MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Smiles have returned to the faces of students at SD Negeri 066654 Medan Helvetia, a public elementary school in Medan, Indonesia, after a devastating flood severely damaged its facilities. A donation of 100 sets of desks and chairs from South Korean humanitarian organization WeLoveU Foundation has restored a more comfortable learning environment for the students.
The flood, which reached nearly three meters in height at its peak, struck late last year and left the school almost completely inoperable. Much of the school's furniture and learning infrastructure was destroyed, forcing students to temporarily shift to remote learning.
Educational Infrastructure Recovery in Medan
Read Also: Medan Mayor Leads Massive Cleanup at Teladan Stadium Ahead of AFF U-19 Cup The handover ceremony took place on Monday (May 25, 2026) at the school located on Jalan Klambir V, Gang Ksatria, Medan. Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas personally received the donation and expressed his appreciation for the foundation's support.
"On behalf of the Medan City Government and personally, I extend my deepest gratitude for this attention to our education sector," said Rico Waas, who was accompanied by the Acting Head of the Education and Culture Office, Laksamana Putra Siregar.
The mayor emphasized that the assistance goes beyond material support, describing it as an investment in the future of the younger generation. He stressed that a comfortable learning environment plays a crucial role in shaping high-achieving students.
Warm Interaction During School Visit
Read Also: Rico Waas Aims to Make Pesparani a Prestigious Annual Event in Medan The visit from WeLoveU Foundation representatives, including Mr. Park Won Yong, created a warm and engaging atmosphere. Mayor Rico Waas greeted him with a friendly "Annyeonghaseyo," drawing enthusiastic responses from those present.
During the event, the mayor also held an interactive question-and-answer session with students on Pancasila and general knowledge. Three students—Goklas (Grade IV), Hanifah (Grade II), and Falwin (Grade V)—successfully answered questions, adding a lively and cheerful tone to the occasion.
Rico Waas also extended his appreciation to the teachers, stating, "We entrust our children to your care," in a gesture of gratitude toward the educators.
WeLoveU Foundation Supports Educational Recovery
Read Also: Medan Mayor Warns of Online Gambling Surge as OJK Chief Bids Farewell Mr. Park Won Yong, representing the WeLoveU Foundation, stated that the donation reflects the organization's commitment to supporting children's education in Medan. He expressed hope that the furniture would help improve daily learning activities and motivate students to achieve better academic results.
SDN 066654 Slowly Recovers After Major Flood
School principal Kartini Tambunan recalled the severe impact of the November 27, 2025 flood, when water levels rose to three meters and destroyed nearly all school facilities. The school was rendered completely unusable.
"We could not save anything. Many desks and chairs were damaged and covered in mold," she said, adding that thick mud—up to ten centimeters—blanketed the school grounds.
Read Also: Rico Waas Opens Medan Student Sports Week 2026, 1,100 Young Athletes Compete A total of 538 students were forced to switch to online learning during the recovery period. She also praised the swift response from the Medan city government in cleaning and restoring the school environment.
With the arrival of 100 new sets of desks and chairs, three classrooms can now resume normal learning activities. Kartini expressed hope that this marks the beginning of full recovery for the school. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
Read Also: Medan Mayor Calls on Students to Reject Online Gambling