Cross-Border Collaboration Restores Learning Spaces at MIN 4 Aceh Tamiang, Rebuilding Hope for Child Disaster Survivors

The floods that struck Aceh Tamiang some time ago affected many aspects of community life, including education. Floodwaters submerged residential areas and public facilities, causing learning activities in several schools to stop. According to data from the Aceh Tamiang Education and Culture Office, a total of 439 school buildings were damaged by the floods. MIN 4 Aceh Tamiang in Rantau District was among the schools that suffered severe damage.

In response to this situation, Human Initiative, together with the Government of Aceh Tamiang and representatives from the Songs for Sumatra team, officially began the school renovation kickoff on Thursday, 9 April 2026. This initiative marks the beginning of efforts to restore learning spaces so children can study in safer and more comfortable conditions.

The program is being carried out through collaboration among many stakeholders. Songs for Sumatra initiated a fundraising concert in London several months earlier. Support also came from Human Initiative diaspora communities in Europe and Japan, as well as other donors.

The kickoff ceremony was led by the President of Human Initiative together with the VP of Resource Mobilization and Impact of Human Initiative. The Vice Regent and Regional Secretary of Aceh Tamiang also attended the event.

President of Human Initiative, Tomy Hendrajati, shared:

“An extraordinary spirit of solidarity emerged from all sectors, regardless of who they were. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has given us the opportunity to work together in restoring hope and creating proper learning spaces for children in Aceh Tamiang,” he said.

Vice Regent of Aceh Tamiang, Ismail, S.E.I., added:

“We hope this program runs smoothly and becomes part of strengthening a better, safer, and more beneficial educational recovery process for the future of Aceh Tamiang’s younger generation,” he stated.

The renovation project includes 13 classrooms, the principal’s office, teachers’ room, library, prayer room, school health unit, and other supporting facilities, with a targeted completion time of three months.

Previously, floodwaters had submerged the school building up to the roof level, completely halting learning activities. Initial support efforts included school clean-up activities and the establishment of temporary learning spaces as part of the broader spirit of #SumatraRecovery.

Togetherness makes every step feel lighter. When many people move forward together, hope can continue to grow.

Let us continue this collaboration of kindness through solusipeduli.org and support the creation of safer and better learning spaces for children.