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| UNICEF Opens Standard - Setting Schools in Indonesia's Aceh The first of 367 permanent schools being rebuilt in Aceh and Nias opened on Monday 22 September with support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The schools, called Muhammadiyah 1 and 2, will set new standards in child-friendly design and earthquake resistance in the tsunami ravaged province. Child friendly schools provide a stimulating learning environment and facilities such as clean, running water for pupils, separate toilets for boys and girls as well as access for the disabled, including wheelchair ramps. Each school has a teacher's room and a laboratory. It also has six classrooms, each measuring 56 square meters that can accommodate up to 30 children with furnishings, lighting and a small sink with clean, running water so children can wash their hands and practice hygienic behavior at a young age. About 200 children currently study in the two-story Muhammadiyah buildings Banda Aceh and this number is expected to rise. The head of UNICEF for Aceh and Nias, Edouard Beigbeder, said, "the opening of Muhammadiyah 1 and 2 is a milestone for UNICEF. We will ensure a thorough job is done and we will not compromise on safety and quality." These two schools are part of a USD90 million dollar investment
UNICEF has agreed with the Indonesian government - the largest school
reconstruction project across the region. This year, 20 more permanent
schools are under construction and 74 are under tender. "We're delighted," said Mrs. Zahira, the principal of Muhammadiyah 1. "The students cannot wait to use the classrooms and facilities. The library is being stocked and is almost ready to be used." www.unicef.org |
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