Jakarta – With an inclusive approach, Sekolah Rakyat has become a real solution in overcoming the challenges of social and educational inequality.
Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul, said that the People’s School cannot be underestimated. Although it does not charge fees, the quality of education and facilities provided are equal to leading schools.
“The president wants to honor the poor. They must have access to quality educational facilities, equivalent to leading schools. Only children of extreme poverty go to school there, without academic selection, without IQ tests. What’s important is that they come from poor families and want to go to school,” said Gus Ipul.
Due to the importance of the status as a leading school, Gus Ipul reiterated that the People’s School is not just an alternative school, but rather a leading educational institution that is specifically designed to reach disadvantaged community groups.
“This People’s School is a form of the state’s presence, a form of the state’s support for those who have been left behind,” he said.
One of the superior aspects can be seen from the curriculum aspect. The approach used by the People’s School is based on the child’s potential and talents.
“Don’t tell the cow to fly. Our children must be guided according to their talents. This is the difference between the People’s School. The system is talent mapping, not a rigid curriculum,” said Gus Ipul.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, said that he supports the construction of the People’s School because it is a breakthrough for equalizing education in the country, especially so that education can be accessed by people who are classified as extremely poor.
“All costs at the People’s School are borne by the government. In fact, the government has prepared a budget of Rp100 billion for each location of the People’s School,” said Lalu.
In order to realize the development of People’s Schools that are able to create equal distribution of education, Lalu assessed that the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) must synergize with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen).
“In the regions, the social services must also synergize with the education services in helping to realize the plan. Synergy is very important because the Ministry of Education and Culture is experienced in providing education services,” he said.
He continued, Lalu also invited the entire community to support the People’s School, because the presence of the People’s School is very beneficial for the community.
“Those who are unable will be educated with good quality education. Students who receive education at the People’s School are expected to be able to change the economic conditions of their families,” he said. ***
