You Didn’t Just Teach Doni to Read, You Also Taught Him to Be Honest 

“Now if there is money on the table, Doni always asks first whose money it is,” Doni’s grandmother said with a proud smile. For her, that simple change is already enough to show that her grandson is growing in a better direction.

Doni is nine years old, one of the students at the School of Life Learning Center at BNKP Laowi Church in South Nias. He lives with his grandmother and two older siblings, while both of his parents work far away in Berastagi to support the family. In daily life, Doni is known as a diligent and obedient child. But like many children his age, he sometimes struggles to control his desires.

Once, because he wanted more snacks, Doni took Rp50,000 from his grandmother’s wallet without permission. Even though his grandmother already gave him Rp1,000 to Rp2,000 for snacks every day, Doni still felt it was not enough. When he was found out and corrected, he cried and even refused to eat for a while.

This is where the School of Life tutor stepped in. Doni was not only corrected but also embraced and guided to understand. He was reminded that his actions went against God’s command not to steal. He also learned that every action has consequences, including the disappointment his grandmother felt.

At that time, Doni was asked to apologize and begin learning to take responsibility for his actions.

The lesson he received then shaped the Doni we see today. When he asks for snack money and is not given any, he chooses to wait. He no longer takes things that are not his, and he has developed the habit of asking first.

For us, this is the heart of character education. Not just theory, but real changes in attitude that can be seen at home and in the daily lives of children.

And changes like this happen because of you.

Through your support, children like Doni not only receive academic learning, but are also guided to build integrity and responsibility—values that will shape a much better future for them.

Thank you for being part of the journey of children like Doni. Let us continue walking together to raise a generation that is not only smart and full of character, but also God-fearing.