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Joyful Learning in MIN Rukoh, Banda Aceh
Madrasah Ibtidayah Negeri Rukoh is one of the schools in East Banda Aceh which has recently joined the DBE and MBE programs. It received its first training at the end of April 2006. The school was directly affected by the Tsunami. The classrooms were submerged up to 2 metres in water, one classroom collapsed as a result of the earthquake and tsunami.
Many of the children themselves were immersed in the waters and a large number are now orphaned or have only one parent. (Almost every child in grade 3 has lost at least one parent). Many, including some of the teachers, are living in emergency accommodation. Until recently the school was surrounded by tents, but now there are temporary barracks where many of the children live.
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Above: There remains a gap where there was once a classroom, which collapsed in the Tsunami. The roof is still standing.
Below: The children do interesting activities during their lessons and the classroom walls are covered with displays of children's work. Even the desks have been covered with material to make them more attractive.
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Above: Ibu Ummiyani helping a student. As school principal she has been the motor behind the amazing advances made by MIN Rukoh, since joining the DBE-MBE programs.
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Emergency repairs have been effected on the school, but it still shows signs of considerable damage. However, inside the class-rooms the school principal and teachers have brought about an amazing transformation. Several months ago the School Principal, Head of the School Committee and School Supervisor (from MORA) spent a week at SD Maronwetan 1 and 2 in Probolinggo (a CLCC school), as part of a study visit organized by DBE 1.
The school principal, Ibu Ummiyani is one of the most committed and enthusiastic we have met and, since the visit to Probolinggo, has imbued her teachers (some of whom are on minimal wages - Rp.50,000 per month) with similar enthusiasm and commitment. They hold meetings and workshops two to three times a week and have transformed the school.
Every single classroom is covered with attractive and interesting displays of children's work. Excellent and interesting activities were taking place in all the classrooms. The teachers are being assisted by students from Islamic Teacher Training Institute - IAIN for whom the experience must be a great education. We were told that many of the children enjoy school so much that they prefer to stay on longer during the afternoons.
Despite the tremendous suffering which has taken place, this one of the most attractive and happiest schools we have been in. Joyful learning really has meaning in this school!
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Broad Progress in Aceh
Several other schools in Banda Aceh are showing considerable progress. On the right Ibu Yeti, a grade 4 teacher at SD 69 Banda Aceh, is seen standing in front of a display of her children's work.
Madrasah as a Pioneer
In Banda Aceh religious primary schools (Madrasahs) are competing successfully with conventional primary schools. The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) is actively supporting and encouraging progress in madrasahs. For example, MIN Lhong Raya has made its classrooms attractive and created a good and comfort-able learning environment for children.
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Above: Actively supporting the develop-ment of MIN Lhong Raya (from left to right): Ibu Helmiaty, Grade 5 teacher and MBE facilitator, Ibu Hj. Zuraidah, School Principal, Bpk H. Fachri Kamal, Head of the School Committee, and Drs. Abdul Hamid, Head of Education at MORA.
Below: Ibu Helmiaty in her class, which, although it is cramped, is well and attractively organized.
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Below: Waris, a grade 3 student, learning the concept of fractions by drawing them.
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