Academic says People's Schools can reduce juvenile delinquency

An academic from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Sumatera Utara, Agus Suriadi, has stated that the presence of Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools) in the province can reduce juvenile delinquency by providing educational access for children from underprivileged families. “Sekolah Rakyat can also serve as a solution to reduce the rate of juvenile delinquency,” Agus said in Medan on Monday. According to him, Sekolah Rakyat provides a positive and structured educational environment, supported by various beneficial extracurricular activities. “This can divert children’s attention from negative behaviour, while helping them develop social skills,” he said. By staying in dormitories, students receive more intensive guidance from mentors and better access to educational facilities. “These conditions create a conducive environment for the learning process and personal development of students,” he added. He noted that access to technology and innovative learning methods can improve the quality of education received by students, equipping them with better competencies to compete in the job market. The North Sumatra Provincial Government has built Sekolah Rakyat in Medan City, Deli Serdang Regency, Serdang Bedagai Regency, South Tapanuli Regency, and Padangsidimpuan City.