Jakarta, 27 March 2023 – On November 21st, 2022, an earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale occurred in Cianjur, West Java, resulting in loss of life, injuries to local residents, and extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. According to data from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Research and Technology, a total of 882 educational facilities were reported to have suffered severe or moderate damage, disrupting the teaching and learning process, and forcing many schools to postpone their activities. With many school buildings and facilities damaged, many schools had to relocate their classes to emergency tents because the buildings were not safe. Therefore, in the effort to recover from the Cianjur earthquake, rebuilding damaged or destroyed school infrastructure became a top priority. President Joko Widodo instructed Minister of Public Works and Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, to immediately rebuild the affected educational facilities in Cianjur District.
As part of the effort to help the recovery of teaching and learning activities in schools affected by the Cianjur earthquake, YCAB Foundation collaborated with GlobalGiving and VF Foundation to provide support for school facilities at SDN Sukamaju I, Cugenang District, which was severely damaged by the earthquake. The donation of educational support facilities was symbolically handed over through a celebratory event held on March 21, 2023, attended by YCAB and VF Corporation as representatives of the VF Foundation. The aid given, which included desks and chairs for learning, cabinets and bookshelves, whiteboards, educational books, administrative necessities, cleaning supplies, and computers, will benefit 160 students at SDN Sukamaju 1. In addition, we will also be providing training in trauma healing to help students and teachers cope with the emotional aftermath of the earthquake. The process of rebuilding the school building by the government was completed in March 2023, and the school building is now available for use by students for learning.
“During times of tragedy, VF Foundation is committed to helping communities heal where VF Corporation has a longstanding connection,” said Gloria Schoch, Executive Director of VF Foundation, the global philanthropic arm of VF Corporation. “In the aftermath of the Cianjur earthquake, which had a significant impact on school infrastructure, we understand that creating new, safe spaces for learning is essential to help young people thrive inside and outside of the classroom. By investing in YCAB Foundation’s school rebuilding efforts as well as wrap-around recovery and support services, we can help youth gain the confidence and tools they need to succeed, recognizing that their potential is limitless.”
“GlobalGiving is privileged to partner with trusted nonprofit organizations like YCAB Foundation with a long history of supporting local communities before, in, and after times of disaster. With nearly a decade of partnership, we completely trust YCAB Foundation to know what these schools, teachers, and students need most to recover after the earthquake,” said Sandrina da Cruz, Director of Disaster Response of GlobalGiving
“We are grateful to our partners, GlobalGiving and VF Foundation, for their invaluable support in making this collaboration a success. Without their commitment to helping the communities affected by the Cianjur earthquake, we would not have been able to provide much-needed assistance to the students and schools in the area. With adequate school facilities and a good learning process, we aim to restore the hope of the students and teachers affected by the earthquake and return them to a safe and comfortable school environment,” said Veronica Colondam, Founder & CEO of YCAB Foundation.