More Australian and Indonesian Schools Connected through BRIDGE

The Asia Education Foundation, Provincial Departments of Education and selected schools in Jakarta, South Sumatra and East Java will sign agreements today to participate in the third phase of the BRIDGE program – bringing the total number of Indonesian schools participating in the program to 47 in 7 provinces.

Thirty one teachers from Indonesia will travel to Australia in 2010 to build partnerships with Australian schools, improve their English language skills and receive training on incorporating Information and Communication Technology into their teaching.

“This is a unique opportunity for the teachers to exchange knowledge and experiences with their Australian counterparts and develop their skills - particularly in using the internet as a teaching tool,” said the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer.

“Knowledge sharing through outlets such as Wikispace enhances the learning environment by improving students’ confidence and language proficiency while also fostering friendships between Australian and Indonesian students.”

The BRIDGE program - Building Relations through Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement – was initiated in 2008 by the Australia-Indonesia Institute and is funded by the Australian Government and the Myer Foundation. The Asia Education Foundation is delivering the program with the support of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.

The new schools participating in phase 3 from Jakarta include: SD and SMA Al Izhar, SD and SMA Santa Ursula, SD Pondok Labu 11, SD Kebon Jeruk 11, SMAN 8, and SMA 70; from East Java: SD and SMA Cor Jesu, MAN 1 Malang, SMA Katolik Kolese Santo Yusuf, SMP Darul Ulum 1 Jombang; and from South Sumatra SMA Xaverius 1, SMAN 17 Palembang, SMA Negeri Sumatra Selatan, and Pondok Pesantren Darusalam.

Media Enquiries:
Jenny Dee, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175