Vice President seeks to help students from earthquake-hit areas continue education

East Manggarai, NTT (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming is seeking assistance for students from earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) who are currently studying outside the region, so that they can continue their education despite the economic impact felt by communities in the area.

This was revealed after Vice President Gibran held a dialogue with one of the earthquake evacuees and survivors, Nining Astriani, while inspecting an evacuation post in Waso Village, East Manggarai Regency, NTT, on Friday.

“But we must identify which parents are sending their children to study outside the island, especially those who are university students,” said Vice President Gibran.

“Otherwise, we will find scholarships for them, but I need to receive the data first,” the Vice President added.

On that occasion, Nining, representing a number of residents, raised various issues ranging from the smooth distribution of aid, residents’ concerns about the threat of loan or credit defaults due to loss of income, and the fate of children who are currently pursuing higher education outside the region.

In her conversation with the Vice President, Nining said that the impact of the earthquake had raised concerns among parents about their livelihoods. According to her, parents are worried that they will not be able to send money to their children who are studying outside East Manggarai.

Nining expressed hope that the state could provide a solution so that these children do not drop out of school. She noted that these children potentially face not only economic burdens but also psychological ones upon learning that their families have been affected by the earthquake.

“How can they continue to study with focus and complete their education,” said Nining.