In today’s hyper-competitive world, where personal success often overshadows collective well-being, instilling empathy and a strong sense of social responsibility from the formative years is indispensable. BINUS SCHOOL Serpong reflected this detail as a key part of our students’ learning journey. And for that very reason, our school established The Community and Service Club (CSC), dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that encourage students to give back to society. 

Among the club’s diverse initiatives, the most recent one: Soup Kitchen Project, solidifies this mission. On February 26, 2025, twenty-two CSC members and five teachers embarked on a visit to Yayasan Sosial Tangan Kasih, an orphanage in Banten, to share meals, donations, and valuable moments of connection with the children and caregivers. 

Fostering Empathy Through Community Service

Yayasan Sosial Tangan Kasih is a non-profit orphanage in Banten. The founders dedicated this foundation to providing care, education, and a nurturing environment for underprivileged children. The foundation focuses on ensuring that every child receives proper nutrition, emotional support, and access to quality education, helping them achieve a brighter future, just like our BINUSIANS have.

During this visit, the Community & Service Club member and teacher provided delicious meals, including bakso malang and es teler, to 101 orphans and 7 caregivers. 

Beyond sharing food, the BINUSIANs also extended educational support by donating Rp26.992.000 to cover tuition fees for 40 students from Yayasan Sosial Tangan Kasih attending TK Strada Bhakti Nusa, SD Strada Bhakti Nusa, SMP Dharma Bhakti, and SMA Dharma Bhakti. Though the amount may seem small, we do hope that it helps support and motivate them to keep striving. 

Ms. Siska, the teacher-in-charge of the project, emphasized the project’s core objective which is sharing while caring. These acts of kindness provided not only nourishment but also hope, reinforcing the importance of community engagement among students.

Nourishing Bodies and Spirits: Acts of Kindness at Tangan Kasih

Aside from providing material support, the Community & Service Club visit was an opportunity to build deep emotional connections. Our BINUSIANS and children in the orphanage bonded through engaging activities,  from singing and dancing, to heartfelt conversations. 

Edmond, one of the student volunteers, reflected that he was feeling happy since he felt that he was changing lives while spending the time and sharing what he could with the orphanage during the visit. 

“I also played the piano in front of them, and when I performed the ‘Laskar Pelangi’ song, I saw one of the children singing along. It was a touching moment.”

The heartfelt interactions between BINUSIANS and the children sparked warmth, joy, and a true sense of companionship for both sides. The project not only brightened the day of the children at the orphanage. Rather, it also taught our young students valuable life lessons about empathy and compassion and left them a  lasting impression.

The Power of Giving Back: Lessons in Compassion and Service

The Soup Kitchen Project carried by the Community & Service Club of BINUS SCHOOL Serpong reinforced the urgency of social responsibility among students. Engaging in community service allows them to understand the challenges faced by others, appreciate their own privileges, and actively contribute to positive change. This initiative is a manifestation of BINUS SCHOOL Serpong’s commitment to nurturing compassionate, community-driven individuals.

Through small acts of kindness, such as sharing a meal, playing a song, or simply spending time with each other, especially those in need, our students learned that even the smallest gestures can create a significant impact on their and other’s lives.

Sustaining A Lasting Impact on Community

The Soup Kitchen Project was a resounding success, encouraging caring behaviour, and solidifying the BINUSIANs’ dedication to community service. Through initiatives like this, BINUS SCHOOL Serpong continues to instill a culture of empathy and social responsibility in its students, develop their altruism and humanism, and shape them into individuals who strive to build the world a better place.

As the school looks forward to future community engagement programs, the spirit of giving and compassion remains at the heart of its educational mission: empowering society, one act of kindness at a time.