What Makes Bina Cita Utama School a Social Project Worthy of Support through the Susila Dharma International Network?
The mission of the Susila Dharma International (SDI) member network is to support human development that is harmonious and sustainable, and that achieves a just and sustainable society.
In its approach, SDI believes that, given the right conditions, people will be able to reach their full individual, social, economic and spiritual potential. SDI’s core belief is that all people share a common humanity, and this is the prime motivator for taking action to better their communities.
These objectives and beliefs are completely congruent with those of Bina Cita Utama School (BCU), which in its educational programs seeks to nurture individuality, self-worth, and a sense of the spiritual, enabling children to become well-rounded adults who will contribute positively to their communities and the greater world
This is encapsulated in the name ‘Bina Cita Utama’ which means: “To nurture dreams, ideals, hopes and ambitions that are noble, or of the highest standing.”
It is very clear that both SDI and BCU share a common vision and objective for social development, one that is based on human values, and that is why BCU is a member of SDI.
Concerns have been expressed about the fact that at the present time BCU caters mainly to those better off families that can afford the high costs of sending their children to the school. While indeed 85% of the students do come from more wealthy families, that is mainly due to economics at this particular stage in the school‘s development. Over time, as student numbers increase, individual costs will get lower, making the school more affordable to the wider community.
However, the school will always welcome students from better off families, because they are very likely to enter into positions of influence in society, where because of their learning experience in BCU, they will bring to their positions a very different world view and behaviour. This potentially will have a profound effect on how society develops and functions in Kalimantan.
It therefore is important to recognize the social value of educating children from all corners of society, not just those who are poor and underprivileged. This is the aim of BCU, and in a few years’ time with increased and broader enrollment, it will be more fully achieved.
BCU School is in the early stages of its development. It has a tremendously committed core team of people, who share a common vision, and who sincerely follow the latihan in their work. The current batch of students offers ample evidence of the value of their efforts. The potential for much wider social impact is clearly there, but for that to happen, outside support at this stage is essential to ensure that the foundations for future growth are firmly established.
Given the close congruence with the aims and objectives of Susila Dharma, and the special opportunity that exists for Subud to influence the growth and development of Kalimantan, it makes a lot of sense for the SDI network to support the ground-breaking efforts of Bina Cita Utama School in whatever way it can.