We
know that Sukanto Tanoto is a great businessperson and a great philanthropist
as well. His achievement is acknowledged not only in the business sector, but also
in education sector in Indonesia. Through his foundation, Mr. Tanoto
understands that education plays very important role in one’s life, as it may
lead everyone to achieve broader knowledge and improve his.her livelihood in
general. With the poor education issue in Indonesia, Tanoto Foundation has
already given many schemes of scholarship to not only those brilliant students,
but also those in needs.
The main issues of education in Indonesia
Recent
studies find that more than 70 percent of Indonesian students ranging between
the ages of 19 to 23 are unable to continue their education, mostly – or all of
them – due to the difficult economic situation. The number has increased from
year to year despite the government’s efforts to improve the quality through
various programs and trainings. However, the government’s programs, no matter how
sophisticated they are, still unable to overcome and fill the vast need of
education, as the birthrate also continues to rise.
In
addition to the quantity, quality also becomes a serious concern, as lots of schools,
especially those in rural areas are still lacking of facility, and
accessibility is not something that can be easily obtained. This issue creates a
series of continuous problems, including the inequality of income and rising
poverty. Research shows that people who have better education background are
more likely to achieve higher income per capita.
Approximately
2.5 millions of children at the age of 15 in Indonesia do not go to school. Lacks
of support, poverty, minimum to very little facility are just among dozens of
reasons why Indonesia still has poor education system.
What Tanoto Foundation Does for Education
Understanding
this problem, Tanoto Foundation takes the chance to help the Indonesian
government to, at least, diminish the issue, by addressing certain point and
emphasizing to strengthen the education. Giving scholarship to the students in
need, providing facility, and financial support are among the efforts.
Hasanuddin University in Makassar, Mulawarman University in East Kalimantan and
additional two institutions are joining the foundation this year to give more
support to the students.
Strengthening
the private sector is one of the main concerns of the foundation, by providing
basic requirements to the people in the country. Until today, Sukanto Tanoto
through his foundation has helped more and more students who have excellent
potential, but limited financial support. Students are also allowed to get
better education through training, counseling, and internship program from the
foundation.
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