"We are The Forgotten Children of Indonesia", the Jakarta IAEF – Indonesian American Education Foundation first annual charity event in Jakarta Indonesia. On behalf of IAEF let me thank you to all students, teachers and parents who generously help us to present this event, Mr. Bachtiar Chamsyah Minister of Social Affairs of Republic of Indonesia who made special effort to this event, our co sponsors, all cast and all of us here.

An added tragedy of the economic crisis has been that many children have had to move their activities from the school to the street and in the process changed their status from “student” to “beggar.”  These children live below the poverty level and they need money not only for themselves but also to help support their families.  They are forced to beg on the streets for money, do jobs that put them in danger or even worse.  For many their dreams and hopes for a brighter future have vanished and for many more the candle is rapidly being extinguished. 

If we can not find a way to redirect the values and energies of these children they will become morally corrupted and know no other life but one of crime.  This is a serious threat to the future of Indonesia and a world where we can all live in peace.

Distinguish Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen this event is an awareness and fund raiser benefiting IAEF a newly formed nonprofit organization with the goal of helping to provide practical educational programs for the Forgotten and Disadvantaged Street Children of Indonesia through basic education at our Learning Center.

Your support for this important cause will mean so much to those who so desperately need hope. Again we thank you for your presence and on behalf of Dallas IAEF, let us create global harmony beginning with education.

Sincerely,

Daniel Dhakidae, Ph.D