Natuna People's School promotes education programs to community

Natuna (ANTARA) - The Integrated People's School (Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi/SRT) 32 Natuna in Indonesia's Riau Islands held an open house on Saturday to raise awareness of free education for children from underprivileged families.

The principal of SRT 32 Natuna, Bumiselan, said the event featured student performances and tours of classrooms, the library, dormitories and other school facilities.

Guests included representatives of higher education institutions, religious leaders, subdistrict and village heads, Natuna district department heads and other residents.

"The event aims to introduce what People's School is all about," Bumiselan said.

He said the school serves families in deciles 1 and 2 of Indonesia's National Single Socioeconomic Data (DTSEN), which represent the country's lowest socioeconomic groups.

SRT 32 Natuna offers elementary through senior high school education, he said.

The government also pays students' living costs, dormitory housing, uniforms and school facilities, Bumiselan added.

"At People's School, all needs are covered by the government," he said.

People's School is a government initiative to widen access to education and part of a broader strategy to break the cycle of poverty.

The government aims to operate 500 People's Schools by 2029, each targeting 1,000 students.

Translator: Muhamad Nurman, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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