Unfolding The Story of Gerobak Pintar – Uplifting the Marginalised Community in Jakarta Through Education

At Kinderland, we always believe that literacy is the bridge to a brighter future. The story of Gerobak Pintar unfolded in 2011 through the dedicated initiative of our Director, Mrs. Suparno, who believed in transforming the lives of children in marginalized communities. By providing access to books and fostering a love for reading, Gerobak Pintar created a safe haven for children who are often left to fend for themselves due to the harsh realities of their environment.

The journey from a mobile library on wheels—serving children under bridges—to an established community center illustrates the adaptability and perseverance of the programme in overcoming obstacles such as government restrictions and changes in volunteer availability. The re-establishment of the reading programme at RPTRA Kedoya Utara demonstrated the strong commitment of Kinderland Preschool @ Sunrise Garden and its volunteers to ensuring that children continue to have access to educational resources despite challenges.

Today, Gerobak Pintar continues to actively serve the community, with its activities managed by RPTRA (the Government Community Centre) in collaboration with several social foundations, including Balita Sehat Foundation, Kasih Ibu Preschool Pedengkolan, and the Sahabat Anak community. Their continued support ensures that the spirit of literacy and learning initiated by Kinderland lives on, reaching even more children and families in need.

Wiwit Isyafa Putri, the 1st Prize winner of Storytelling West Jakarta and 3rd Prize winner of Storytelling DKI Jakarta (2018), is a compelling example of how education can transform lives. Now attending university, her journey reflects the potential every child possesses—potential that all too often goes unrecognised without the right support.

Reflecting on her school years, Wiwit shared how education shaped her academically, socially, and personally. Moving to a different city for senior school taught her independence, while school itself offered friendships, motivation, and a strongly supportive environment. A key influence on her development was the gerobak pintar, a mobile reading cart through which she discovered books unavailable in her local library. This access to a wider range of reading materials broadened her ambitions, inspired her early aspiration of becoming a government prosecutor, and encouraged her to think more boldly about her future.

Among her proudest achievements was winning a provincial storytelling competition, a milestone that significantly boosted her confidence. She credits a dedicated teacher who consistently guided and encouraged her, as well as the transformative role of the gerobak pintar, in shaping her learning journey. Wiwit’s story stands as an inspiration to her community and a reminder of the life-changing power of education and accessible reading resources.

With each story shared and every book borrowed, Gerobak Pintar continues to nurture dreams, ignite passion, and empower children to build a brighter, more hopeful future.