Project News

Students who joined interview in MTs Nurul Islam.

Representatives from Ministry of National Education (MONE) and Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) visited schools in Banten Province on June 1st 2011. The participants are Mr.Martono from Development of Human Resource and Educator's Center, Mr.Sholahudin and Mr.Heri Zakaira from Directorate of Islamic Education MORA.

It was the first time that representatives of central government visited Banten Province. It was realized according to the request in coordination meeting for PELITA between MONE and MORA to consider whether Banten is appropriate for National Reference Site.

Representatives visited MTs (Islamic Junior Secondary School) Nurul Islam in Serang ciry, SMP (Ordinary Junior Secondary School) PGRI Kramatwatu in Serang district and Educational Office in Serang district.

MTs Nurul Islam was established in 1984. Number of students is around 160. All teachers work on a part time basis and monthly wage of principal is around 5,000 JPY.

Principal pointed out some changes before and after REDIP (one of former projects of PELITA) / PELITA-PSBM; (1) teachers implement extra class after ordinary classes, (2) the school could add some facilities and equipment, (3) community members support school activities because of community's higher interests on education and (4) new cycle the school helps community was created. Students delivered her gratitude that she is proud of participating activities in sub-district level as a representative of MTs Nurul Islam.

SMP PGRI Kramatwatu has about 340 students. Principal announced the school has English Day to speak only in English a week and emphasized they brought up students with good discipline such as not to be late for class. She said there were some changes before and after REDIP and PELITA-PSBM. First, the school became more open to community. She also pointed out the school keeps their transparency. Students said that they can make friends with that of other schools and they are glad and proud to participate competition or boy scout activity as representative of the school in sub-district level. It is because they have many activities held in sub-district.

Mr. Martono (center) asked with teachers about students' work of Life Skill activity.

In afternoon, TPK (Sub-District Educational Development Team) Kramatwatu and KIT (District/City Implementation Team) introduced their activities in Educational office in Serang district. KIT reported their unique strategy. One of examples is local government in Pandeglang district treats all schools equally without any boundary between SMP and MTs. They decided to arrange working duty of SMP and MTs supervisors per sub-district under PELITA cooperating between Educational office and District office of Religious affairs.

Mr.Heri from MORA said, "All schools are equal although belonging ministry is different. We found from PELITA activities it is possible to work together for SMP and MTs to enhance quality of education". Mr.Martono from MONE also said, "I expect you to share your experience and initiatives in front of decision maker who will write a letter of National Reference Site. We have responsibility to continue this program". Both of them expressed positive opinions for appointing Banten as National Reference Site of PSBM program.