UNICEF to build 835 emergency schools

Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh

In cooperation with a group of international and domestic non- governmental organizations, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) started on Monday the construction of emergency schools at or near several internally displaced persons camps across Aceh.

A representative in Aceh, Purwanta Iskandar, said that the schools were expected to open on Jan. 26.

"The consignment of material and school stationery has arrived in Banda Aceh. Some of it has already been sent to the Calang area, Aceh Jaya," he said.

The international agency has prepared 835 tents for up to 50 people each, complete with mats, stationery and textbooks to be distributed to 12 areas affected by the earthquake and tidal wave on Dec. 26.

"We have also provided 367 recreational kits and at least 1,000 teachers who will be trained for three days on how to deal with traumatized children," Purwanta added.

The teaching methods will be "more entertaining" than normal classes at most regular schools, he said.

The education agency said 1,713 teachers were killed or were still missing, while 722 schools in 12 districts and municipalities had been destroyed.

Purwanta added that Unicef preferred that students return to their old schools if they did not suffer damage, but were currently occupied by refugees. "We have agreed with the Aceh administration to have the relief workers clean up the schools," he added.