NORTH KALIMANTAN — It was a bright morning. The morning sunlight reflected beautifully on the surface of the sea. Just like diamonds moving freely in the waves. A cool breeze completed the morning. There, houses are not built on land as in general. Instead, they stand on the sea. Yes, they live above sea level. More or less, that’s how Nuraida (13) and other residents of Tarakan, North Kalimantan, live.
Despite her condition, Nuraida is very happy and grateful for God’s extraordinary gift. Like other children her age, Nuraida fills her days with cheerful play and occasionally exchanges stories about her future and aspirations. However, there was a moment that left Nuraida heartbroken and helpless. That moment was when Nuraida’s friends had to say goodbye to go to a school on the coast. Nuraida could only watch as her friends walked cheerfully to school.
‘When will I be like them. Go to school together?’ Nuraida admitted.
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Orphaned Since Childhood
Nuraida has been an orphan since childhood. Her mother died when she was still a baby, and after some time, her father passed away. Nuraida grew up slowly without the presence of both parents. In fact, she was malnourished as a toddler.
The responsibility of being a parent was taken on by Nuraida’s grandfather and aunt. Nuraida’s grandfather taught her many lessons about life. He gave Nuraida advice like a father to his daughter. Meanwhile, her aunt gave her love during her growing years. But a few months ago, Nuraida’s grandfather passed away. Sadness came over Nuraida, she felt lost.
‘Yes, my grandfather passed away a few months ago. Now I live with my aunt,’ she said, Tuesday (25/6/2024).
Despite living in poverty, Nuraida’s determination to learn still burns. One day, her determination was dimmed by people’s opinions about her inadequate clothing. Nuraida felt marginalised from the company of her friends. This situation made her drop out of school. Little Nuraida cried.
Welcoming the Turn of the Wheel of Fate
No sorrow lasts forever, and neither does happiness. Life is like a wheel that keeps turning. Likewise, Nuraida’s sadness slowly faded away. In 2017, news about her reached an ustazah from Almarhamah organisation. For information, Almarhamah is Dompet Dhuafa’s Zakat Management Partner (MPZ) in the form of a non-profit foundation and is engaged in social-humanitarianism, education, da’wah, health, and empowerment.
The Ustazah from Almarhamah heard about Nuraida’s condition. The ustazah was touched by Nuraida’s enthusiasm for learning, which had waned due to her circumstances. Finally, the ustazah from Almarhamah began to distribute scholarships to Nuraida. Now, Nuraida’s enthusiasm for learning is slowly rekindled. She is starting to regain her confidence.
Under the guidance of ustazah, Nuraida learnt not only about religion, but also about life. She learnt about the importance of sincerity, kindness, and an unyielding spirit.
‘Every human being has great potential, regardless of their condition and background,’ the ustazah told Nuraida.
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Day by day, Nuraida’s smile began to return. She felt a new hope shining into her life. She began to dare to mingle with her peers at Almarhamah. Despite not being able to attend formal school like them, Nuraida no longer felt marginalised. She felt part of a community that accepted and loved her for who she was. In her heart, she promised that she would continue to learn and do her best to achieve her dreams.
Today, Nuraida is a girl full of enthusiasm and optimism. She may not have much, but she has a heart rich in love and wisdom. Her sweet smile is a reflection of resilience and undying hope. On that sunny morning, Nuraida looked to her future with confidence, ready to face whatever was to come with a strong and loving heart.
Nuraida’s story teaches us that even though life is full of obstacles, with sincerity and enthusiasm that never fades, we can rise up and achieve happiness. There are many other Nuraida out there who need the helping hand of our kindness, hopefully Nuraida’s story can be an encouragement for us to support the orphan empowerment programme through the Alms for Orphans Programme. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Hafiz MPZ, Almarhamah
Editor: Ronna