Area of focus: Tsunami Reconstruction
Partnership agency: Mercy Relief
View photo album
The almost-frenetic inflow of well wishes and relief aid to Indonesia immediately after the 2004 tsunami is laudable, bringing with it a comforting reality – that despite political, religious and other differences, society is underlined by great compassion and charity, and able to work as one for a common cause.
Relief and rehabilitation assistance takes many forms. For Singapore-headquartered
Mercy Relief (www.mercyrelief.org), it includes the adoption of Muhammadiyah
Secondary School, an institution on UNICEF’s priority list of schools which require
help in Meulaboh. The school has a student population of some 400, with hostel
facilities for 60.
Mercy Relief’s ‘adoption’ could not have come at a better time. From getting volunteers to remove the debris, to engaging the pro bono services of experts and soliciting funding support, the ‘rejuvenated’ Muhammadiyah Secondary School officially opened its doors in February 2006.
Before |
After
|
The new premises comprise two refurbished blocks and two additional wings, and cater to a total student population of 800. Designed by renowned Singapore architect Tay Keng Soon, the S$450,000 reconstruction efforts are funded by the Lien Foundation and Mercy Relief.
The School has a special significance for the Singapore teams as it is the first project and first school in Meulaboh by Singaporeans.
The humanitarian work did not go unnoticed. In a heart-warming gesture, Meulaboh has renamed a road Simpang Temasek (Temasek Junction) to recognise Singapore’s contributions to the community. It is along this road, in the heart of Meulaboh, that Muhammadiyah Secondary School is located.
|
