Social Affairs Ministry Invites Literacy Activists to 'Open House' at People's Schools

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Social Affairs has invited education activists, national figures, and non-governmental activists to attend an open house for the People’s Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) scheduled for July and August. Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf stated at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday that the event aims to give the public an opportunity to observe and understand the learning process within the schools more closely. “We are inviting national and regional figures, non-governmental activists, education advocates, youth, and women leaders to see first-hand the learning activities at the People’s Schools,” he said. In the new academic year, 93 People’s Schools across various regions in Indonesia are confirmed to transition to permanent building facilities, having previously operated as pilot schools using Ministry of Social Affairs technical implementation unit buildings or local government facilities. To ensure a smooth transition for existing students and the intake of new students, the ministry is intensifying coordination and optimisation with regional secretaries, social services, and public works agencies. “Based on evaluations over the 11 months the programme has been running, we have recorded significant improvements among students in fitness, discipline, self-confidence, as well as achievements in science, language, sports, and the arts,” said Saifullah, who was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo. He added that beyond academic attainment, the caregiving interventions at the schools have also positively impacted character building, emotional maturity, and religious discipline when the children return to their family environments. The Ministry expressed its appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the supporting ecosystem, from the directives of the President to the relevant technical ministries. The ministry hopes that cross-sector integration between the central government, regional authorities, and community elements will continue to strengthen, accelerating the expansion of capacity and learning quality at the People’s Schools, given that the student quota target increases annually. “This year the target is 32,000 students, and by 2027 there will be more than 100,000 students as the facilities become more adequate,” Saifullah said.