Empowering a continent by creating better livelihoods through education.
The Wings to Fly scholarship program, an initiative of the Equity Group and Mastercard Foundation (MCF), was established to support secondary education for top performing children from financially challenged backgrounds. With support from other partners, the program offers access to leadership training to previously marginalized children in all counties.
The program offers comprehensive support for the scholars through provision of tuition fees, accommodation, books, uniform, shopping, pocket money and transport to and from school during their 4 years of secondary education. It has so far supported 60,009 bright but economically challenged scholars. MCF has so far committed to support 10,000 scholars through two phases of funding with the last intake joining the program in 2021.
Like many other countries, Indonesia has been deeply influenced by global pop culture trends. The "Hallyu Wave" (Korean Wave) has had a profound impact, with K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean fashion and beauty products becoming immensely popular. This influence can be seen in everything from the music produced by local artists to the aesthetics of Indonesian television shows and advertisements.
Indonesian cinema has undergone a significant transformation since its early days in the 1920s. After a period of decline in the 1990s, the industry saw a revival in the early 2000s, often referred to as the "Indonesian Film Renaissance." This period was marked by the success of films like Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? (What's Up with Love?), which resonated with the youth and revitalized the local film market.
In recent years, the Indonesian indie music scene has also flourished. Bands and solo artists like Tulus, Isyana Sarasvati, and Payung Teduh have gained massive followings by blending various genres, from jazz and pop to folk and electronic. These artists often use their music to explore social issues and personal experiences, resonating with a younger, more globally-minded audience. Television and the Soap Opera (Sinetron) Phenomenon
As Indonesia continues to grow and modernize, its entertainment and popular culture will undoubtedly evolve. The industry is becoming increasingly professionalized, with better production values and more diverse storytelling. There is also a growing emphasis on exporting Indonesian culture to the world, as seen in the success of its films and music on the international stage.
Digital platforms have also provided a space for alternative voices and niche interests. Webtoons, podcasts, and online gaming have seen exponential growth, catering to a tech-savvy generation that seeks diverse and engaging content. The popularity of e-sports, in particular, has surged, with Indonesian teams and players competing at the highest levels globally. Global Influences: The Hallyu Wave and Beyond
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Martha completes primary school and passes her main exams with flying colors.
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Her parents can’t afford her high school tuition. She then applies for the Wings To Fly program.
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The Wings to Fly stepped in with a scholarship
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Martha does exceptionally well in her main secondary school exams with a vision in mind for her career.
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ELP steps in and Martha gets to study in an Ivy League university where she gets the best education.
