UNICEF announces arrival of education material for Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami affected communities

JAKARTA, 16 October 2018 – Today UNICEF announced the arrival of 30 tonnes of emergency education materials including 65 tents (for temporary classrooms) from its supply base in Dubai in direct support to the Ministry of Education and Culture’s earthquake and tsunami response in Sulawesi.

According to data from District Education Offices, out of a total of more than 2,700 schools, at least 1,185 schools from early childhood to secondary schools have been directly affected in four districts of Sulawesi, impacting 164,651 students. Many schools across the region are now closed and assessments are ongoing so these numbers are likely to increase.

“The Ministry of Education and Culture is pleased to be collaborating with UNICEF in establishing temporary classrooms across the region. By reestablishing a daily routine and helping to restore a sense of normalcy, schools become therapeutic spaces in the midst of destruction. They also help families get back on their feet,” said Professor Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Education and Culture.

UNICEF and the Ministry of Education and Culture and partners plan to open 450 temporary tent classrooms which follow UNICEF quality standards in the areas affected by the Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami. UNICEF’s tents which have two classrooms each, have just landed in Kalimantan and are to be directly deployed to affected areas in Sulawesi over the coming days. 

“UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Education and Culture to restore schooling in the affected areas,” said Debora Comini, UNICEF Indonesia Representative, “As we know education is a tool for recovery in emergencies such as this, when children in school can be cared for, accounted for and protected from abduction and exploitation.”

So far 21 tents have been set up as temporary classrooms – restoration of children’s access to education services is essential because it gives every child affected a fair chance of continuing their ongoing recovery and rebuilding their lives for the better in a safe and conducive environment. In addition to the 65 tents that arrived today, a further 135 tents and 200 school-in-a-box kits will arrive on Wednesday and Thursday.