By: Andhika Pratama
In various remote areas of Indonesia, access to adequate education remains a major challenge for many children. Long distances, limited infrastructure, and a shortage of teaching staff are often major obstacles for those seeking a quality education. However, amidst these limitations, the People’s School movement has emerged as a form of social innovation that continues to grow and offers new hope for the younger generation. People’s Schools symbolize the commitment of the community and volunteers to ensure that the right to education is enjoyed not only by those living in urban areas, but also by children from remote, often marginalized areas.
The People’s School concept emerged as an alternative to non-formal education that combines the spirit of mutual cooperation, literacy awareness, and community empowerment efforts. Its presence is increasingly relevant amidst government efforts to expand equitable access to education through various national programs. People’s Schools do not replace formal schools, but rather complement them, providing additional learning spaces, especially for children still struggling with various limitations. Many communities in remote areas utilize residents’ homes, village halls, and even simple huts as learning spaces.
One of the main strengths of the People’s School is its highly humanistic and contextual approach. Volunteers who teach not only focus on the curriculum but also understand the social and emotional conditions of the students. Learning is conducted using creative methods, utilizing the surrounding environment as a learning resource. Children are not only taught to read, write, and count, but also encouraged to recognize the potential of their region, appreciate the environment, and develop life skills. This approach makes the learning process feel closer to their daily lives, making it easier to understand and apply.
Lampung Governor Rahmat Mirzani Djausal stated that the People’s School Program is expected to create a young generation with character, ready to contribute to regional progress, and provide new hope for children from underprivileged families to achieve their dreams and improve their standard of living.
In recent years, the People’s School has become increasingly well-known thanks to the role of various communities and social organizations that promote literacy movements in remote villages. Programs such as mobile libraries, community reading parks, and digital literacy classes are an important part of supporting the People’s School’s activities. In several areas, activists also provide training for parents and villagers so they can actively support their children in their learning. This demonstrates that education is not solely the responsibility of schools, but also the collective responsibility of the entire community.
In addition to providing direct benefits to children, the existence of the People’s Schools also strengthens social cohesion within the community. Many villagers then become involved, whether by providing space, providing stationery, or attending learning activities. This spirit of togetherness creates an environment that supports the growth of children’s self-confidence.
The Assistant for Government Affairs of the Papua Regional Secretary, Yohanes Walilo, emphasized that this education program goes beyond providing learning facilities, but also aligns with national policies focused on alleviating extreme poverty. By improving access to education, it is hoped that the quality of life of the Papuan people will significantly improve, providing a brighter future for the younger generation.
Furthermore, the presence of volunteers from outside the region also opens new horizons for children in remote areas. They can meet people from diverse backgrounds who come with a sincere intention to share knowledge. This often serves as a powerful inspiration for children to aspire to greater heights, believing that they, too, can achieve a bright future, even if they live far from the city center. Volunteers also acknowledge the valuable experience they gain from being directly involved in the small but meaningful transformations taking place in villages.
The government is increasingly recognizing the crucial role of alternative education communities like the People’s Schools. While promoting educational equality through technology and expanding access to formal schools, the government sees that collaboration with civil society can accelerate the improvement of basic literacy in the 3T (third-third) regions.
Ultimately, the People’s Schools are not just about providing additional learning space, but about bringing hope. The hope that every Indonesian child, regardless of where they live, has an equal opportunity to dream and learn. The hope that education can be a bridge that…Connecting children from remote areas to a brighter future. And the hope that the spirit of mutual cooperation that is this nation’s identity will live on through simple yet meaningful movements.
With the continued growth of the People’s School movement and increasing public awareness of the importance of literacy, the future of Indonesian education appears increasingly inclusive. Children from remote villages are no longer standing on the sidelines of civilization, but are beginning to tread the path that leads them to the future. The People’s School is proof that when communities, volunteers, and the government unite, the doors of hope can open wide for the nation’s young generation.
)* Public Policy Observer
