Post by : Shakul

East Aceh, Aceh — Students affected by the devastating floods and landslides in Sumatra in November 2025 are gradually returning to classes through emergency school programs. The disasters, which claimed over 1,200 lives, damaged nearly 4,800 schools, leaving children to study in temporary facilities across the region.

At Ranto Panyang Rubek State Elementary School in Sijudo Village, East Aceh, volunteers from the Atjeh Connection Foundation have set up white tents as makeshift classrooms. Despite the absence of walls, chairs, or full teaching resources, children continue to attend classes enthusiastically, sitting on tarps and using donated small desks. The emergency program, originally intended as a one-time effort, became a regular initiative after students expressed their eagerness to continue learning.

Teachers, many of whom are survivors themselves, navigate treacherous muddy roads to reach the school and teach subjects including Mathematics, Natural and Social Sciences, Indonesian Language, Islamic Education, and Physical Education. Daily classes run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Saturday, though sessions are paused during Ramadan.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has pledged support with a Rp2.4 trillion (US$142.8 million) post-disaster recovery budget for Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Efforts include revitalizing 1,204 schools, providing special allowances for 13,000 teachers, and distributing educational equipment such as ICT tools, lab and sports equipment, and learning materials. These combined actions by volunteers, teachers, and the government aim to restore education and preserve the aspirations of children affected by the floods and landslides.

#world news #Global News #Indonesia News