UN constructing temporary schools

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will complete construction of some 100 temporary school buildings by the end of this year, the UN body's spokeswoman said on Thursday. So far construction has been completed on 78 temporary school buildings.

The schools are part of some 200 temporary school buildings the UN body has promised to build in the tsunami-ravaged Aceh, said UNICEF spokeswoman Lely Jauhari.

The construction program will allow student to study in proper school buildings, instead of in tents, said Lely. In addition to building schools, the UN body will also provide school materials such as books and pens to Acehnese students.

Hundreds of schools were destroyed by the tsunami last Dec. 26, which killed at least 130,000 people in Aceh. Lely estimated over 1,000 permanent school buildings needed to be built across the province to allow students to receive a decent education. -- Antara