The Impact of People’s School on Education Equity

The Sekolah Rakyat Programme is playing a crucial role in promoting education equity in Indonesia by offering free education to students from impoverished families. This initiative not only provides access to education but also focuses on holistic character development, enabling children to actively contribute to national development while upholding noble values. A recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) formalized their collaboration to expand access to education for underprivileged students through the Sekolah Rakyat initiative. This partnership includes social welfare services, data exchange on beneficiaries, and enhancing human resource competencies in education and social sectors. Ministers Saifullah Yusuf and Nasaruddin Umar highlighted the significance of Sekolah Rakyat in breaking the cycle of poverty through free education and character building, especially with increasing dropout rates and limited educational opportunities for the poor. The Ministry of Social Affairs has introduced two models for constructing People’s Schools, emphasizing asset revitalization and new construction to provide quality facilities for students. These efforts are aligned with the government’s vision of creating an inclusive education system that empowers children from disadvantaged backgrounds and contributes to a prosperous Indonesia by 2045. Through initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat, the government aims to tackle the root causes of poverty and ensure equal opportunities for all children to receive a quality education.

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