Indonesia was the most severely hit country in the 2004 tsunami disaster. The number of people who lost their lives was 130 000, and 37 000 went missing. Half a million people in the province of Aceh and on Nias Island lost their homes.
The Finnish and Swiss Red Cross Societies are providing support to construct a school in the province of Aceh. The construction project was started in the summer of 2009 and will continue in 2010. Two dormitories will also be built on the compound.
Once completed, 350 girls and boys will be able to start their education in the school. Earthquakes are common in the region, and the buildings are designed to be as earthquake-resistant as possible.
Relief workers and health experts to the site
Immediately after the tsunami disaster, the Finnish Red Cross sent three relief delegates to Aceh. Two health experts followed them later. Assistance donated by Finnish people has been channelled through organizations of the international Red Cross.
The Red Cross has assisted local people to construct and renovate homes and hospitals, and improved water and sewage networks in the area. Volunteers of the Indonesian Red Cross Society strengthen disaster preparedness in villages e.g. by organizing first aid training.
Recovery from the effects of the tsunami has been particularly hard in Aceh due to the restless recent past of the area. The nearly 30-year long armed conflict between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement ended in a peace accord in August 2005. The conflict orphaned many children and made it difficult for them to attend school.
By the end of 2009, the Finnish Red Cross will have spent a total of 400 000 euros on assistance in Indonesia. The school construction in Sigli will be supported with 400 000 euros in 2009–2010.
Image: Finnish Red Cross / Hannu-Pekka Laiho
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