RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education has partnered with McGill University in Canada to train teachers in counseling, leadership, and deep learning, aiming to boost educator competence nationwide.

Elementary and Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti said the collaboration is expected to significantly improve the quality of teachers in Indonesia. 

“Our new partner is McGill University. We have signed an MoU and launched training programs for teachers in counseling, deep learning, leadership, and sensitivity,” Minister Mu’ti stated in Depok, West Java, on Tuesday, January 10, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that the initiative is designed to accelerate the strengthening of teacher and school leadership competencies, along with support systems, to ensure inclusive and sustainable quality education reaches more Indonesian children. 

“Improving teacher quality and school leadership is a long-term investment with major impact. Skilled teachers and leaders are the key drivers of sustainable education reform,” he added.

The program is structured as a five-year initiative, including the International Leadership in Education and Administrative Development (ILEAD) program at McGill’s Faculty of Education. 

It targets trainers, in-service teachers, principals, and education administrators to equip them with leadership tools for classrooms, schools, and governance structures.

Beyond education, the partnership also supports capacity-building in other strategic sectors such as health and sustainability. The collaboration will include fellowships, advanced teacher education, research grants, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and leadership development programs.

McGill has also opened opportunities for Indonesian postgraduate students to conduct part of their thesis research under the supervision of McGill professors. 

“This partnership not only strengthens the education sector but also opens pathways for cross-sector talent development relevant to Indonesia’s future development challenges,” Minister Mu’ti said. ***