Bogor— The Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School), an initiative launched by President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, is not only expanding educational access for children from underprivileged families—it is also rekindling hope where it had nearly vanished.

For parents like Rama and Adi, the program is a concrete answer to years of struggle and silent prayers. For students like Hasbi, Sekolah Rakyat is a place where dreams begin to grow.

“I’m truly grateful. Honestly, I can’t afford much,” said Rama (38), a single mother of Ridwan, a student at Sekolah Rakyat located at Sentra Terpadu Inten Suweno, Cibinong, Bogor, on Monday (July 14).

Ridwan once dropped out of school after being bullied by classmates because he couldn’t read fluently. But with encouragement from a social worker, he found the courage to return—and enrolled in Sekolah Rakyat.

“He was bullied a lot because he couldn’t read… I didn’t force him. He wanted to go back on his own,” Rama recalled. “Everything here is guaranteed. I saw it for myself. My son is truly taken care of. That’s what makes me happy—the discipline, the cleanliness.”

Adi Sumirat (46), a street vendor selling donuts, also felt the life-changing impact of the program. His daughter Asya is now back in school with peace of mind—without adding financial strain on the family.

“Someone from the Ministry of Social Affairs came to our house and explained the school program. They said my daughter was a candidate for Sekolah Rakyat… Then the liaison messaged me asking for her shoe size, uniform size, everything. They said all the school supplies were covered. Meals too—everything’s free. The only focus is learning. I was so moved,” said Adi at the same location.

He emphasized how much the program means to low-income families.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for establishing Sekolah Rakyat. It’s been a huge help to families like ours. Sometimes just finding food is a struggle. We’re deeply thankful.”

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Hasbi, a student at Sekolah Rakyat, now has dreams far greater than the walls of the classroom. He wants to one day repay his mother’s sacrifices—with love and pilgrimage.

“My biggest dream is to send both of my parents on the Hajj. And maybe take the whole family too. I want to make them proud,” Hasbi said, full of hope.

He also expressed his joy about attending the school without burdening his family.
“I’m glad because it eases the burden on my parents. Everything’s free. And I’ve made lots of friends. That’s what I like most.”

“Thank you, Mr. Prabowo, for making Sekolah Rakyat a reality. Now children like me can go to school. Thank you.”

Rama closed her story with a heartfelt prayer for the President:
“Thank you, Mr. President, for helping people like us. Thank you so much. May God bless you with health, a long life, and abundant blessings. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds…”

Sekolah Rakyat has become more than a school—it’s a symbol of new hope. For those once pushed to the margins of education, it is not just a solution, but a lifeline for dreams and proof that the state is present—breaking the cycle of poverty through education.