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Continuing an Educational Legacy, Inspiring Hope for Future Generations

Kendari has great potential to continue growing, not only through economic growth and regional development, but also through the younger generation that will shape its future. Amid this progress, education plays an important role in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to society.

However, providing quality education is about more than building new schools. It also means sustaining educational institutions that have served communities for many years while strengthening their foundations so they can continue to meet the needs of future generations.

This spirit underpins the transformation of Sekolah Lentera Harapan (SLH) Oikumene Kendari through a collaboration between Pelita Harapan Group (PHG) and the Synod of the Protestant Church in Southeast Sulawesi (GEPSULTRA).

Through this collaboration, both parties are committed to continuing a legacy of educational service built over many years while strengthening school management and improving the quality of learning for communities across Southeast Sulawesi.

Continuing a Legacy, Building the Future

The transformation of SLH Oikumene Kendari began in response to the sustainability challenges faced by a Christian school that has long been part of the local community. This situation created an opportunity for PHG and GEPSULTRA to work together to reorganize school management, strengthen the quality of learning, and rebuild the community’s confidence in the school’s future.

Through this collaboration, PHG brings its experience and approach to educational management, while GEPSULTRA contributes its longstanding educational ministry and deep historical ties with the local community.

Both share a common goal: to ensure that the educational service established over the years can continue and benefit future generations.

For PHG, this renewal is not about leaving history behind, but about building on the foundations already established, with a commitment to continued growth and service. More than a change in management, this transformation represents a joint effort to ensure the institution’s sustainability while expanding access to quality learning opportunities for children in Kendari.

Education That Recognizes the Potential in Every Child

President of Pelita Harapan Group, Dr. Stephanie Riady, emphasized that the transformation of SLH Oikumene Kendari is rooted in the belief that every child has a future worth investing in.

“For me, today is not simply about the arrival of a new school. It is about a belief that every child has a future worth fighting for.”

For Stephanie, education serves a purpose beyond academic achievement. It also shapes character, nurtures integrity, and prepares children to use their potential for the common good.

She sees Kendari as a city filled with promise, supported by a younger generation with diverse potential waiting to be developed. The establishment of SLH Oikumene Kendari is therefore part of an effort to ensure that this potential has room to grow.

“I hope that one day, the graduates of this school will be known not only for their achievements, but also for their integrity, humility, and contributions to society.”

This hope aligns with the educational philosophy of Pelita Harapan Group, which recognizes every child as a unique individual with abilities to develop and a responsibility to contribute positively to the world around them.

Becoming Lentera Harapan for Kendari

The name Sekolah Lentera Harapan Oikumene reflects the vision behind its educational mission. Lentera (lantern) symbolizes a light that brings change, Harapan (hope) represents a belief in the possibility of a better future, while Oikumene highlights the importance of unity and love amid diversity.

These values form the foundation for SLH Oikumene Kendari in creating a learning environment where every child feels known, accepted, and valued.

Its educational approach is rooted in true knowledge, faith in Christ, and godly character. Through this approach, the school aims not only to support students’ academic development, but also to nurture individuals with strong character, care for others, and an awareness of their role in society.

Educational success, therefore, is reflected not only in individual achievements, but also in how graduates carry the values they have learned into their lives and make positive contributions to their communities.

Collaboration for the Future of Education in Southeast Sulawesi

The transformation of SLH Oikumene Kendari has also received recognition from the Kendari City Government. In remarks delivered on behalf of Kendari Mayor dr. Hj. Siska Karina Imran, S.K.M., by Arnaldo, S.Pd., M.H., Secretary of the Kendari City Education and Culture Office, it was noted that the school provides the community with another quality education option and aligns with efforts to improve human resource quality under the Kendari City Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) 2025–2029.

The Kendari City Government also expressed its hope that SLH Oikumene Kendari would provide a safe learning environment, improve the quality of education, shape students’ character, and nurture their social awareness.

This support reflects the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, churches, government, families, and communities in building a sustainable education ecosystem.

Through the partnership between PHG and GEPSULTRA, SLH Oikumene Kendari is expected to contribute to long-term efforts to strengthen education in Southeast Sulawesi, focusing not only on the school’s sustainability, but also on the quality of learning and the development of every student.

Looking Ahead to the 2027/2028 Academic Year

SLH Oikumene Kendari is scheduled to welcome its first cohort in the 2027/2028 academic year, offering education from Kindergarten through Senior High School.

In preparation for its opening, efforts are underway to develop academic programs, a supportive learning environment, and school management practices that foster students’ holistic development.

More than the transformation of an institution, the establishment of SLH Oikumene Kendari represents a shared commitment to continuing an educational ministry that has long been part of the local community.

Combining PHG’s educational experience with GEPSULTRA’s longstanding ministry and community roots, SLH Oikumene Kendari aspires to become a place where young people can develop their potential, build character, and prepare for the future.

Ultimately, investing in education is not simply about the schools we build today. It is about the hope, opportunities, and future we help the next generation realize.