Chair of the Sekolah Rakyat Formation Team, Prof. Mohammad Nuh, stated on Thursday that the interviews began on Wednesday and are being conducted virtually to accommodate participants from various regions.
"From the 190 participants, we will select 60 principals. This is an important stage because they will serve as the spearhead of Sekolah Rakyat," he said.
Nuh explained that the selected principals will undergo training and internships at schools that reflect the values and model of Sekolah Rakyat. They will also help train prospective teachers.
In addition to a minimum requirement of a bachelor's degree, Nuh outlined three essential competencies for school principals.
First is strong social empathy, as Sekolah Rakyat students come from disadvantaged or special backgrounds.
The second is the ability to motivate students and uplift their confidence and determination.
"The principals must be able to build students’ self-confidence and fighting spirit," he emphasized.
The third is broad knowledge, which enables principals to provide well-rounded guidance and equip students with the tools for success.
The final selection will involve discussions with relevant ministers to ensure the candidates meet the program’s standards.
Following principal selection, recruitment will continue for dormitory guardians, foster guardians, and teachers, all of whom will also receive training.
"Hopefully, Sekolah Rakyat will start operating by mid-July," Nuh confirmed.
Sekolah Rakyat is a free education initiative launched by the government to expand access to education and reduce poverty.
Phase I infrastructure development has begun at 100 schools, with completion targeted for 2025.
Construction is underway at 65 sites: 13 in Sumatra, 34 in Java, three in Kalimantan, eight in Sulawesi, three in Bali and Nusa Tenggara, and two each in North Maluku and Papua.
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Translator: M. Riezko Bima, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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