Al Zaytun Community Learning Center: From a Delayed Dream to College, Mrs. Maryati’s Inspiring Story of Breaking the Limits of Age
By: Sri Wahyuni, S.Pd. (Al Zaytun Community Learning Center Tutor)
“Education is never too late.” This phrase seems to resonate with Maryati, a simple woman who once abandoned her dream of attending school due to financial constraints. Years later, at an advanced age, she has proven that the spirit of learning can transcend age, time, and even circumstances.
On Monday morning, June 2, 2026, the atmosphere at the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Mosque, Ma’had Al Zaytun, in Mekarjaya Village, Gantar District, was more lively than usual. Thousands of participants had filled the main hall of the mosque for an educational congress. As early as 8:30 a.m., almost the entire area was packed with attendees, even though the event had not yet begun.
Participants used the waiting time to chat. Among the crowd were several students from the Al Zaytun Community Learning Center. Some wore blue headscarves, indicating class B, while others wore red ones. Interestingly, several women were also seen wearing gray headscarves, who turned out to be alumni of the Al Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM) who had graduated a few months ago.
“Wow, the uniforms are different now,” said Sri Wahyuni, one of the Al Zaytun PKBM tutors, with a warm smile.
“Yes, Ustadzah,” they replied, laughing.
Even though they had completed their education, the alumni remained active in various PKBM Al Zaytun activities and programs. Their enthusiasm for learning didn’t stop when they received their diplomas.
During the conversation, Sri Wahyuni chatted for a while with one of the alumni, Maryati, a class C3 graduate who is now continuing her education at the Al Aziz Islamic Institute (IAI).
The woman then opened up about her life story.
“I didn’t continue my education because I came from a poor family. So I didn’t have the opportunity to attend school, either at the Sanawiyah or Aliyah levels,” she said.
Economic limitations put her dream on hold for years. But her passion for learning never waned.
When she heard about PKBM Al Zaytun, she saw a glimmer of hope she had been searching for.
“Even though I’m no longer young, my enthusiasm for school is very high,” she said.
Maryati admitted that she felt strongly motivated to gain knowledge, broaden my horizons, and increase my self-confidence in social life.
She also remembered her late father’s words, which have always stuck with her.
“My parents, especially my father, always told me that if I had the opportunity, I should continue my education no matter what and wherever. He always supported me in achieving my highest level of education. That’s a message I always remember.”
Maryati’s voice trembled as she remembered her father.
“Alhamdulillah, I was given the opportunity to continue my education at PKBM Al Zaytun. I often said to myself, ‘Oh God, if only my father were still alive, he would be very happy to see me able to continue my education.”
For her, PKBM Al Zaytun is not just a place to learn, but a bridge that reconnects dreams that were once postponed.
“Thank you to the Sheikh who provided us with learning resources,” she said, filled with emotion.
During her time at PKBM Al Zaytun, Maryati admitted that she learned many valuable lessons that are very useful in her daily life, both within her family and in society.
She even has special memories of taking lessons that many people consider difficult.
“The most interesting experiences are when I get a math or English question and I can answer it correctly. That makes me even more enthusiastic about learning.”
This pride is proof that a person’s ability is not determined by age, but by the desire to continue learning.
Now, after graduating from PKBM Al Zaytun, Maryati is taking the next step by continuing her education at university.
When asked what motivated her to attend college, her answer is simple yet powerful.
“I want to bring honor to my parents and family. Even though we come from a poor family, education is always our priority. Cost is not a barrier.”
Amidst her busy schedule as a producer of various cakes and traditional snacks supplying factories in the Subang area, Maryati still makes time for learning.
For her, education is a means of self-improvement.
“I want to improve my shortcomings, be able to communicate with anyone, educate my children better, and be a role model for good.”
She now feels these changes concretely.
“Thank God, I’m no longer shy in social situations. I’m better able to control negative thoughts, more careful in my speech, and wiser in my decision-making.”
Behind her success is a figure who has always provided full support: her husband, Ustadz Sutar, S.Pd., who is also a tutor at PKBM Al Zaytun and an alumnus of IAI Al Aziz.
This family is a living example of lifelong learning. Their eldest child has completed his undergraduate degree and is pursuing a master’s degree, while their second child is currently in his second semester at IAI Al Aziz.
“Alhamdulillah, my husband is very supportive and provides ample opportunities. We even share the cost of education. We work together to ensure the family’s success,” she explained.
Toward the end of the conversation, Maryati delivered a touching message to the tutors and her alma mater.
“Thank you to the Ustadz and Ustadzah who have guided us with such patience. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to study at PKBM Al Zaytun. I apologize if I sometimes lacked focus during my studies. May PKBM Al Zaytun continue to be successful.”
Hearing these sincere words, Sri Wahyuni expressed her pride and gratitude. For her, the success of the alumni is a source of joy for educators.
Time flies. At precisely 9:00 a.m. WIB (Western Indonesian Time), the education congress officially began. Before returning to their seats, they took the time to capture the moment with a group photo.
Until the event concluded at 12:30 p.m. WIB, all participants attentively followed the series of activities. Various ideas and hopes for the advancement of Indonesian education flowed from the speakers.
The attendees left the mosque with joyful hearts. They took home new knowledge, inspiration, and optimism.
Maryati’s story is proof that education is not about age, but about the courage to begin. From the Al Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM), a dream that had been postponed found its way back. And from there, a new spirit was born to continue learning, serving, and contributing to a better future.**
Indramayu, May 4, 2026
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