The Impact of the Foster Child Program at Sultan Iskandar Muda College in Promoting Children's Social Welfare Through Sustainable Access to Education

Abstract

The Foster Child Program is a form of social responsibility implemented by Perguruan Sultan Iskandar Muda to provide educational access for children from low-income families. This study aims to analyze the program’s impact on sustainable educational access and examine environmental influences on its implementation based on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. This study employed a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. Eight informants were selected purposively, consisting of a school supervisor, program manager, foster children, homeroom teachers, and a foster child’s parent. Data analysis involved data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that the program positively impacts sustainable educational access through financial assistance, equal school facilities, educational mentoring, and motivation. It reduces the risk of school dropout, strengthens learning motivation and confidence, and provides opportunities for higher education. Implementation is supported by the microsystem through family, teachers, school, and foster-parent support; the exosystem through foundation, donor, and school-policy support and the macrosystem through multicultural, equality, solidarity, and socialcare values. The chain and cross concepts strengthen the program’s continuity and inclusive character.