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Indonesia: Child and Community Centre

The issue:

Children at risk post Tsunami Indonesia

The troubled province of Aceh, on the northwest tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, suffered the full force of 'the Boxing Day Tsunami' on 26 December 2004.

Nearly a quarter of a million people died or simply disappeared during that single day. The disaster compounded a long-standing and brutal civil war between the Acehnese and Indonesian authorities. Communities were destroyed, uprooted, survivors forced together in makeshift groups and thrust upon existing villages and towns, leading to inter-communal tensions.

Emergencies such as this disrupt children’s lives, removing them from the routines that make them feel safe and secure. Many children experienced the death of a loved one and others were separated from their families. Without the guidance and protection of their families, children became victims of violence, exploitation, trafficking, discrimination and other abuses.

Since 2004 many children have now been reunited with their primary caregivers, but there are still approximately 2400 orphaned and vulnerable children that have been identified in the Aceh region of Indonesia.

Reconstruction of towns and villages has been ongoing, but equally essential is the reconstruction of communities and individual lives. Indonesia is an ethnically diverse country and is also plagued by recurring political and inter-communal conflict. Forced relocation caused by the tsunami has resulted in many of these rival communities living alongside one another. Whilst buildings have been reconstructed, the work to heal the divisions of war and natural disaster has taken longer. A ceasefire has held since 2005.


What we did to help:

Children on the Edge worked with children and youth in Aceh, Indonesia to; rebuild communities affected by the tsunami of 2004; and alleviate inter-communal conflict between internally displaced people.

Initiatives were directed through our Child and Community Centre. The centre was built upon the model developed with the Child Friendly Space in East Timor, encouraging healing through play. In Aceh, we employed a step-by-step approach in selecting the right building, its positioning, the involvement of the local community in construction, and giving the youth a sense of ownership in the project. The Centre is now supported by the local government and is located in a strategic location to allow equal access to all fractions of the community. 

The Centre offers daily afternoon activities and services such as: government supported kindergarten, support for slow learners, social services, advice on finance for parents,  recreational activities and educational pursuits. Transport is provided to and from the Centre where necessary to allow children and youth on the edge of the district equal access. It also provides the district with a neutral environment to discuss local issues and work to resolve them. Local organisations are encouraged to partner with the Centre with the aim of bringing fractions of the community closer together.

Through the Centre, Children on the Edge has empowered the community to safeguard their children's rights and ensure their futures. The Centre is now fully run by the community and provides children and youth with a safe and freeing environment to play and form friendships, allowing them to express themselves and develop as individuals.

Links and further information

  • BBC Country profile: Indonesia
  • BBC In depth: Asia quake disaster
  • UNICEF Indonesia profile

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​Children on the Edge, 5 The Victoria, 25 St Pancras, Chichester,  West Sussex, PO19 7LT, UK.
  • DONATE
  • WHO WE ARE
    • A Child Rights Approach
    • Meet the team
    • Contact Us
    • Media
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Bangladesh: Education for Rohingya refugee children
    • India: Education for 'untouchable' Dalit children
    • Uganda: Transforming slum communities
    • Uganda: Early Years Education for Congolese refugee children
    • Kachin State Myanmar: Support for displaced children
    • Bangladesh: Community Schools for slum dwelling children
    • Lebanon: Education for Syrian refugee children
    • India-Nepal border: Education for children in brothel communities
  • SUPPORT US
    • Receive our news updates
    • Trusts & Foundations
    • Fundraise for us
    • Take on a challenge >
      • 12,000 Steps Virtual Event
      • London Marathon
      • Brighton Marathon
      • Ride London >
        • Ride London Application Form
      • Chichester Half Marathon Event
      • Great South Run
    • Organise an Event
    • Fundraise at Work
    • Clubs & Faith Groups
    • Schools
    • Volunteer
    • Shop
  • Latest stories