"Earthquake-Proof" School Under Construction

In the wake of a tsunami and earthquakes a vocational school is taking shape on the Indonesian island of Nias. This school will give youth in the community skills to find work, enabling them to radically alter their futures. Nias was hard-hit by the 2005 tsunami. Months later the same area was hit again by a devastating earthquake. World Hope International (WHI) was quick to respond with emergency relief, but longer-term development was a constant focus.

In WHI’s consultations with the local government, church and community leaders, one need was repeated: a vocational/technical high school that would train young people in agri-business and food processing. This specialized training would benefit the local economy of Nias. It would provide young people with marketable skills and give them hope for their futures.

With broad-based support from the community, WHI launched the school in temporary facilities. It also began design of and engineering for the new school campus. In order to make these buildings “earthquake proof,” special design features and additional steel reinforcements were integrated into the plans. WHI was able to launch the first “stand alone” phase of the vocational campus with initial contributions. This phase includes 3 classrooms, a[food-processing lab, a small library, washroom and toilet facilities, and a 4-unit housing complex. This initial phase will be completed by the end of May 2008. Additional lab facilities, greenhouses, assembly hall, modest library and faculty housing are needed before the campus will be fully functional. The projected budget for the remaining work is $950,000.

Equipment set-up and furnishing will be finished in time to open for the new school year in July. Enrollment is expected to grow from 64 to 120 for the 2008-2009 school year. When the high school is fully built, 250 young people will have the opportunity to attain a quality, specialized education. Students will be given skills that will transform their futures and open doors to further career opportunities.

Click here to learn more about WHI’s work in Indonesia, or make a contribution to the organization’s work in Nias.