Social Affairs Minister praises SRMP students' performances in Kupang

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf praised the performances of students from SRMP 19 Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara during the National Elderly Day event in Kupang, where they entertained attendees with various acts.

“I watched the SRMP performances. I am very proud,” he said in Kupang on Sunday.

He made the remarks while attending the event, which was also attended by PKH companions, SRMP students, regional leaders, and the East Nusa Tenggara governor.

During the event, students showcased short dramas, marching, and choir performances. The most impressive act was the Komodo dance, performed by the students in a professional manner.

Many of these children, previously from remote villages, have developed strong mental resilience after nine months of education.

As part of recognising educators, the Social Affairs Minister invited school principals, teachers, and dormitory supervisors to discuss the nine-month mentoring process.

However, the minister acknowledged that some SRMP students still have low academic performance.

In a press conference, he stated that the SRMP programme does not have academic entrance tests; eligibility is based on meeting specific criteria.

“Those in SRMP include some who are already bright, but others have low academic scores,” he said.

One example is an SRMP student who, despite being in first-year senior high school, cannot read, while many in junior high school still cannot read.

But this, according to the minister, is a task that teachers and educators must address.