Indonesia, April 16 -- The government has promised higher education scholarships and work opportunities for graduates of Sekolah Rakyat in order to break the chain of extreme poverty while producing a more competitive new generation.

"Those who wish to pursue higher education will be granted full scholarships. Those who want to become skilled workers, including working abroad, will be guided by the government," Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said here on Thursday.

Minister Yusuf said the government wants Sekolah Rakyat graduates to become agents of change for their families and surrounding communities.

The Sekolah Rakyat program is a government's strategic policy to accelerate poverty alleviation through affirmative-based educ...