“I believe this school is a solution for families facing economic challenges. It helps ease the financial burden of education in our family,” 36-year-old Aliyah said at Sekolah Rakyat Handayani, East Jakarta, on Monday.
Aliyah said she is grateful that her child was accepted into the school.
“Now, I can use the money (that was earlier spent on school fees) for my small business and cover daily meals. This kind of program should be expanded by the government,” she added.
Students also expressed happiness over Sekolah Rakyat helping ease their parents’ financial burden.
“This really helps. My mom does not have to spend money on my schooling anymore. She can use the money for our daily needs,” 12-year-old student Muhammad Azka Azri said.
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He informed that his mother is the sole breadwinner of the family. She runs a small business selling healthy meal boxes for Rp15 thousand–Rp20 thousand each.
He sees Sekolah Rakyat as a place that provides free education to children from underprivileged families. Amid rising education costs, he said, the school offers hope for many children to obtain a proper education.
Another student, Herlina Putri (12), shared similar sentiments. She said that following her enrolment at Sekolah Rakyat, her parents have one less thing to worry about financially.
“Here, I have got a study desk, sleeping essentials, the classes are exciting too, and free meals. So, it is less of a financial burden for my parents,” Putri expounded.
The Sekolah Rakyat program was launched by the government to provide quality education access to children from poor and extremely poor families.
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Translator: Siti, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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