During this new era many schools are engaging in School Based Management and have already addressed the issue of school funding and have found solutions.
The important issue is how school principals and all stakeholders work together to achieve the school development that they desire. The keys are open communication and transparancy.
If you wish to develop Internet facilities in your school the equipment such as a computer and modem are not the main issue. The main issue is preparing a rational and clear proposal that documents how the Internet will benefit both the school and its students.
The next issue is how do you communicate the proposal to the entire school community. The best way is to form a "School Development Team" which includes the vice-principal, teacher/s, students, parents/teachers assn, and a community representative.
Once the community understands and supports the concept it is no longer difficult to implement the program "project". We used the word "project" because now all schools need to have development plans which include a number of "school projects" that the school community can implement together with the general community independant of national funding (non-dependancy).
While family financial resources are currently minimal we still must act responsibly in issues which concern the future needs of our children. If parents, students and the school community believe in the program (school project) they will support it.
If we look at the cost of a computer and modem it will be about five million Rupiah (currently about US$650) and in a school with 800 students, the cost per family would be : Rp 6,250 (less than US$1).
These costs can be reduced even further in the following ways:
- A small amount could be allocated to the project from the school's budget. This would help prove that the school is serious about the importance of the project.
- Share the objectives and needs of the project with the local industry and business communities and try to obtain sponsorship.
- The students could collect money that they earn by organizing school activities like fetes, trash-n-treasure stalls etc.
- Some of the money could be borrowed from a bank however this is absolutely the last option.
* It's best if you buy your equipment locally close to the school because it is then easier to execute the warranty and attain assistance to install the facilities if you need it. Establish a friendly relationship with the owner of the shop or business.
