In safe hands: Endah Pramudianti and our childcare centre project

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Posted: Nov 20, 2024 • 3 minute read • SMART • 6 Likes

Endah Pramudianti

What if every child had a safe, nurturing environment to learn and grow while their parents worked to build a better future? This is the vision that drives Endah Pramudianti in her work in the Balai Penitipan Anak (BPA) or childcare centres project at Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food. These centres provide a supportive space where children are cared for and working parents are supported, meeting the demands of working families in today’s world.

“For many parents, especially working moms, balancing their job and caring for their kids can be overwhelming. Our centres aim to lighten that load and offer a safe place where they can leave their little ones knowing they’re in good hands,” Endah shares with a warm smile.

We operate more than 300 BPAs across its Indonesian operations that reach over 8,000 children of plantation workers. These BPAs provide a nurturing and stimulating environment just steps away from the workplace. For many, it’s a lifeline that allows them to focus on their work, knowing their children are safe and cared for.

Children play in one of GAR’s Balai Penitipan Anak (BPA) or childcare centres, a safe and nurturing environment designed to support early childhood development while easing the burden of working parents, especially those who live in and around our estates.

It all started in 2021, when we teamed up with Indonesia Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (IBCWE) and Prospera to take a closer look at childcare services in Kalimantan and Sumatra. They wanted to see if these centres were safe, affordable, and providing good care. While families really valued the BPA centres for being easy to access, the review pointed out areas for improvement – especially when it came to the facilities and making sure caregivers had the right training.

In 2022, the BPA team set to work. They first ensured that every centre was equipped with essential features: access to clean water for drinking and hygiene, safe spaces for independent play, and educational activities that could turn everyday tasks into learning experiences.

The centres cater to children aged 0 to 6 – the golden years where children learn language, develop motor skills, and build emotional connections. “During this time, they learn and grow the most, so it’s important for them to be in a nurturing environment that supports their development,” Endah adds.

Did You Know?
By the time a child turns five, their brain has already grown to about 90% of its adult size. These early years, especially from birth to age six, are crucial as the brain forms over a million neural connections every second. These connections shape everything from motor skills to emotional development.

*Hands-on activities, such as assembling learning toys, allow the children to develop their motor skills development, which is essential for their growth during these formative years.*

One of the initial challenges Endah faced was making sure the facilities were up to mark. “We reached out to Tzu Chi and got extra help from partners to improve our centres,” she shares. This teamwork was vital in building a solid base for the project. “We run two-day training sessions for caregivers that cover everything from safety procedures to nutrition for kids,” she explains. “After that, we keep in touch through WhatsApp groups to support each other and keep things on track.”

The success of the BPA project is clear from the positive feedback we’re getting from parents. “Parents are telling us their kids are becoming more independent, learning to eat by themselves, and even singing!” These small but meaningful victories make all the effort feel worthwhile.

Endah has a strong vision for the future of BPA project. “We want to set a consistent standard for all BPAs and help our caregivers improve their skills,” she explains. By focusing on these goals, she believes they can better prepare children for school and support families in the long run. “When parents know their kids are safe and happy, they can concentrate on their work, which benefits everyone,” she adds.