Human Initiative Rebuilds Flood-Damaged School in Aceh Tamiang

Human Initiative (HI), together with the Aceh Tamiang District Government and representatives from the “Songs for Sumatra” team, is rebuilding a school damaged by floods that struck Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh Province, some time ago. “The situation prompted various parties to act swiftly, officially starting the school renovation kick-off on Thursday (9/4). This activity marks the initial step in efforts to restore damaged educational facilities while providing safe and comfortable learning spaces for students,” said Human Initiative President Tomy Hendrajati in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday. Tomy noted that the floods in Aceh Tamiang Regency not only inundated residents’ settlements but also severely impacted the education sector. Hundreds of educational facilities were damaged, causing teaching and learning activities in several schools to come to a complete halt. According to data from the Aceh Tamiang Education and Culture Office, at least 439 school buildings were affected by the floods with varying degrees of damage. One of the severely damaged facilities is Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri (MIN) 4 Aceh Tamiang, located in Rantau Subdistrict. Tomy expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by various parties. He emphasised that the assistance provided transcends backgrounds and is driven by a strong spirit of humanity. This renovation programme is the result of cross-sector and cross-country collaboration. “Songs for Sumatra” reportedly initiated fundraising through a charity concert held in London some time ago. Support also flows from the Human Initiative diaspora in Europe and Japan, as well as other donors contributing to the recovery efforts. The renovation kick-off was carried out directly by Tomy, along with the VP of Resource Mobilisation and Impact at Human Initiative. The event was also attended by the Deputy Regent of Aceh Tamiang, Ismail, and the Regional Secretary, who provided support for the programme. Meanwhile, Aceh Tamiang Deputy Regent Ismail hopes that the programme will run smoothly and deliver long-term positive impacts on education in the region. “May this programme proceed smoothly and serve as a supporter for better, safer recovery of education that benefits the improvement of education and the future of Aceh Tamiang’s young generation,” he said. The renovation covers 13 classrooms, the principal’s office, teachers’ room, library, prayer room, health room, and several other supporting facilities. The construction process is targeted for completion within three months. Previously, the floods reportedly submerged school buildings up to the roof, forcing teaching and learning activities to be suspended. As an initial handling step, several parties have carried out cleaning of the school area and provided temporary school facilities so that educational activities can continue despite limitations. This programme is part of the #SumatraPulih movement aimed at accelerating post-disaster recovery through collaboration among various community elements. This collective effort is expected to restore students’ learning enthusiasm while rebuilding the future of education in Aceh Tamiang. The unity formed in this programme serves as proof that solidarity can bring new hope. When many parties move together, recovery not only becomes possible but also brings better changes for future generations.