Remarks on behalf of Ms. Angela Kearney, UNICEF Representative for Indonesia, on the occasion of the launching of Australia – UNICEF Education Assistance Programme
for West Papua in Manokwari – 11 May, 2010
I am delighted to be here today on behalf of the UNICEF Representative for Indonesia Ms Angela Kearney – who cannot be here today as she is on mission for UNICEF outside the country and sends her sincerest apologies.
Today’s launch in Manokwari marks an exciting step forward in dramatically improving the quality of education of thousands of West Papuan children through a landmark partnership between the Government of Indonesia, Australia and UNICEF.
On behalf of UNICEF, I firstly want to congratulate all those who have played a vital role in the development of this programme – and especially to the Provincial government offices for providing invaluable guidance on the design of this initiative, to meet the unique needs of children in West Papua province to fulfill their right to a quality basic education. We thank you.
As we know, while Indonesia as a whole is on track to meet national and international targets, the situation varies from province to province, especially for Papua and West Papua, where a significant number of children are missing out on education. The problems are not only confined to those of access. At the same time, Papua and West Papua are struggling with enrolment and retention rates, which are in turn directly influenced by the uneven quality of education that children are currently receiving.
This Education Assistance, for both Papua and West Papua, will contribute to improving the capacity of the provincial and district governments to conduct strategic planning and improving teaching practices in primary schools in six districts. For West Papua, this means the program will be rolled out in both Manokwari and Sorong.
And to meet the special development needs of West Papua, this new programme aims to ensure that children will benefit from quality education services that are tailored according to where schools are situated - often in remote, challenging locations – their size, and their needs.
Central to the success and sustainability of this programme will be the mobilization of all stakeholders – from parents, teachers, school committees and community organizations to local authorities and civil society groups to improve service delivery and ensure the best use of existing resources – fully supported by the Government of Indonesia, Australia and UNICEF.
Ultimately, our collective hope is for this programme to deliver the best quality education possible to children in schools which are well equipped and well run with the active support and participation of the entire community. And to provide children in West Papua province with an education that enriches their physical and emotional development, equips them with the knowledge and basic skills they will need to adapt to the profound and rapid changes taking place around them – and one which encourages them to continue on to a higher level.
Your Excellency, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the programme that we launch here today underlines Indonesia’s strong commitment to fulfilling the basic education needs of all children regardless of their socio-economic status, or indeed where they live and recognizes that education for boys and girls alike enhances lives, ends generational cycles of poverty and provides a foundation for growth, transformation, innovation, opportunity and equality - creating a ripple effect of opportunity that impacts generations to come.
UNICEF wishes the Province of West Papua every success and we look forward to providing our full support in the coming months and years.
Thank you.