Beyond Academic Excellence: Character-Building Deemed Crucial for Children's Future Readiness
Amid the increasingly complex challenges of the digital age, character education is becoming the primary foundation for shaping a young generation that is not only academically intelligent but also possesses noble morals, social awareness, and strong integrity. Strengthening these values is an essential need so that children can face changing times without losing their identity. An education that places manners, responsibility, and a love of knowledge as part of the learning process is believed to be capable of producing a generation ready to contribute to society. Therefore, educational success is not solely measured by academic grades, but also by the ability of students to apply positive values in daily life.
The headmaster of SD Al Azhar Syifabudi Jatibening, Mochtari A Halim, assessed that character building must go hand in hand with the development of academic competence. According to him, schools play a strategic role in instilling moral values, leadership, and a passion for learning that will equip students for the future. “Character education is an important foundation that every child must possess. Educational success is not only seen from academic achievement, but also from how they maintain their manners, have concern for others, and are able to provide benefits to their surrounding environment,” said Mochtari on Tuesday (23/6/2026).
This commitment was reflected in the organisation of the XVI Yaum Attaharuj for the 2025–2026 Academic Year, which was attended by 102 Grade VI students. Carrying the theme STARL16HT, this activity served as a symbol of hope that every graduate can grow into an individual who excels in knowledge, possesses noble character, and achieves high performance. According to Mochtari, the name STARL16HT embodies the hope that graduates will become individuals who shine in knowledge, morals, and achievement, as well as sources of goodness for their environment, society, nation, and religion. He stressed that graduation is not the end of the learning process. On the contrary, this moment marks the beginning of a long journey for students to continue developing themselves, expanding their knowledge, and upholding the values instilled during their primary education.
“We hope the children will continue to maintain their manners, love the Quran, have a high spirit for learning, and grow into a generation that brings benefits to religion, nation, and state,” he said. Furthermore, Mochtari explained that the school continuously strives to provide a balanced education between academic achievement, character building, strengthening Islamic values, and readiness to face the developments of the times. “Through education based on the Quran and Sunnah, the school continuously strives to produce a generation that is excellent in knowledge, strong in morals, possesses social awareness, and is ready to become future leaders who bring positive change to society,” he asserted.
The message of strengthening character was also conveyed through a series of inspirational events. One of these was the screening of an artificial intelligence (AI) technology-based video titled ‘My Future’, which displayed visualisations of the students’ future aspirations, ranging from doctors, teachers, and scientists to athletes and leaders. The screening not only created an emotional atmosphere but also instilled optimism that every child has the same opportunity to achieve the best future through hard work, discipline, and good character. This message served as a reminder that big dreams must be built upon a strong foundation of positive values.
In addition, the school gave awards to high-achieving students in various categories, such as Quran Memorisation (Tahfiz Alquran), Mumtaz TKA 100, and top scorers in TKA, ASBAA, and PSAJ. This appreciation was a form of recognition for the dedication, perseverance, and enthusiasm for learning demonstrated by the students. Support from national figures, religious scholars, artists, athletes, and accomplished alumni who also delivered motivational messages further reinforced the importance of character education in shaping the future generation. “Through various inspirational messages, the graduates are encouraged to continue learning, maintain noble morals, and bravely reach for their highest aspirations,” concluded Mochtari.