Putera Sampoerna Foundation join hands with 32 partners in launching the "Save a Teen" Program
Together, saving 1.5 Indonesian teenagers who dropped out of school

Jakarta, 10 December 2009- There are approximately 1.5 million Indonesia teenagers who drop out of school each year, according to the Ministry of National Education National’s 2007/2008 data. This means that there are four teenagers every minute dropping out of school. Teenagers (age 13-18 years) are the next generation and future leaders. To save the future of Indonesian youth by keeping them in school, Putera Sampoerna Foundation launches a fundraising campaign "Save a Teen" in Blitz Megaplex, Grand Indonesia, today (10/12).

The launching is attended by more than 32 partners from various business sectors, such as banks, hotels, restaurants, malls, entertainment, etc… The campaign aims to raise awareness and involvement of all elements of society to help the Indonesian teenagers back to school. Supports from all partners are expected to facilitate the people in donating.

"We expect the Save a Teen campaign can raise $1 million donations. The funds will finance more than 12,000 junior high and high school students in all provinces in Indonesia for one year. With the supports from our partners and the public, we hope many more Indonesian teenager can go back to school" says Vira Soekardirman, Sales Director of Sampoerna Foundation.

The smallest rate for school enrollment is the age group 16-18 years (BPS 2009). And, only 6.58% Indonesian successfully completed the higher education and successfully enter the employment world. These data clearly show continuing to a higher education is an obstacle for most Indonesian teenagers.

Education is an investment. Quality education produces qualified human resources with high productivity and provides a significant contribution to improve nation's economic growth. United Nations for Development Program (UNDP)’s Human Development Report 2009 showed that Indonesia's human development (HDI) was on the 111 position out of 182 nations. By providing quality education to Indonesian teenagers, we are saving Indonesia’s future.

Direct donation can be transferred to BCA Putera Sampoerna Foundation’s account, 458-300-9992. Call 021-5772340 or visit www.sampoernafoundation.org for more information.