NEWS
DONATIONS FROM STUDENTS OF SEKOLAH PELITA HARAPAN
We have seen images of suffering and pains experienced by the Acehnese. Some of the most moving images are depiction of Acehnese children. At such tender age they have to undergo terrible pain because of the December disaster. Some lost their parents, while others family members. A lot lost their belonging, houses, playgrounds, or schools. The reality was too much for them to bear as they learned that their beloved schools where they used to learn and play happily with their friends was gone for good, wrecked by the tsunami. Schools, like other infrastructures, were damaged, or destroyed completely. Thus, the Indonesian government has allocated Rp 22.5 trillion (US$2.4 billion), or around 50 percent of the Aceh reconstruction total budget of Rp 45 trillion, for infrastructure projects in the tsunami-stricken province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.
As we learned how devastating the effects of the disaster, children too, are aware of that. This time World Harvest received donations of textbooks, story books, stationeries, and toys, given by students of the third year of Sekolah Pelita Harapan, Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang. The donations were handed out at our center on April 18, 2005. From there, World Harvest team will distribute them to the children.
Previously, the school’s principal, Mr. John Harwin had visited Aceh on March 9, 2005, and met our ground manager, Sam Soh. He would like to find out how they could probably provided assistances to the survivors, paying particular attention to the field of education. And the three boxes of donations were the kids’ answer to help the Acehnese children.
The students, with their creative nature also wrote letters to be sent to their peers in Aceh. Some wrote very emphatic words adorned with beautiful and colourful pictures. Their donations and the sincere, congenial letters would make life different for the Acehnese kids.
With love from me to you: a letter to Acehnese children.
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GRAND OPENING NEUHUN COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
During his visit last March, Dr. Jimmy Oentoro made a special visit to Aceh for the grand opening of Neuhun Community Transformation Center (CTC). It was opened by deputy regency of Greater Aceh on March 22nd, 2005, along with our distinguished guest, Dr. Marilyn Hickey. This CTC does not only serve for as a medical, education and family center. It also serves as a job training center and a community gathering facility. This CTC is World Harvest’s first ever CTC to be built in Aceh as part of our tsunami relief project. The CTC is strategically located in the center of Neuheun transit shelter complex. Hence, the structure is surrounded by refugee barracks, enabling an all-direction easy access for the residing refugees. World Harvest is committed to build 10 CTCs to help the Aceh people rebuild their lives.
World Harvest/SCI's founder & chairman, Dr. Jimmy Oentoro, standing in front of the newly built Neuheun CTC.
Dr. Jimmy Oentoro distributing the family kits to the Neuheun community people.
Grand opening of Neuheun CTC (front outlook); Inauguration medical service of Neuheun CTC (indoor view).
One of the performances in Neuheun CTC official induction ceremony; WH’s doctors delivering medical assistance in Neuheun CTC’s daily medical service inauguration.
DR. Jimmy Oentoro was interviewed by TVRI (Indonesia National Television) crew; DR. Marilyn Hickey was present and involved in the Neuheun CTC ceremonial induction.
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WORLD HARVEST/SCI HELPING PROVIDING EDUCATION ASSISTANCE IN ACEH
Another WH/SCI’s concern is the field of education. Schools, like most of public facilities, were destroyed or badly damaged. As a result, students cannot attend school just like students in other parts of Indonesia. This situation cannot be prolonged, as we believe that education is indispensable. Therefore, while rehabilitation and restoration are still being done, WH/SCI has opened a makeshift English class in World Harvest’s base camp. The English class taught by Detty Laidlow is just the beginning. Also, we manage several classes at SMP2, SD2, SD in Tingkem, and others. Our long-term commitment in Aceh is, among others, to build schools that were destroyed or damaged.
It turned out that a prestigious school in Indonesia, like Sekolah Pelita Harapan also shared the same burden. Mr. John Harwin, the headmaster of the school, Mr. Dennis Dennow, and Mrs. Sinta arrived in Aceh on March 9, 2005, and met WH/SCI ground manager, Sam Soh. They would like to find out how they could probably provided assistances to the survivors, paying particular attention to the field of education.
Then on the following day, the visitors, accompanied by our ground manager met the head of office of ministry of national education of Banda Aceh municipality, Mr. Ramli. They had a meaningful discussion with him where Mr. Ramli described the situation, difficulties they had to deal with, what they needed most at the moment, and so on. He revealed that much-needed facilities to support the teaching and learning activities in schools, such as resources like books, libraries, and laboratories. He then added that most teachers would appreciate teacher training programs to improve their skills. Such inputs would be valuable to set up our next goals.
Later on, Mr. Harwin visited the classes that WH/SCI’s manages. Not only did he join them, but he also taught in the classes at SMP2 (Government Junior High School 2), SD2 (Government Elementary School 2), and other elementary schools in Tingkem district.
Mr. Harwin, got the hands-on experience teaching a class in Aceh.
Children receiving presents of a competition in the English class.
