Cash-strapped teacher invited to Germany

Cash-strapped teacher invited to Germany

JAKARTA: A teacher from Garut, West Java, will represent
Indonesia at the 4th Asia-Europe Classroom International
Conference in Germany in September.

Deny Suwarja, 38, a biology teacher at Cibatu State Junior
High School No. 1 in Garut, was selected on account of his work
in introducing a new method of teaching called Science Beyond the
Classroom (SBC).

Under this method, which is being pioneered in collaboration
with the Philippine's Makati Science High School, students are
encouraged to observe their environment and share their findings
with students from other countries through the Internet.

However, Deny expressed concern that he might not be able to
attend the conference due to a lack of money. He said he had Rp 7
million (US$770), but needed at least Rp 24 million more for a
return ticket, visa, insurance, accommodation and unanticipated
expenses. -- JP