Local govt boosts literacy program for indigenous tribe in Jambi

Sarolangun regency administration in Jambi province is intensifying its literacy program for the nomadic Anak Dalam people residing in the regency by means of a direct approach to the tribe members.

The illiteracy rate in the regency stood at 2,000 people, mostly comprising tribal people according to the Central Statistics Agency in 2015, the early education unit head at the Sarolangun Education and Culture Agency Zulkarnaen said.

Over the past few years, the agency has run a program to eradicate illiteracy in Tinting village in Sarolangun district.

“We set up a study group in the village. The group can accommodate at least 50 people aged 15 to 59 years old,” he said, adding that in running the study group, the education agency forged cooperation with a local community learning center (PKBM).

For the members, especially children of the Suku Anak Dalam tribe that are able to read, the agency also supports them in studying at local formal schools. The agency issues a letter notifying the schools that the children are literate as evidence.

Moreover, specifically for Tinting village, the agency also provides a small library and early education for the tribal people.