Merauke – The Governor of South Papua, Apolo Safanpo, has encouraged children from Koa Village, Animha District, Merauke Regency, to take advantage of the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) educational facilities established and operated by the central government in the area.
Apolo conveyed this message during a working visit and a gathering with the community of Koa Village on Tuesday (August 18).
“We should be grateful and express our thanks to the President and the central government for paying great attention to the community through the construction and operation of Sekolah Rakyat,” said Apolo.
According to him, the presence of Sekolah Rakyat represents an opportunity that must be utilized to the fullest to prepare for the future of the young generation in South Papua. “We must make the best use of this facility for the future of our children,” he stated.
Apolo noted that he had received information indicating that several children from Koa Village, who had previously been recruited to attend Sekolah Rakyat, had returned to the village because they wanted to see their parents or for other reasons.
Consequently, he asked the school principal, the village head, and the customary leader to collaborate in compiling complete data on these children.
“By doing so, the government will strive to provide transportation facilities so that, at specific times, these children can be taken home to visit their parents and then brought back to the dormitory to continue their education,” he explained.
Apolo emphasized that education is a crucial investment for the children’s future, as well as for the future of the community and the region. “Children are our most valuable asset. Our dignity as parents lies in our children,” he asserted.
According to Apolo, the children’s future success will be a source of pride for their parents. Conversely, a child’s failure will be a cause for concern for the family.
