Responding to Challenges and Obeying Calls

The School Development of The Pa van der Steur Foundation

When the construction of the children's dormitory had been completed, Pondok Gede became increasingly busy as the population grew due to the many new houses that were being built. This development came to the attention of the Executive Board. Among the important requirements for the new population were educational institutions or schools. As they felt prompted to help the Government in providing educational establishments, the Board decided to erect an Elementary School.

The ground was broken for the Elementary School building on August 11, 1979 and its inauguration took place on May 29, 1980. The building, with seven class rooms and one office was used for the first time in the curricular year of 1980/1981. As the number of pupils grew rapidly, a few years later two class rooms were added, as was an office for the School Principal.

Two years after the Elementary School had got underway, the Foundation opened a Junior High School and a Kindergarten. While awaiting the completion of the building, the Junior High School students were accommodated in one of the Elementary School class rooms and the Kindergarten used one of the rooms in the girls dorm. On April 3, 1983, the Junior High School building was inaugurated. This building consisted of six rooms along with one office for the school director and teachers. There were also sports facilities, such as a field for basketball and volleyball, as well as a track and playing field. Two years later, it was equipped with a laboratory and library.