PPPA Minister: Sekolah Rakyat Opens New Hope for Underprivileged Children
Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Arifah Fauzi affirmed the importance of Sekolah Rakyat as an effort to broaden educational access for children from underprivileged families. She made the statement while inspecting Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi 41 Tasikmalaya on Thursday (18/6).
During her visit, the PPPA Minister assessed that the Sekolah Rakyat programme represents the state’s commitment to ensuring every child obtains equal rights to decent education. According to her, the quality of the future generation is largely determined by the extent to which children’s basic rights are fulfilled from an early age.
‘This is our collective responsibility for the future of Indonesia’s children. The nation’s future leaders depend greatly on how we treat and fulfil their rights today. If nutritional needs are not met, they will be unable to compete. Likewise, if their health and education are neglected, how can they possibly excel and study calmly? Therefore, Sekolah Rakyat is a strategic step to create a superior and quality golden generation,’ said the PPPA Minister.
Besides inspecting educational facilities, Arifah Fauzi also engaged directly with the students. She motivated the pupils to remain enthusiastic in pursuing their education and to make the most of the learning opportunities provided by the government.
‘You have an extraordinary opportunity to grow into quality individuals who are beneficial to society, the nation, and the state. Make the best possible use of these learning facilities,’ she said.
Meanwhile, Vice Principal for Public Relations of Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi 41 Tasikmalaya, Dika Restu Rohmana, expressed appreciation for the programme. He assessed that Sekolah Rakyat provides significant benefits for children from welfare deciles 1 and 2, including those at risk of dropping out of school.
According to Dika, this programme exists to reopen learning opportunities for children facing various social and economic limitations.
‘Sekolah Rakyat is here to embrace and honour children from deciles 1 and 2. From those living in inadequate housing, children with separated parents, to children who are victims of bullying. Here, all students are equalised to be intelligent together. Through this programme, those who previously struggled to access education can now reweave their aspirations, in line with the mandate of the preamble to the 1945 Constitution,’ said Dika.
Prior to visiting Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi 41, the PPPA Minister also inspected the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals programme at SDN Hegarsari. The activity was carried out to ensure the food distributed meets nutritional and hygiene standards and is well-targeted to support children’s growth and development.
The inspection also demonstrated the PPPA Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the fulfilment of children’s basic rights, particularly within the primary education environment.