Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, PetroChina International Jabung Ltd. has committed to carry on its social investment programs on education for students of Tanjung Jabung Timur in Jambi province. The Jabung Block operator on Thursday, November 5, 2020, symbolically handed over the scholarship program for 992 students in the regency.

PetroChina Vice President Human Resources and Relations Mr. Dencio Renato Boele, who attended the event virtually, said that education was an important aspect in PetroChina’s social investment plan. Over the years, PetroChina has supported the reconstruction of school buildings, capacity building programs for teachers, literacy movements, and scholarships from students.

“PetroChina has channeled the scholarships for students of all stages, starting from elementary school to university,” said Dencio. “This year, we team up with Tanjung Jabung Timur Education Agency on the selection process and disbursement of the scholarship. We hope this program will motivate the students to study better,” he added.

Acting Regent of Tanjung Jabung Timur, Mr. Varial Adhi Putra, said that education remained a main concerns in his regency. “While the basic education is covered by state budget, other expenses for books, clothes, extracurricular and many more are not,” Varial said.

“Not all parents can afford extra expenses for their kids’ education. This unfortunate condition could force a kid to drop out of school,” he added. “The supports from private sector like PetroChina mean a lot for the students.”

Other than scholarships for the students, PetroChina also supported the capacity building programs for 40 elementary school and 40 junior high school teachers in Tanjung Jabung Timur.