Natuna Regency and US Consulate Collaborate to Enhance Education Quality

English will be strong if its teachers are equipped with adequate skills. Natuna (ANTARA) - The Natuna Regency Government (Pemkab) in Riau Islands Province (Kepri) is collaborating with the US Consulate for Sumatra to enhance education quality in the border region. Head of the Natuna Regency Education Office, Hendra Kusuma, in Natuna on Monday, stated that the US Consulate for Sumatra held a workshop on strengthening English language teaching for teachers in Natuna Regency. The event lasted two days. The first day took place at the Idrus M Tahar Library Building in Natuna from morning to afternoon on Monday. Participants were English teachers from various levels in Natuna. For the event, Pemkab Natuna provided facilities and brought in the teachers. Hendra assessed that English needs to be studied because it is an international language used in many fields, such as education, business, technology, and global communication. To learn it effectively requires specific methods. “Today’s event is hoped to be followed seriously, and the knowledge gained can be shared back with students at school,” he said. Meanwhile, US Consul for Sumatra, Lisa Podolny, said this workshop is a follow-up to the US Consulate’s visit to Natuna in February 2026. “In February, we were in Natuna and directly heard from friends here about the need to share knowledge in the field of English,” she said. Lisa expressed appreciation to the Head of the Natuna Library and Archives Office, Erson Gempa Afriandi, for hosting the event. Additionally, she thanked the Natuna Regency Education and Culture Office, Hendra Kusuma, for supporting the teachers in attending the workshop. On that occasion, Lisa emphasised the importance of mastering English in opening various opportunities, especially in education and economic development. According to her, the quality of English teaching depends on the teachers’ readiness. Therefore, this event focuses on strengthening teachers’ abilities to teach English effectively. “English will be strong if its teachers are equipped with adequate skills. The United States places education as a top priority as the foundation for economic growth,” she said.