Deputy Social Affairs Minister Convinces Every Sekolah Rakyat Student Has Potential
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono instilled the belief that every pupil of Sekolah Rakyat possesses great value and potential that will continue to be explored and developed optimally throughout their education at the institution.
In a statement issued in Jakarta on Sunday, he said providing such motivation is important to break through the sense of inferiority often experienced by children from underprivileged families.
“Every one of you is a precious child. Children with potential that will be developed at Sekolah Rakyat,” he said whilst speaking with 60 pupils taking part in the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) at Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas (SRMA) 15 in Magelang, Central Java.
He said this motivation is not mere words. Although Sekolah Rakyat has only been established for a year, the schools across various regions of Indonesia have already produced many high-achieving pupils, both academically and non-academically.
Therefore, he is optimistic that at Sekolah Rakyat, poverty is not an obstacle for pupils to excel. Their interests and talents have been tested through talent mapping, so that teaching and educational staff can guide and hone the pupils according to their respective interests and talents.
He explained that poverty is not a reason to feel inferior.
He urged the pupils to remain proud of their parents, who have raised and cared for them as best they could, regardless of their occupation.
On the contrary, he said, this should serve as motivation and encouragement for the pupils to prove themselves and make their parents and families proud.
“You must not lose heart even if you come from an underprivileged family. Whatever your father’s or mother’s job, you must be proud,” he said.
Through the Sekolah Rakyat programme conceived by President Prabowo Subianto, he said, the state provides equal space and opportunity for children to enjoy education and grow optimally. Through Sekolah Rakyat, the state reaches out to children from poor and extremely poor households, accompanying and guiding them to pursue the dreams they have long aspired to.
He said Sekolah Rakyat also works in synergy with various parties so that children can explore and develop their potential optimally.
The head of SRMA 15 Magelang, Anisatul Masruroh, expressed her happiness that Sekolah Rakyat has received support from various parties to support the development of its pupils.
She expressed hope that the education they undertake at Sekolah Rakyat will become the foundation of their future success.
“At Sekolah Rakyat, we are accompanied by great people, and hopefully one of you will also become a great person, becoming whatever matches the interests and talents of the children,” she said.