Social Affairs Minister: After 11 Months, Sekolah Rakyat Shows Significant Progress
The Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, stated that amidst ongoing challenges and dynamics, the Sekolah Rakyat programme, which has been running for approximately 11 months, has shown significant development.
This was conveyed during an Open House event for parents and prospective students at the Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas (SRMA) 21 Surabaya, East Java, on Friday (26/6). The event aimed to provide an opportunity for prospective students, parents, community leaders, and local government officials to observe the progress of student learning firsthand.
“Alhamdulillah, after more than 10 months of Sekolah Rakyat, the learning process is getting better; the children are becoming more disciplined, more confident, their enthusiasm for learning is increasing, and their growth and health are also improving,” said Gus Ipul following the event.
Arriving at the location around 2:30 PM WIB, Gus Ipul was welcomed by performances from SRMA 21 Surabaya students, including drill displays, hadrah, traditional dance, pencak silat, English and Arabic speeches, choir, and poetry.
He also engaged in dialogue with parents, students, and prospective students. One parent, Ita Fitriani, mother of SRMA 21 student Marsya Dwi Cahyani, could not hide her pride in her child during the discussion with Gus Ipul.
“(Now) she is brave enough to perform; she is doing very well. Previously, she was very shy and withdrawn,” said Ita.
Marsya, who participated in the drill display, comes from a humble family living in the Semampir District, Surabaya. Her father’s income as a construction worker previously forced Marsya to drop out of school.
“I am very grateful that her child can attend Sekolah Rakyat. She had dropped out for over a year. She wants to become a doctor,” said Ita.
Marsya herself admitted that after nearly two semesters of education at Sekolah Rakyat, she has felt a transformation into a better, more independent, and more disciplined individual.
“I am more disciplined, disciplined in my prayers, and I can also manage my time better,” she said.
The event was also attended by the Governor of East Java, represented by the Regional Secretary of East Java, Adi Karyono; the Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi; the Rector of the University of Surabaya, represented by Vice Rector for Field 2, Prof. Bachtiar B. Sachri; the Head of the East Java Social Affairs Office, Restu Novi Widiani; the Head of BPS East Java, Herum Fajarwati; as well as Special Staff to the Minister, Experts to the Minister of Social Affairs, and other relevant officials.