Banda Aceh, Indonesia (28/7/05) – This week, the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs presented Islamic Relief with an award in recognition of its efforts to support children in Tsunami-affected areas of Indonesia.
When asked about the award, Mr. Khaled Khalifa, Islamic Relief’s Head of Mission in Aceh, replied, “I am personally proud of what we have achieved so far and I am happy that the Indonesian people and government recognize and approve our activities.”
Since the Tsunami, Islamic Relief has provided regular education programs for 2,000 children. Six elementary schools a currently being reconstructed, the first of which will be completed at the end of August.
Islamic Relief has also helped Tsunami-affected children through the distribution of school bags and uniforms.
IR staff receiving the award from the Minister of Social Affairs, Bachtiar Chamsjah
Most recently, Islamic Relief sponsored a National Children’s Day Event
in which 600 children enjoyed performances and art activities.
In addition, Islamic Relief is providing long-term financial support
for over 300 orphans in Aceh. Islamic Relief has also provided
supporting services for these and hundreds of other youth.
The overall mission of Islamic Relief is to alleviate the poverty and
suffering of the world’s poorest people. In support of this goal,
Islamic Relief has been operating in Indonesia since 2000 and has been
working in Banda Aceh since the 27th of December, one day after the
Tsunami.
Islamic Relief is working to improve the lives of Tsunami-affected
Indonesians in the areas of education, housing, orphan support,
livelihood (economic development), health and hygiene.
Islamic Relief was founded in 1984, in Birmingham, England and currently operates in over 20 countries.