Academic: Diploma Redemption Scheme Is an Effort to Prevent Poverty

Medan (ANTARA) — Roy Fachraby Ginting, an academic at the University of North Sumatra (USU), said the Diploma Redemption scheme, one of Medan City Government’s priority programmes, was part of efforts to alleviate poverty.

“Diplomas are important documents for students who wish to continue their education or enter the workforce,” Roy Fachraby said in Medan on Sunday.

He said the scheme was in line with the aims of education: developing personal potential, shaping character and preparing young people to become independent and capable of managing their lives.

In his view, the programme being promoted by the local government could help young people from financially struggling families build a better future.

“Access to diplomas can give students wider opportunities to continue their schooling or find decent work, giving them a chance to improve their families’ welfare,” he said.

However, he urged the city government to implement the programme, which is funded through the regional budget, properly and to strengthen transparent oversight so that assistance reaches the intended recipients.

“The programme must not be exploited by certain people as a source of transactional activity. If that happens, it will also damage the reputation of Medan’s mayor,” he said.

The Medan City Government in North Sumatra is targeting 1,000 beneficiaries for the Diploma Redemption assistance programme, which is intended to ease the burden on people facing financial barriers to education.

Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Waas said the policy reflected the local government’s commitment to improving education in the city.

“Diplomas can then be used to continue education or for other purposes after completing school,” Rico Waas said.