Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated that the retreat aims to unify the principals' understanding and work standards in line with Sekolah Rakyat's established parameters.
"We understand the importance of providing a thorough understanding of Sekolah Rakyat to the principals selected in our process and mechanism," Yusuf stated while opening the program here on Tuesday.
The 53 principals represent Sekolah Rakyat schools from various regions nationwide. "Despite serving as principals in different schools, they are, in principle, working as one united team," the minister stressed.
Yusuf explained that the orientation retreat takes place on June 16-20, 2025, and participating principals will be acquainted with principles, curriculum, and administration in Sekolah Rakyat, as well as inclusive education, social empathy, and the boarding school system.
Representatives from the Human Rights Ministry, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry, Women Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry, Religious Affairs Ministry, the Child Protection Commission, and the military will deliver lectures to the principals.
The minister noted that the qualified principals, whose names were recommended by regional governments, underwent a stringent selection process organized by the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry and the Social Affairs Ministry.
Each region proposed at least three principals and 159 principal candidates participated in the first selection phase, he remarked, adding that there are 100 available positions for Sekolah Rakyat principals.
"After reviewing their administrative documents, we interviewed them. We also test their English proficiency and leadership capability," Yusuf noted.
The government evaluated the principal candidates in at least six areas: their ability to initiate and lead changes, build networks and cooperation, provide instructions, overcome challenges, and translate working goals into measurable outcomes.
He revealed that the selection committee also considered the candidates' mental readiness and condition when choosing the best individuals to lead Sekolah Rakyat schools.
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Translator: Hana Kinarina, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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