About the Program
For children from families of waste pickers, the world often feels small. Limited access to education, unstable living conditions, and a lack of opportunities put them at risk of getting trapped in the same cycle of vulnerability as their parents.
Given this reality, Mahija believes that access to education is a crucial foundation for creating better opportunities for children in the future.
In 2024, Mahija launched the Mahija Mobile School, a traveling classroom program that brings educational opportunities directly to waste management communities in seven areas supported by Mahija. The program is designed to reach children at risk of falling behind in the formal education system, while also reigniting their interest in learning.
Through a flexible approach, Mahija Mobile School not only provides a learning space but also creates a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for children to thrive.
To expand its reach and impact, Mahija has also partnered with various organizations. One key initiative is the launch of the DBS x Mahija Mobile School in 2025, which expands access to education for children in the Duren Sawit and Johar Baru areas.
This collaboration is part of a joint effort to link education with broader impacts on the community.
Program Achievements
Impact Stories
Feby
Duren Sawit
Student at Mahija Mobile School
Feby attends the Mahija Mobile Classroom program, which is held not far from her home. She and her friends usually walk to class. In this class, Feby learns various subjects, such as math and English, in a more engaging way.
At first, some of the material was difficult for her. But with the help of the older student mentors in the Mobile Classroom, Feby gradually began to understand the lessons.
For him, studying here isn’t just about understanding the material—it’s also an opportunity to learn alongside friends in a fun atmosphere.
“At first, studying was hard, but after getting help from the older students at the Mobile School, I started to understand better. Studying here is also fun because I get to hang out with my friends.”
Impact Stories
Evelyn
Volunteer, DBS x Mahija Mobile School
DBS Bank Indonesia Employee
Through the People of Purpose program, DBS Bank Indonesia and Mahija have launched the DBS x Mahija Mobile School, a volunteer initiative that gives DBS employees the opportunity to engage directly in learning activities with children from families involved in recycling. This program not only provides children with access to additional educational opportunities but also fosters a warm and welcoming environment where volunteers and the community can connect.
For Evelyn, volunteering in Johar Baru was a truly memorable experience. She was able to interact directly with the children, share simple knowledge, and create a fun learning environment.
“I’m so happy to meet the children of Johar Baru, share my knowledge with them, and, of course, share some fun with them too.”
Syakila
Duren Sawit
, a student at the Mahija Mobile School
Syakila is one of the children participating in the Mahija Mobile Classroom program in Duren Sawit. Previously, she often struggled to understand certain subjects at school, especially multiplication. In addition, a lack of school supplies posed its own challenges. Despite this, Syakila remains eager to keep learning.
He first heard about the Mobile Classroom from the mothers in his neighborhood. It turned out that learning in the Mobile Classroom was fun because he could learn while playing, and the material was explained in a way that was easy to understand. Since joining the class, he has come to understand his lessons better—sometimes even grasping the material before it’s taught at school.
“Now I understand the lessons better, especially multiplication. Learning in the Mobile Classroom is fun because we get to play while we learn, and the older students teach us with patience.”