NORTH SUMATRA — Financial constraints have caused numerous students to face difficulties in affording higher education. The high cost of tuition often serves as a significant barrier to students with potential but limited financial resources. According to The Student Financial Wellness Survey (SFWS) of 2022, three out of four students encountered financial hardships over the past year.
Survey results indicated that students experiencing financial difficulties, challenges in meeting basic needs, and mental health issues have seen an impact on their academic performance and their capacity to concentrate on their studies. It was also noted that stress associated with financial and mental health challenges affects student success.
In certain cases, students from economically disadvantaged families struggle to pay tuition fees, which forces them to allocate study time to other activities, such as part-time jobs. Additionally, some students need to take academic leaves or drop out of college, and many become entangled in online loans (pinjol) to settle their tuition fees.
In response to these challenges, Dompet Dhuafa Waspada has once again provided scholarship assistance to six students from the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) at the University of North Sumatra (USU) on Friday (2/2/2024). This initiative aims to manage zakat funds optimally, extending the benefits of zakat for the welfare of Muslims in Indonesia.
Through this initiative, Dompet Dhuafa offers opportunities for financially disadvantaged students to pursue higher education without the burden of high costs. By providing scholarships, Dompet Dhuafa not only helps ease the financial burden of education but also opens avenues for talented individuals to develop their potential and make a positive contribution to society.
The delivery of assistance, valued at IDR 16.8 million, marks the first round of disbursements in 2024, with a second batch planned for July 2024. This performance scholarship assistance is the second instance, following its initial launch in 2023 by Dompet Dhuafa Waspada, benefitting four USU FKG students.
“We are delighted and express our gratitude to Dompet Dhuafa Waspada for once again providing scholarships to USU FKG students this year, increasing the number of recipients from last year,” said USU FKG Dean, Essie Octiara, during the handover ceremony.
Essie also urged the scholarship recipients to make good use of the assistance received.
“This means that after receiving this scholarship, you students should expedite the completion of your studies, as this is a responsibility. Having been entrusted with this assistance, conclude it as swiftly as possible,” she emphasized.
Echoing this sentiment, Sulaiman, the Branch Manager of Dompet Dhuafa Waspada, stated their ongoing commitment to annually distribute scholarships to USU FKG students.
“God willing, the support for students to complete their studies will continue as it has been, thanks to the contributions from donors, namely USU FKG lecturers who channel their zakat or charity through Dompet Dhuafa Waspada. We will then specifically reallocate it to FKG students,” Sulaiman mentioned.
Essie expressed hope that the scholarship assistance from Dompet Dhuafa Waspada does not end here, with the positive impact of the scholarship recipients having a lasting effect on society, fostering a more inclusive environment, and empowering future generations.
“After our assessment, it appears that many of our students face difficulties in paying tuition fees. Therefore, we hope this assistance can persist into the third, fourth instances, and beyond,” she aspired.
Sulaiman also shared his hope that the aid provided to the recipients proves beneficial, generating lasting effects, establishing an inclusive society, and empowering future generations.
“In essence, this should help the students complete their education promptly, become doctors, and subsequently provide benefits to many people,” he hoped.
The handover ceremony was also attended by Vice Dean I, Olivia Avriyanti Hanafiah; Vice Dean III of USU FKG, Pitu Wulandari; and the Program Manager of Dompet Dhuafa Waspada, Halimah Tusa’dyah. (Dompet Dhuafa/Waspada/ADP)