12-year-old fish vendor in Medan finds new hope at Sekolah Rakyat

Muhammad Risky Pratama, 12, who previously rode a bicycle for dozens of kilometers selling fresh fish in Bagan Deli, Medan, is now continuing his education at Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama 2 Medan. Risky said he used to earn Rp30 ribu to Rp90 ribu a day from selling fish to help meet the family’s needs. Since fourth grade, he has been raised by his grandfather, Salamuddin, and grandmother, Masitah, because his mother moved away and his father lives far from home. The family relies on Salamuddin’s income from collecting shellfish at sea, about Rp30 ribu to Rp50 ribu a day, to support 13 family members. Masitah said the Sekolah Rakyat program has given Risky a chance to stay in school. His family said Risky is now more independent, more confident, and more diligent in prayer. Risky also said he has been helped by teachers, foster guardians, and dormitory supervisors, and wants to become a soldier.