“How Do We Pay for This?” The Joyful Story of a Shopping Day for Orphans and Underprivileged Children in Depok

A total of 100 orphaned and underprivileged children from Sekolah Master Depok took part in the Belanja Bareng Yatim dan Dhuafa (BBYD), or Shopping Day for Orphans and Underprivileged Children, a collaborative program between IHH Belgium and Human Initiative. The activity took place at Gramedia Margonda, Depok, on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, from morning until noon.

At 08.30 a.m., the children gathered at their school for registration, group prayer, and a short briefing before departure. With cheerful excitement, they boarded the buses provided by the organizers and headed to Gramedia.

Upon arrival, the children entered the main hall and listened attentively to a welcome speech from an IHH Belgium representative, who expressed gratitude and encouraged them to keep studying diligently while enjoying the day’s special experience.

After receiving explanations about the shopping rules and the list of eligible items, the children eagerly began their shopping adventure. They picked out school supplies, books, stationery, snacks, and educational toys. Each group of ten children was accompanied by Human Initiative Team members who ensured safety and order throughout the activity. Amid the joyful commotion, one child, clutching his chosen item, asked innocently, “Sister, don’t leave me, how will I pay for this?” a moment that melted everyone’s heart.

Once shopping was completed, the children proceeded to the cashier to finalize their selections and then returned to the hall for the closing session. The organizers distributed waqf Qur’ans and lunch packages for the children to take home. Their bright smiles filled the photo session in the Gramedia lobby before the group returned to school.

Through the BBYD Program, Human Initiative and IHH Belgium instilled joy, confidence, and motivation in the children. Both organizations remain committed to supporting the educational spirit of orphaned and underprivileged children through meaningful and enjoyable experiences.

Let us continue to bring more smiles to Indonesian children by joining this movement of kindness at solusipeduli.org.