda’s learning is primarily practice-based. She is currently completing her clinical placement in the intensive care unit at a hospital. She has completed her final scientific paper and is preparing for her professional exam.
o Inriyana completed her studies and graduated from the midwifery program in December 2024. She has become an associate expert in midwifery.
o Lesi completed her studies, receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing. After graduating in May 2025, she continued in the NERS program for one year doing her practical training in the hospital.
o Mimarnike graduated from the nursing program in May 2025. Her final research topic was about the effectiveness of acupressure therapy to reduce nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients. She has continued with the NERS program, which will be completed in 2026.
o Arlitus graduated in May 2025. He is continuing his studies in the NERS program. Graduates of NERS are expected to provide comprehensive nursing care and health education, advocate for patients and make ethical and legal clinical decisions.
o Ribka completed her studies and has continued with the NERS program. She is focusing on clinical practices and applying her knowledge in hospitals, health centres and in the community.

• Eight students graduated from WBI:
o Christy is focused on completing her final project in the international marketing management program. She received an offer from her former internship company, which reflects her strong performance during the internship period. She is currently completing her thesis while working.
o Yesaya also studied international marketing management and is catching up on some missed courses while working to improve his grades. As he works on completing his thesis, he hopes to graduate in 2026. Currently, Yesaya works part-time as a car salesman.
o Amanda is completing her final assignment in tax accounting and is completing her final course assignment.
o Yeni graduated from her studies in horticultural agribusiness in October 2025 after conducting field research at a local café. She also learned culinary arts and sewing and hopes to open her own business in the future.
o Aritra completed her thesis defense and graduated in horticultural agribusiness in October 2025. Aritra conducted research for her thesis at Nudira Fresh in Pengalengan, where she learned to grow beef tomatoes and cherry tomatoes using a drip irrigation system.
o Theo has plans to either start his own business or pursue a career in civil service after graduating from international marketing management.
o Anju also completed his studies in international marketing management and hopes to become an entrepreneur in the future.
o Venesia graduated from the tax accounting program in November 2025.

• Three students pursued studies at other universities and colleges:
o Selwi earned an associate’s degree in informatics (IT) management with honours. She is employed as an executive assistant in Jakarta.
o Selviawati successfully completed her studies at Imelda University, earning a bachelor’s degree in midwifery.
o Cynthia completed the midwifery program at Poltekkes Kemenkes Medan and continues her studies at the bachelor’s degree level. She participated in the civil servant (CPNS) admission test for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

A shared challenge for many students was maintaining consistent Internet access while participating in online classes. Those studying far from their hometown and Compassion centres also faced difficulties managing their schedules and balancing responsibilities. Mentors played a vital role in helping students stay on track, offering guidance, encouragement and support.

This intervention expanded students’ future opportunities by equipping them with academic knowledge, personal resilience and a strong sense of purpose grounded in faith. Amid rising education costs, this intervention helped ease financial burdens, allowing participants to continue their studies with greater confidence. While many students aged out of the Compassion program, they remain committed to their studies and all students either have graduated or will soon graduate from their post-secondary programs.

Activities

Graduation: Imelda graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and is completing a placement in a hospital. Ribka also graduated in the nursing program and is focusing on clinical practices in hospitals, health centres and in the community. Cynthia completed the midwifery program and continues her studies at the bachelor’s degree level. Students proudly displayed their certificates of achievement at graduation ceremonies.

Final assignments: Students like Aritra, Mimarnike, Ribka, Arlitus and Lesi celebrated at the successful completion of their thesis defenses in their specific area of study such as horticultural agribusiness and nursing.

Practical training: Students completed practical exams and hands-on training. Selviawati completed the midwifery program and received training on handling a newborn baby. Yeni finished her studies in horticultural agribusiness, completing her field research in a local café. Selwi participated in an informatics management exhibition. Students gained valuable skills and knowledge during internships in their field of study.

Extracurricular activities: Outside of study time, students like Venesia enjoyed attending a Christmas celebration and Theo played guitar for a campus event. Yesaya used his knowledge and skills during his part-time work as a car salesman.

Your Gift Provides...

Your generous gift covered tuition fees for 18 students in North Sumatra to complete three- or four-year college degrees: 

• 5 students studying international marketing management at Wilmar Bisnis Indonesia (WBI) 
• 1 student studying tax accounting at WBI 
• 2 students studying horticultural agribusiness at WBI 
• 1 student studying informatic management (computer engineering) at Politeknik Negri Medan 
• 1 student studying midwifery at University of Imelda 
• 1 student studying midwifery at Poltekes Kemenkes Medan 
• 7 students studying nursing at STIKES Murni Teguh