The only school
that was providing secondary education to the children
of the Pulau Banyak islands was damaged by the earthquake
in 2005 and tsunami in 2004.
The entire school sank about 1 metre and each time the
tides come in, the school compound and classrooms will
be flooded leaving the students stranded and unable to
continue with their class.
SMP N.1 is located on the island of Pulau Balai within
the cluster of islands called Pulau Banyak about 30 nautical
miles from the main land of Singkil, Aceh. The children
around the islands rely on this one school for their secondary
education.
We, Crisis Relief Society (Singapore), are very grateful
to the Singapore Red Cross Society for graciously providing
the funds so that we can help these people to reconstruct
their sunken school.
We started the reconstruction work in September 2006.
Initially we were able to source the materials and labour
from the locals, providing them with a source of income
through the work in the school.
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Group photo at the school entrance during the SMP School hand-over ceremony
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We also had a good local partner Yayasan Pelayanan Kasih Oikumene
(YPKO), who was committed to helping the people on the islands.
We managed to make rapid progress and also built good rapport
with the local authorities who were also very supportive of
the rebuilding work.
Unfortunately from April to November 2007, the project was delayed
owing to a change in Project Director and Project Manager. We
also took the opportunity to do an interim audit of the project
and review our work processes. We also appointed a new contractor
to complete the project. Things were further complicated by
a change in the local governing authorities. Thus we had to
build new relationships with. This also coincided with the monsoon
season which lead inadvertently to further delays.
Click for bigger image:
Thankfully, we were able to complete the entire school rebuilding
in July 2008. The school is now equipped with classrooms, a
library, a science laboratory, a computer laboratory, a multi-purpose
hall, a hard court and an open field.
The local authorities including the Ministry of Education,
Camat and villagers were all very pleased with the contributions
we have made in an attempt to enhance their livelihood and
to allow their children to continue with their education.
They expressed their gratitude to the people of Singapore
who have contributed with their generous donations and love
for their people.
Building a school for the islanders of Pulau Banyak was our
own little way of demonstrating love and concern to the community
affected by the Tsunami. We wish them well in their future
endeavours.
Crisis Relief Society (Singapore) is very grateful to the
Singapore Red Cross for realeasing the funds for reconstruction
and for being patient with us, advising us at numerous points
during the project.
Thank You Singapore Red Cross Society and thank you also,
Singaporeans out there for without you, we could never have
done what we did.
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