Ministry ensures eligibility of Sekolah Rakyat beneficiaries

Bantul, Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono visited several homes of prospective students for the Sekolah Rakyat program in Bantul, Yogyakarta, to ensure the distribution of assistance is right on target for underprivileged families.

"The president ordered us to ensure the beneficiaries of this program really come from underprivileged families," Priyono stated during his visit on Saturday.

According to the single national socio-economic data (DTSEN) at the Ministry of Social Affairs, prospective students of Sekolah Rakyat are classified in the first decile, representing underprivileged families who live in inadequate housing conditions.

Sekolah Rakyat is a free education initiative launched by the government to improve access to education and reduce poverty.

During his visit, he found that one of the families of the prospective students had an income of Rp1-1.5 million (US$58-88) per month to support four children with just one parent.

"Such an economic condition makes it difficult to send their kids to school. Therefore, the president urged the opening of Sekolah Rakyat this year," Priyono remarked.

He drew attention to 53 existing locations for the establishment of Sekolah Rakyat, with the possibility of adding 47 more schools to be opened this year.

He said the president emphasized the allocation of Sekolah Rakyat for students like Galuh and Alvian, two children from underprivileged families who were visited by his team on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Alvian Setyo Nugroho's father, Ngadiman, said his son dreamt of pursuing education after completing junior high school this year. Due to financial difficulties, he decided to join the Sekolah Rakyat.

"My son wants to go to school, and fortunately, there is this Sekolah Rakyat. This is very helpful for my economic condition," he stated.

Meanwhile, Galuh, a third-grade junior high school student, expressed her happiness at being included in the Sekolah Rakyat program and shared her aspiration to become a flight attendant.

"I am happy that the government can help me to go to school. My dream is to be a flight attendant," Galuh stated.