Commitment of Sidrap District Government to Support DBE1 Programs

District of Sidrap’s such positive response to DBE1 programs personifies the stakeholders’ deep understanding and realization of the need to improve the quality of education management and governance. ...

based on report of Bapak Nursalam Sirajuddin, Community Participation Specialist of DBE1 South Sulawesi

Although Sidrap joined DBE1 programs when it was selected as one of DBE1 Cohort 2 districts, level of involvement of district stakeholders and results of work have been significant. In many DBE1 activities, stakeholders from executive and legislative branches continue to take part while Head of Education Office is almost always a permanent fixture to DBE1 events. Their support to DBE1 programs could also be seen in the inclusion of dissemination of DBE1 programs in District Budget or Amendment of District Budget.

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Head od Sidrap Education Office, Bapak Syahruddin HT (right) gave remarks during SMP/MTS committee training recently

For dissemination of RKS/M development process, funded by District Annual Budget of Rp. 150 million, 29 schools took part in the training sessions. For 2009, Sidrap district has allocated Rp. 490 million to support 30 additional schools to take part in RKS/M development and school committee training. District Education Office supports this endeavor with a circular letter for schools develop their own RKS/M because of the advantages that the planning document provides to schools and communities.

During the SMP/MTs committee workshop on February 19, Head of Education Office, Bapak Syahruddin HT, mentioned that DBE1 programs support schools and madrasah in their effort to improve their quality of management and governance. School committee members could learn more about their roles and functions and what they can do to improve quality of education in their schools. According to Bapak Syahruddin, with regards to Free Education, committee is not restricted to encourage community participation. Parents, community members and other institutions could still take part as long as their involvement is voluntary and not for items already allocated in BOS and Free Education Funds.

District of Sidrap's such positive response to DBE1 programs personifies the stakeholders' deep understanding and realization of the need to improve the quality of education management and governance. Such understanding and consistency in implementation are key factors to ensure that these programs will be sustained in the future.