Japan donates money to Medan school

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The government of Japan has donated US$ 48,166, or about Rp 481 million, for the renovation of an Islamic school for the mentally retarded in Medan, North Sumatra.

Japan's consul general in Medan, Yohiteru Iida, presented the money to the school principal, Teten Taufik, at the consulate on Thursday.

Taufik said the money would be used to renovate a dormitory for mentally retarded children.

The school, which was built in 1986 and formerly had some 130 students, currently houses only 10 students.

The damaged school buildings is believed to have been the cause of the sharp decrease in the number of students.

Iida also presented a donation of some $18,171, or Rp 181 million, to the Amelia Foundation in Deli regency, which provides training for disabled women. --Antara