"We are increasingly confident to head towards July 14, in terms of the readiness of the students, buildings, the principals, the teaching staff, and the facilities and infrastructure," Yusuf remarked in Jakarta, Wednesday.
Yusuf explained that the first phase of the People's School will begin in 100 locations from the western tip of Aceh to the eastern tip of Papua and is estimated to serve more than 9,700 students from underprivileged families across various regions.
The government has also prepared the second phase of the People's School at around 100 additional sites, including utilizing assets from the Social Affairs Ministry and Manpower Ministry's Job Training Center.
"We have found 94 out of the 100 locations. This week, we will also start recruiting students, teachers, and other education personnel. It is hoped that it can accommodate more than 10 thousand students," Yusuf remarked.
He stated that the total number of People's Schools operating this year is targeted to reach around 200 locations.
"The first 100 locations will begin on July 14 along with several additional sites. Some others may be at the end of July, depending on the readiness of facilities and infrastructure," Yusuf remarked.
The People's School program was prepared as a form of the government's affirmative policy to expand access to education for children from extremely poor families. All costs for education, dormitories, food, and basic needs of students are fully borne by the state.
The minister also noted that currently, the entire preparation process, including the recruitment of education personnel and school principals, continues to be coordinated with related ministries and institutions to ensure it can run according to plan.
"I think it is quite clear that we are pursuing the goal of ensuring that children from poor families have the opportunity to study properly, starting this new school year," Yusuf affirmed.
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Translator: M. Riezko Bima Elko Prasetyo, Cindy Frishanti Octa
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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