According to the minister, these schools will provide free, high-quality education, particularly for those classified as "extremely poor."
"Hopefully, Sekolah Rakyat can begin operating this year. This program is designed for low-income families, especially those in the extreme poverty category," Yusuf stated at a press conference on Wednesday.
The initiative is expected to help break the cycle of poverty, empower disadvantaged communities, and make a meaningful impact through education.
"This school represents President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to uplifting the poor. It also aims to equip them with the skills needed to contribute significantly to Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045," Yusuf added.
The minister further explained that Sekolah Rakyat will offer boarding facilities and education at the elementary, junior high, high school, and vocational school levels.
On the same occasion, former minister of education and culture for the 2009–2014 period and head of the Sekolah Rakyat implementation team, Mohammad Nuh, said that initially, the schools would utilize infrastructure owned by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Meanwhile, regarding the provision of teachers and curriculum, the schools will collaborate with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
Nuh emphasized that the schools will adopt a specialized curriculum that integrates the national curriculum with additional frameworks currently under discussion.
"The Education Ministry will prepare dedicated teachers. We will also develop a tailored curriculum and a management system suited to this boarding school format," he said.
He expressed hope that Sekolah Rakyat will provide free, high-quality, well-targeted, and measurable education for impoverished communities.
Nuh concluded by praising the government’s decision to establish Sekolah Rakyat, noting that various academic and empirical studies have identified education as a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Related news: Govt to build free special schools for children facing extreme poverty
Translator: Hana Dewi K, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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