A Story of Determination, Bravery, and Beauty

Katharina Stefania’s story is one of hard work, courage, and determination. Despite growing up in poverty, she has shown that with strong commitment, embracing challenges, and saving money, you can reach your goals. As an alumni of LP4Y Jakarta in 2020, she is now studying Mathematics at Indraprasta PGRI University in Jakarta, Indonesia and dreams of becoming a Math teacher. Her journey is truly inspiring, especially for women raised in disadvantaged areas. 

Katharina’s story began in a Catholic orphanage, where she received financial support during high school. It was through this orphanage that she found LP4Y Jakarta. Coming from an Eastern Indonesia’s family, Katharina faced not only poverty but also discrimination for being different. With darker skin and curly hair, she didn’t meet the beauty standards often sounded in society, which led to feelings of insecurity and doubt about herself.

However, Katharina was fortunate to have a supportive family. Even though they didn’t have much, her parents taught her strong values. Her father worked as a warehouse keeper, and her mother took care of the neighbors’ children. They never asked for help and raised Katharina to believe in hard work and maintaining dignity, no matter the circumstances.

Katharina dreamed of becoming a teacher, and that dream led her to join the LP4Y training program. This is where she found her passion. She was inspired by her Coaches, like Fanette, Romain and Tiwi, who helped her build confidence and tackle challenges head-on. She forced herself to master English and administration, especially in operating the Microsoft office. During the six-month program in LP4Y Jakarta, Katharina stayed with one of the LP4Y’s partner staff from Atmabrata Foundation in Kampung Sawah, Cilincing (one of the slum areas in Jakarta).

Her internship at Servier Indonesia was another important milestone. She took on a paid internship, filling in for a woman on maternity leave, and this gave her the chance to work in a professional setting in South Jakarta. This experience opened her eyes to new opportunities, far beyond what she had ever expected.

Katharina didn’t stop there. She stayed involved with LP4Y’s alumni group, STAR Group, and in 2022, she became the Project Leader for LAA (Little Angel Academy) in Cilincing. This was a turning point in her life because she had to create new plans and work with international NGOs. Leading this project required her to think critically, collaborate with people from different cultures, and use her English skills. 

“What impressed me the most was earning the community's trust for the LAA project. It wasn’t easy to convince them, but I didn’t give up. I showed them how important this program was, especially for the children of young mothers. And when I finally managed to get five babies and more from young mothers into the program and saw the Kampung Sawah community supporting it, I was beyond happy”

One of Katharina’s most unforgettable experiences was her first trip abroad to the Philippines for a Southeast ASEAN seminar. This international experience opened her mind to new opportunities and the power of working with people from all over the world.

Through her hard work, Katharina was able to save enough money to pursue her dream of studying at University and paid the families’ debt. She also had the chance to speak at a SEA Today News broadcast with Romain from Youth Vision, where she shared her story and the stories of other Youth following their dreams. For Katharina, LP4Y wasn’t just a training program, it became a family that supported her growth, helped her believe in herself, and encouraged her to build a better future.

Katharina’s story shows that women, no matter where they come from, can overcome obstacles and make their dreams a reality. As a woman from Eastern Indonesia, Katharina faced the challenges of living in Jakarta and dealing with beauty standards that tried to define her. But her message is simple: if you focus too much on your flaws, you’ll miss the opportunities in front of you. Strength comes from within, from believing in yourself, from family and loved ones who support you, and from always striving to grow.

“I’m a woman who has faced both poverty and beauty standards, but I’ve proven that the greatest strength and beauty come from a strong heart that doesn’t give up,” 

On this International Women’s Day, Katharina Stefania’s story is a reminder that with persistence, support, and courage, anything is possible.