By: Andhika R.
As the main foundation of national development, the education and health sectors continue to be strengthened. The government’s current primary focus is on ensuring equal access for vulnerable groups, in order to eliminate barriers that have hindered their access to basic rights of equality and adequate living.
One strategic initiative currently in the spotlight is the People’s School program, a free boarding school program designed to help children from poor and extremely poor families obtain better learning opportunities while also receiving comprehensive health interventions.
The People’s School program exists not merely as an alternative school, but as a concrete manifestation of the state’s presence in breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty. The government believes that poverty cannot be addressed solely through short-term economic assistance but must be accompanied by improvements in human quality through integrated education and health care. This approach distinguishes the People’s School from conventional schools.
One of the main strengths of the People’s School program lies in its inclusive and adaptive educational interventions. Many students from vulnerable families have previously dropped out of school, and some have never received formal education. Therefore, the learning system is designed flexibly to accommodate students’ abilities and readiness.
This approach demonstrates that education is not merely about transferring knowledge, but also about restoring the self-confidence and hope of children who have faced difficult circumstances. In the People’s School environment, students not only learn formal subjects but are also guided in character development, discipline, independence, and strengthening social values.
The educational interventions in this program are also supported by adequate facilities. The government continues to construct and revitalize buildings to support a safe and comfortable boarding school system. Furthermore, the recruited teaching staff not only meet academic standards but are also equipped with counseling and psychological support skills. This ensures a more humane learning process that addresses students’ emotional needs.
Furthermore, health interventions are integral to the success of the People’s School. The government recognizes that healthy children will have optimal learning abilities. Many students who enroll in the People’s School previously experienced health problems such as malnutrition, anemia, and low physical fitness due to their families’ economic circumstances. After participating in the program for several months, their physical condition has improved significantly. Students’ weight and height have increased, their bodies have become fitter, and their ability to concentrate on learning has also improved.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated that after more than nine months, the development of the People’s School children has shown significant changes, not only academically but also in terms of health and mental well-being. Health-wise, many students who previously suffered from malnutrition, anemia, and low fitness are now showing improvements. Their weight and height have increased, their physical condition has become fitter, and their ability to concentrate on learning has also improved.
Health interventions are carried out through regular health checks, nutritional monitoring, healthy lifestyles, and the provision of nutritious food for students. This program aligns with government policy to strengthen national nutrition and prevent stunting among Indonesian children. The presence of health services in the school environment allows for early detection of various health problems, allowing for faster and more appropriate treatment.
Head of the Government Communications Agency, Muhammad Qodari, emphasized the importance of early health interventions through schools. Through schools, the state ensures that all children, without exception, receive the same basic services, enabling potential health problems to be detected and addressed more quickly.
From a national development perspective, People’s Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) hold strategic significance as they constitute a long-term investment for the nation’s future. Quality education coupled with health interventions is believed to create a healthier, smarter, more independent, and more productive generation. This program also demonstrates the importance of cross-sector collaboration between the central government, local governments, educators, health workers, and the community in building a sustainable social protection system.
The government aims to gradually expand the People’s Schools to reach more areas in Indonesia. With the program’s broader scope, it is hoped that more children from vulnerable families will have the opportunity to improve their quality of life. The People’s School symbolizes that education and health are basic rights for all citizens, guaranteed regardless of economic background.
The education and health interventions within the People’s School program demonstrate that human development requires a holistic approach. Children must not only be provided with a learning environment but also ensure they grow up in physical and mental health. Through this program, the government is not only building schools but also building new hope for Indonesia’s young generation to achieve a better future and escape the cycle of poverty sustainably.
)* Public Policy Observer