Islamic education leaders head to Australia for training

Australia is supporting leaders in Islamic education to improve the quality of education in Indonesia.

Thirteen Indonesian Islamic education leaders will tomorrow travel to Australia to undertake intensive leadership and education management training at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires in Indonesia, Paul Robilliard, said the training will help participants improve their educational leadership and management skills.

“Australia’s support for this training reflects our strong commitment towards improving education quality in the Islamic school sector,” Mr Robilliard said. “These schools are an important part of the national education system and often the only ones available to the poorest and most disadvantaged children, particularly girls.”

“Supporting these schools is an investment in both Australia and Indonesia’s future and this training will help strengthen mutual understanding between our two countries,” he said.

While in Australia participants will also learn best practices in education management by visiting several public and private schools, including faith-based schools.

The training will bring together key people from the Islamic school sector, including principals, teachers, university lecturers, civil society leaders and Indonesian government officials. It is expected that participants will use their new skills to help Islamic schools meet national education standards.

This training is part of a A$35 million, six-year Australian Government initiative to help improve quality of education in Indonesia’s Islamic schools.

Media Enquiries:
Sonya Neufeld, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550-5387 / 0811 187 2365
Mia Salim, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550 5490 / 0812 107 0237