THE KEY TO BUILD A STRONG NATION

Hello, everyone! I'm Pangeran Simanjuntak from YP HKBP High School, and I'm excited to talk
about why education is so important for building a nation.
Imagine a world where you could buy anything without worrying about the price, where you
always knew the answers to your children's questions, and where everyone was educated. That's
the kind of world I want to talk about today.
Before I begin, let me ask you a question: What does education mean to you? Is it just about
learning things, or is it like the foundation we need to build our country?
We often hear that education is like a passport to success. But it's more than that. It's like the
strong base that wakes up our nation and helps it grow. It teaches us things that let us make a real
difference in our community.
Just like a house needs a solid foundation to stand strong, a country needs a good education
system to do well. Education teaches us important values like knowing things, respecting others,
being honest, and taking responsibility. These values are super important for making a peaceful
and happy society.
The people who started our nation understood this. They knew that for our country to get better,
everyone needed to be educated. They believed that educated people would make good choices,
help the economy, and follow the principles of democracy.
But education is not just about doing well in school. It's about becoming a smart and kind person
who can think, solve problems, and deal with changes. In today's world, being educated is not a
choice; it's something we really need. If we're educated and care about others, we can do well
even in a world that's always changing.
So, in a nutshell, education is like the base of a house—it's what we need to build a strong
nation. It's like an investment in our future, for our kids, our communities, and our whole
country. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you
were to live forever." And always remember what Tom Platz said, "You gotta want it as bad as
you want to breathe." So, let's keep wanting to learn and make our nation strong.
Thanks for listening! I'm done now.
 EDUCATION: THE CORNERSTONE OF A FLOURISHING NATION
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed judges, respected faculty members, organizers, and fellow
participants, good morning. I am honored to stand before you as Pangeran Simanjuntak, a proud
representative of YP HKBP High School, to share my perspective on the pivotal theme:
"Education is the foundation to build a nation."
Picture a world where the cost of things doesn't dictate our choices, where answers to our
children's questions flow effortlessly from our minds, and where the beauty of society lies in its
educated citizens.
Before I delve into my thoughts, I pose a question to you: How do you define education? Is it
merely a vessel for acquiring knowledge, or is it the bedrock upon which we construct our
nation?
Education has often been likened to a passport to success. However, upon closer inspection, I
realize it's more than just a passport; it is the very bedrock that can awaken and empower our
nation. It shapes our worldview, equipping us with the skills and knowledge needed to make
meaningful contributions to society.
Much like a sturdy foundation supports a structure through storms, a nation requires a robust
educational system to thrive. Education instills in us core values — knowledge, respect, honesty,
and responsibility — essential for fostering a harmonious society.
Our nation's pioneers understood this fundamental concept. They recognized that for our nation
to advance, its citizens must be educated. An educated populace, they believed, would make
informed decisions, contribute to the economy, and uphold democratic principles.
Yet, education goes beyond academic achievements. It's about nurturing a well-rounded society
capable of analytical thinking, problem-solving, and adapting to change. It's about fostering
individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and empathetic.
In this era of globalization, education is not a choice; it's a necessity. An educated workforce,
coupled with a conscience, commands higher value. As we navigate this extraordinary era, let us
be reminded that education is the lifeboat preventing us from drowning in the currents of
globalization.
In conclusion, education is undeniably the cornerstone upon which we build our nation. It is an
investment in our future — the future of our children, our communities, and our nation. Mahatma
Gandhi wisely stated, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
And as Tom Platz aptly said, "You gotta want it as bad as you want to breathe." Let us, therefore,
thirst for knowledge and continue to breathe life into the foundation of our nation.
Thank you for your attention. I now take my leave.