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