Unlocking Potential and Achieving Excellence at Ambon's Sekolah Rakyat

Ambon (ANTARA) - As evening approached, several students prepared for extracurricular activities in the hall of Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas (SRMA) 40 Ambon. Amidst the bustle, headteacher Afia Fransina Joris walked through the school grounds.

Occasionally, she paused to observe students practising sports, arts, and academic development activities. She also engaged in brief conversations with the teachers supervising the students.

One year ago, some students were still struggling to adapt to boarding school life, which differed significantly from their lives at home.

“When this school first opened, I would not get home until midnight,” said Afia, recalling the period when SRMA 40 Ambon began admitting students.

She described that era as being akin to building a civilisation. Teachers had to shape the habits and characters of children coming from diverse backgrounds.

At the school’s inception, some students attempted to climb over the fences to leave. Student brawls also occurred. They were not yet accustomed to waking up early, attending lessons, participating in religious activities, maintaining cleanliness, or adhering to various boarding house regulations.

Afia and the teaching staff chose to navigate this process gradually.

Today, that scene has changed. Students have become accustomed to the routine. They maintain the environment, organise their belongings, attend lessons, and participate in school activities without viewing them as something to be avoided.

“Now, there are no more instances of children jumping the fence. They have begun to feel that this school is like their own home,” said Afia.

Seizing Opportunities

SRMA 40 Ambon currently houses 93 students from Ambon City and parts of Central Maluku. They originate from families within deciles 1 and 2, representing the poor and extremely poor segments of society.