Model boarding school offers students a bright future

Ariesta, a second grader, was being quizzed by his friends in preparation for an upcoming contest. It was past 2 p.m. and the class was over. But these seven students of SMPN 4 Mendoyo Junior high school in Negara, the regental capital of Jembrana in West Bali, were content to stay put.

"We are practicing for the Jembrana English contest in which high school student representatives compete," said Ariesta.

Located on a 2,942 square meter plot of land, the school appears well thought out and maintained. It has eight classrooms, a library, clinic and boarding school, which can accommodate up to 240 students.

Classes start at 6.30 a.m. (other schools in Bali start at 7.30 a.m.) and school is out at 4 p.m.

At first, Ariesta, who lives in the boarding school, was overwhelmed by the tight schedule but she now believes it is for the students' own good. "I have to concentrate on my studies. Living in the boarding school makes us more disciplined and independent," said Ariesta, who dreams of becoming a school teacher.

For many children in Jembrana, going to school is a luxury. It is common for students to drop out of school to help their parents work in the rice fields. With minimal support from their parents, it is hard for the children to do homework or school projects at home.

The 283 students at Mendoyo School are luckier than most.

SMP Negri 4 Mendoyo is one of two model schools developed by Jembrana administration to raise education standards in the regency.

"Although we live in a remote and underprivileged region, our students must keep up with the rapid growth of science and technology. We must equip them with the skills necessary for their adult lives," Regent Gede Winasa said of the pilot projects.

It is hoped the school will become a National Plus school with an innovative and creative curriculum.

Before the system was established, Jembrana forged a close cooperation with a Japanese city, Okayama. Under this cooperation, teachers from Jembrana are able to participate in various training programs.

School principal Gede Sunarya explained that the teaching method was a mixture of modern and traditional elements." We stress the importance of science and technology but also enhance our students' knowledge on religion and social and culture fields," he said.

Teachers must undergo screening before being employed at the school. "The school needs teachers who are compassionate and dedicated to their work and their students," he added

The school, as compared to others in the regency, has adequate facilities including a clinic with a dental unit.

Sunarya said the school's operational costs were covered by the Jembrana administration and the central government. "We do not ask for any money from the parents or students," the teacher said.

Parents only need to buy uniforms and cover their children's living expenses while at the boarding school.

The school plans to set up a computer laboratory equipped with Internet facilities. "Children will have greater access to information and they can acquire computer skills, which will make them more employable later on," Sunarya said.