Media Release
15 August 2006
Australian Ambassador Opens Teacher Training Laboratory in Banda Aceh
The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer, together with the Rector of Syiah Kuala University, Professor Abdi A Wahab, officially opened a A$1.075 million (Rp 7.4 billion) teacher training facility in Banda Aceh today.
The teaching laboratory, based at the Syiah Kuala University will train more than 900 teachers every year.
“The tsunami had a terrible impact on education staff and services in Aceh, with 2500 teachers killed and 2000 schools destroyed. This new training facility will increase the number of qualified teachers in Aceh, and, through better education, improve the lives of thousands of children throughout the Province,” the Ambassador said.
“The teaching laboratory is a first of its kind in Aceh, bringing young teachers together from not just Syiah Kuala University but also from the State Islamic University (IAIN) and Muhammadiyah University.”
Australia has made a major contribution to the education sector in Aceh, with over 300 junior secondary school teachers receiving professional development training, and 11 schools under construction. In addition furniture, equipment and classroom teaching materials have been supplied to enable students to return to study.
In total, Australia has committed more than A$250 million (Rp1.7 trillion) to support recovery and rebuilding in Aceh, including a total of A$46 million (Rp 319 billion) in the education sector.
The Ambassador visited Banda Aceh today to help commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the peace agreement between the Government of Indonesian and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
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Further information:
Mia Salim (AusAID Public Affairs) tel. 021 2550 5490 mob. 08121070237