One year after the devastation of the tsunami
in December 2004, the survivors have begun the physical and emotional process
of rebuilding their lives again. The ruined infrastructure, the loss of
lives, and the destruction of livelihoods have all added to the challenge
of rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The government of Indonesia has set
up a body called the BRR (the Aceh Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority)
to oversee the task of rebuilding Aceh, which suffered the most number
of lives lost, as well as sustained the greatest environmental damage in
the Indian Ocean region. Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA has moved from providing
emergency relief to the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase in line
with the guidelines set down by the BRR. Based on the overwhelming needs
of the people, as well as on its expertise, Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA will
be providing support in four key areas: (1) Vocational Skills Development,
(2) Primary Health Care, (3) Building Civil Society, (4) Supporting the
Development of Trade Unions.
Vocational Skills Development The loss of livelihood and employment in a region where no state welfare system exists spells extreme poverty for the survivors of the tsunami. In light of this, Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA is providing vocational skills training as well as micro-credit schemes to support livelihood opportunities for survivors. Over 250 people (including 149 women) have been trained to date in areas such as sewing, tailoring, and printing. Fifteen people have been trained as trainers so that they can go on to provide training to others. Families are benefiting directly from these efforts. This includes the families of women who have been trained to make ceremonial umbrellas. It takes three women to make one umbrella and when sold, the profit enables them to buy 5 kgs of rice which is sufficient to feed their families for five days.
Primary Health Care With most of the affected population still housed in temporary accommodation such as tents in camps, the survivors continue to face health challenges. In addition, the number of work-related injuries have risen with the reconstruction work being undertaken. Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA is funding the Aceh branch of the National Nurses Union to establish five health clinics and a mobile health clinic. It is providing services to over 46,000 people living in temporary accommodation.
Building Civil Society Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA is funding civil society organisations like WALHI (Wahana Lingkungan Hidup/Indonesian Forum for the Environment) and the People's Crisis Centre to build their skills and capacity so that they can better support their communities in Aceh. Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA is also funding the construction of an Environmental Resource Centre for WALHI, which will house the office of WALHI and its 34 community groups, as well as meeting halls and a library.
Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA is assisting the People's Crisis Centre to provide training to 100 community development workers to help the local people have input into the rehabilitation and reconstruction projects funded by the government and NGOs in their community.
Trade Union Development Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA is working in partnership with local Acehnese unions to determine the type of support necessary for them to further their objectives of developing democratic trade unions. This partnership is characterised by a process of consultation, needs identification and program development with the Acehnese unions. In line with this, a regional workshop has been planned for the 14 -15 January 2006. The workshop aims to map out a strategy and action plan to further develop democratic and independent trade unions in Aceh. Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA is also coordinating regular trade union working groups. To date, three coordinating meetings have been organised.
A long road ahead ... The rehabilitation and reconstruction of Aceh will most certainly take years. Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA believes the best road to recovery is one that is travelled in partnership with the local Acehenese, and one that fully acknowledges the trauma and pain the Acehenese have experienced. By working with local partners in the areas of vocational skills development, primary health care, building civil society and supporting the development of trade unions, Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA hopes to bring about lasting and meaningful change for the people of Aceh.
Contact Details
Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA
Ph: (02) 9264 9343
Fax: (02) 9261 1118
office@apheda.org.au