In a heartfelt interview, Cheva, our young activist from Grade 12, shared her journey of creating the “Kereta Harapan Project” or “Train of Hope Project,” which aims to provide essential aid to flood victims in Sumatra. This initiative stems from a personal desire to make a positive impact, particularly during the challenging Christmas period. Through their significant efforts, Cheva mobilized resources and raised funds, demonstrating a commitment to compassion and community support in times of crisis. 

What is Kereta Harapan and the impact it seeks to create within the community?

The “Kereta Harapan Project,” or “Train of Hope,” is a non-profit initiative focused on fundraising and providing essentials to those in need. Its goal is to help affected communities by delivering aid through transparent, people-driven efforts, fostering a compassionate society where everyone in crisis receives timely support.

What inspired you to support flood victims in Sumatra? Any personal experiences that inspired you?

In my 11th grade, while starting my CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program, I reflected on my desire to positively impact others through volunteer work. A pivotal moment for me was realising that, during Christmas, many were suffering from disasters and lacked necessities, including the victims of the Sumatra flood. 

This motivated me to launch the Kereta Harapan Project, bringing hope and love to those in crisis during the holiday season.

Please share with us  the timeline of the project

• Nov 30, 2025: After returning from Jakarta and reflecting on my CAS goals, a storm inspired me to help flood victims in Sumatra.
• Dec 1, 2025: I consulted my CAS coordinator, who encouraged me to start right away. I created a project timeline and set the donation deadline for December 13, listing items such as clothes, food, necessities, and money for donation.
• Dec 2 – 11, 2025: I promoted the project through posters, a booth at the Holiday Fair, and outreach to the parent community. Given time constraints for shipping, I shortened the donation period to December 11.
• Dec 12, 2025: All donations and funds were sent to Sumatra, and by the time of this interview, they had reached their destination.
• What were the results of your project? I collected three large boxes of donations, including clothes, food, toiletries, shoes, and toys, and raised 23,060,000 Rupiah in just one week. With the help of a friend in Medan, I organized the distribution to areas in Aceh and North Sumatra. I also transferred the raised funds to KitaBisa, a reputable NGO, to support their efforts for the flood victims.

Can you share with us the total donation collected, and has the distribution been organised?

The total amount of donations was up to 3 large boxes. It was filled with clothes, food and spices, shoes, first aid kits, toys, and also daily necessities like soap, towels, and shampoo. I also managed to raise 23.060.000 Rupiah in a span of one week after opening this donation drive.

All the donations were shipped by air cargo, so they reach those in need way faster. With the help of my friend who lives in Medan, the donations were then distributed to Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. As for the cash donation, I sent all the money I’ve raised during the drive using the KitaBisa platform (a highly reputable NGO in Indonesia).

Thank you for sharing your story and your heart, Cheva. 

Kereta Harapan not only provided immediate aid but also fostered community compassion and resilience in the face of natural disasters.