SILVER SPRING, Md., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Construction has just been completed on a new state-of-the-art vocational training center in Banda Aceh, Indonesia -- the epicenter and region hardest hit by the 2004 tsunami -- which will enable city residents to take a major step forward towards economic recovery. Made possible by a US$ 4.8 million grant from Chevron Corporation, in collaboration with USAID and the City of Banda Aceh, the international development and humanitarian assistance organization CHF International was able to complete constructing Polyteknik Aceh in late July, on time and on budget.
CHF International's Senior Vice President Judith Hermanson, Ph.D., recently toured the newly-completed site, which will train Acehnese in both traditional and newer vocations. "As a center for education and training, this world-class building symbolizes the future of Aceh, and it will enable people who have experienced such a massive destruction of their livelihoods to retrain and expand upon their skill sets," said Hermanson. "Having witnessed the enormous devastation immediately after the tsunami, and being so closely involved in reconstruction efforts, CHF feels privileged to have played such a major role in helping the people of Aceh to build back even better than before," she added. "The education of Aceh's young people will no doubt lead all its residents towards a brighter future."
Polyteknik Aceh has 20 classrooms, laboratories and lecturers' offices, as well as an administration office, auditorium, library, amphitheater, and a spacious, comfortable open area. Although 300 students will be part of the school's initial enrollment, it will ultimately accommodate around 1,000 students. The project was made possible by a partnership of Chevron, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the government of Aceh. Complementing this initiative, the government of Aceh has just completed construction of three vocational high schools in other parts of the province.
CHF has been working in Indonesia since shortly after the tsunami struck in December 2004. Working through a relief-to-development approach, CHF's programs have focused on economic revitalization, rebuilding major marketplaces, health initiatives and the construction of over 1,000 permanent homes. CHF has also been active in building transitional shelters in Jogjakarta since the earthquake in May 2006.
Founded in 1952, CHF's mission is to be a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low-and moderate-income communities around the world, helping them to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions. The organization provides technical expertise and leadership in international development, including critical emergency management following disasters and civil conflict. Visit http://www.chfinternational.org for more information about the organization.
For media inquiries, please contact Interim Senior Communications Officer Laurel Tierney at ltierney@chfinternational.org (301) 587-4700, or Communications Manager, Jennifer Hyman, at jhyman@chfinternational.org.
SOURCE CHF International
International News / Press Release source: PR Newswire
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