Spirit of Learning: 108 Makassar Sanitation Workers Earn Equivalency Diplomas

The Makassar City Government in South Sulawesi has awarded 108 educational equivalency diplomas to sanitation task force members who completed non-formal education programmes. The diplomas were for Paket A, Paket B, and Paket C programmes.

Head of the Makassar Education Office, Achi Soleman, stated that the city government is committed to guaranteeing every citizen’s right to education, regardless of age, background, or socio-economic condition. “Education is the right of all citizens, without age or background limitations,” he said.

Achi explained that Paket A is equivalent to primary school, Paket B to junior secondary school, and Paket C to senior secondary school. The programmes are organised through the Learning Activity Studio (SKB) and the Community Learning Activity Centre (PKBM). SKB is a non-formal education unit managed directly by the government through the Education Office, under the guidance of the Early Childhood Education and Equivalency Education Division. Meanwhile, PKBM is a non-formal educational institution established, managed, and developed by the community as a government partner in expanding access to education services.

Both institutions serve community members who have not completed formal education, including school dropouts, workers, and adults. The learning process is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to continue working while pursuing their education. The 108 SKB learners who received equivalency diplomas came from various backgrounds, including drainage task force personnel from the Public Works Office, sanitation task force members, hospital cleaning service staff, and other members of the public. The most inspiring aspect was their enthusiasm for learning, with the task force members demonstrating extraordinary motivation. It is not easy for someone to study while continuing to work, but they proved that limitations are not a barrier to obtaining an education.