The Indonesian government has promised to improve education quality in predominantly Christian East Nusa Tenggara province, whose students have lagged behind the rest of the country for many years. The money granted by the government is mostly intended for new school buildings from elementary to senior high school level particularly in areas where school buildings are not permanent yet.

As reported by ucanews.com, Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy, remarked that “As a first step, the government has set aside US$66 million for education in the province, a more than fivefold increase on the US$10.9 million granted last year. The money would also be used to improve teacher quality through training and workshops.” Further, he added, “We want education quality in East Nusa Tenggara at the same level as other provinces.”

Many students leave school without proper qualifications and end up doing low paid jobs or look for work abroad exposing them to the dangers of human trafficking.The province is a largely Christian area that is 54 percent Catholic.

Source: www.ucanews.com