On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the Batam City Government held a socialization event at Engku Hamidah Hall on the fourth floor of the Batam City Mayor’s office, aimed at formulating strategies to ensure that every child in Batam has access to quality education.
The event was designed to address the concerning number of out-of-school children in Batam, which stands at 6,445 according to data from the Center for Data and Information (Pusdatin) of the Ministry of Education and Culture. This figure includes 3,608 children who have dropped out of school and 2,837 who have completed schooling but have not continued to the next educational level.
Jefridin, the Secretary of the Batam City Area, highlighted the importance of education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone for the city’s future progress. “Thank you for the implementation of this activity. Education is a basic right of every child and forms the foundation for the future advancement of this city,” he stated at the event.
To tackle the issue of children not attending school, effective steps and cross-sector coordination are necessary. Jefridin stressed the importance of synergy among various stakeholders, including neighborhood heads, district heads, school principals, and relevant departments.
“The Batam City Education Department will collaborate with the Social Services, Community Empowerment, Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning Departments to identify and support children who need educational assistance,” Jefridin explained.
With the synergy of various agencies, the challenges of out-of-school children are expected to be mitigated. This collaborative approach aims to reintegrate these children into the educational system, providing them with the opportunities they need to succeed.
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Jefridin concluded with optimism, “I am confident that with the commitment and cooperation of all parties, we can make Batam a city that cares deeply about education and the future of its children.”
The Batam City Government has taken a proactive approach to combat the high number of out-of-school children through a strategic socialization event. By fostering collaborations across various sectors and agencies, Batam aims to ensure that all children have the opportunity to receive a quality education, thereby securing their future and the progressive development of the city.
Source: Info Publik (2024)
