PADANG (August 5, 2023) – The development of social entrepreneurship through the Nusantara Economic Heroes Program (PENA) is a real effort of the Ministry of Social Affairs to reduce extreme poverty. PENA has encouraged beneficiaries to increase their income and choose to exit from social assistance programs.

Recently, Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini said that as many as 1,322 beneficiary families are ready to exit from extreme poverty by July 2023. The business development of beneficiary families is closely related to the provision of vocational training according to the interests, talents and potential in creating productive activities. 

The Ministry of Social Affairs continues to improve the competence of the social companion/organizers of the PENA program. Through the Center for Education, Training, and Professional Development Center (Pusdiklatbangprof), the Minister of Social Affairs held a Dissemination of Program Evaluation Monitoring and Training Guidelines for the 2023 PENA Berdikari at the Social Welfare Education and Training Center (BBPPKS) Padang.

"According to the instruction of the Minister of Social Affairs, PENA are expected to be able to realize the independence of beneficiary families," said Head of the Social Welfare Education and Training Center Padang Hasim.

In PENA Berdikari 2023 training guidelines, the training learning method uses a life skill training approach (applicative, directly practiced and based on needs in the field) and community-based learning (direct learning at local community locations).

The training materials provided range from the introduction of the PENA program, building motivation and work ethic, basic knowledge and social entrepreneurship, empowerment training according to problems and potentials in the community or providing technical skills needed, such as culinary, agribusiness, trade, fashion, services, automotive to handicrafts.

In addition to the socialization of the PENA Berdikari 2023 Training Guidelines, the team also conveyed the importance of Monitoring and Evaluation (Monev) in all the programs of Center for Education, Training, and Professional Development (Pusdiklatbangprof) and Social Welfare Education and Training Center (BBPPKS) Padang. Monitoring and Evaluation is important for programs that have been completed at least 3 months before the implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation, including activities that have taken place in 2022 or early 2023. 

This Monitoring and Evaluation will evaluate the improvement of welfare and economic independence of Beneficiary Families (KPM) in order to improve the effectiveness of the assistance programs provided.

With the dissemination of the PENA Berdikari Training Implementation Guidelines, Center for Education, Training, and Professional Development, Social Welfare Education and Training Center Padang, and all relevant stakeholders who have duties and functions related to the implementation of the PENA Berdikari Training at the Ministry of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia, can synergize in a planned, coordinated, directed and controlled manner on an ongoing basis.

This is expected to have a positive and significant impact on the family beneficiaries of PENA in achieving economic independence.

In the near future, the PENA Berdikari training will be held by Social Welfare Education and Training Center Padang with the types of sewing / convection and heavy food businesses. The training activities will begin on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

This socialization activity was attended by all employees of Social Welfare Education and Training Center Padang and the Work Team of Center for Education, Training, and Professional Development.