Expanding International Connections

Unfortunately, I have not received response from the many correspondences I have sent to international early childhood professionals. Therefore, I have spent time listening to several of the forum discussions provided as the alternative. I have learned from many professionals of their journey in early childhood, and the lessons they have learned along the way. 

I was most captivated by the work of Meridas Eka Yora, who founded Fajar Hidayah in 1998. He established boarding schools across Indonesia over the next few years. When the earthquake and tsunami took over the land of Aceh, Indonesia in 2004, Yora opened the schools to 2,000 children of which 400 were orphans and 300 were underprivileged. "The teachers became the nurse and counselor for the children." In the World Forum podcast, Yora speaks of how the staff helped cultivate families between the children, even though their biological families had been destroyed. "Credit for this turnaround should go first and foremost to the stoicism of the Acehnese. Helping to shelter each other in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami" (World Bank).

In exploring the poverty aspects of the Indonesia area, I learned the population of Aceh, Indonesia is 4,073 with 26.5% of the population living in poverty. A priority identified by a World Bank Assessment conducted following the 2004 tsunami disaster include focusing on increasing the productivity of the agricultural and fisheries sectors to improve the capabilities of the poor. Additionally, the government of Aceh should continue its high levels of investment in education.

I am always energized when I hear stories such as these, in which people are overcoming tragedies and obstacles to make a difference for children and families.  I look forward to following other stories and projects happening in Indonesia.




The World Bank (2011). http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/EASTASIAPACIFICEXT/INDONESIAEXTN/0,,contentMDK:21653738~pagePK:141137~piPK:141127~theSitePK:226309,00.html

World Forum Foundation Radio. http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/radio.php