The ceremony for the teacher and principal quality improvement program will extend over a period of three years, and validates the serious commitment of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk., which as approved on May 2008. PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. will channel the its donation through Sampoerna Foundation for the excecution of the training program in three regions, namely Surabaya municipality in Karawang regency, West Java, as well as the city and regency of Pasuruan. Overall, the program will be followed by 90 principals and 2.270 teachers in the aforementioned three regions.

2006-2007 data from the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) indicates that in the city of Surabaya, the total number of teachers and principals is 34.970, and 13.133 of these do not meet the minimum qualifications for teaching.

Teacher and principals to whom this training opportunity is given will enjoy a variety of quality improvement programs. The program covers leadership training, innovative approaches to teaching, Master Teacher, research on classroom management, participation in the Indonesian Teacher Congress as well as the development of a resource center for candidates who pass the selection process.

“It is our hope that even more support will come from the private sector for education in Indonesia, particulary in Surabaya. Sampoerna Foundation and PT HM Sampoerna’s role in providing this program is a strategic step in rasing the quality of education,” said Surabaya mayor Bambang Dwi Hartono during the signing of the agreement. 

Elan Merdy, Chief Operating Officer of Sampoerna Foundation said that the program is a continuation of good collaborative efforts between the private, public and non-profit sectors. “The collaboration for this particular program compliment previous education quality improvement programs funded by PT. HM Sampoerna Tbk.

With the support and active participation from the Surabaya Provincial Government, we hope that more Indonesian children from various regions will gain access to good education.

Through this program it is hoped that the capacity of students in Surabaya will be boosted. If every teacher teaches 40 students, then more than 33,200 Surabaya students will benefit from better instructions,” Mr. Merdy added.

PT HM Sampoerna Tbk., who donated the funds for the teacher and principal training commented saying, “Education quality improvement is one area that PT HM Sampoerna’s is involved in with regards to its social responsibility activities for the public at large. We see this program as a value added benefit for education practicioners in this country who in the long-term play a significant role in advancing the education sector in Indonesia as well as a sustainable effort to educate Indonesians.” Said Yos Adiguna Ginting.