"These programs are essential, considering the high prevalence of dropouts at the senior high school level. Note that 20 percent of high schoolers fail to finish their studies due to several reasons,” Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti said in Jakarta.
The main reasons are economic hardship, early marriage, lack of supporting facilities and infrastructure, and low awareness about the value of education in some communities, he informed at the launch of the Vocational Skills Education (PKK) and Entrepreneurial Skills (PKW) programs.
He expressed the hope that the two new programs would help reduce school dropout rates and thereby, help the nation prepare quality human resources for its projected golden centennial in 2045.
Meanwhile, the ministry’s director general of vocational education, special education, and special service education, Tatang Muttaqin, said that the programs are designed to provide non-formal educational services to vocational high school dropouts.
According to Muttaqin, both programs will be offered through courses and training at institutes across the country.
Elaborating on the initiatives, he said that the PKK program will help beneficiaries acquire the practical skills required by businesses and industries.
“We hope that with certificates of competency, the program’s graduates will be able to connect with the job market more quickly,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the PKW program will prepare school dropouts to start their own businesses by offering relevant courses and training, he added.
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Translator: Anita P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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