ERA Farewell

After 2 years worked for education in Aceh, ERA (Education Rehabilitation in Aceh)was scheduled to be completed on 30 September 2007. Most of counterparts in Aceh Province have wonderful impressions on ERA. The most significant thing impressed the counterparts were the commitments and approach used by ERA. It is true. ERA had two magnificent women, Mary Fearnley Sander and Karen Guillespie. Those two women, led ERA to become the most appreciated education program in Aceh which focused on empowering the people of Aceh. Personally, I am grateful to have both of them.

I knew Mary from 2002. She worked in UNESCO as a CTA (Chief Technical Advisor) for CLCC program which was conducted in collaboration with UNICEF. At that time, I was a UNICEF Provincial Project Officer (PPO) based in Bandung – West Jaya. When I was promoted as Assistance Project Officer for Education Section in UNICEF Jakarta, I worked closer with Mary.

I think Mary knows me well. She knew that I had a lot of unpleasant of even terrible experiences when I worked in UNICEF. It was not because of the system of the UN organization. It’s only because of the persons who I worked with. I think we have common vision and perception about work and commitment. Mary had become my best friend. I decided to quit from UNICEF on March 2006. Mary suggested me to join with TAFE Global who will bid for Cluster Program in Aceh. (I did not know that Mary will become the Manager for ERA AusAID). Afterwards TAFE Global hired me for managing the program. After 9 months worked with TAFE Global, Mary told Coffey International Development (Coffey ID) to hire me for managing the expansion of the cluster program until the last of September 2007.

I am grateful to know you Mary. And I also admire you. You have tremendous experiences in managing education program in Indonesia. I understand why counterparts in Aceh asked you to lead the ERA for the next round. Like pak Sofyan said, your commitment to improve education quality in Aceh is enormous and even superior compare to the Acehnese. You are fully committed to improve education quality in Aceh.

One thing I admire you is how you believe and appreciate local – national people. I remember when we have a meeting with the Rector of Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ), you said “It’s a pity. Everyone always think that decision makers will listen and trust more to foreign people compare local – national experts. They should more consider on you, because you are the one who knows better about the needs and problems”. Whether you realize or not, that moment has also increased my self esteem and self confident.

My friendship with Mary did not mean that we never fight or disagree. Sometime we have different view or perception about one matter. Again I am grateful because besides she appreciated the different Mary always believes that I do not have particular interest in discussing or doing anything related with education. Mary believes that I only have untainted interest for education and children. She always appreciated what I done, even it just a small things. Thank you Mary, it was my contentment and satisfaction working with you.




Karen Gillespie! She is the warmest and most wonderful person I ever knew! I met Karen for the first time in the end of May 2006. Mary introduced her as Program Coordinator for ERA At that time I was assigned as Project Manager for Cluster Program under TAFE Global – NSW Australia and therefore I did not have a direct command line her. However, Karen always there when I need her. She understood that I stay far away from my children and how hard and difficult it is. Karen said that I can call her anytime when I need someone to talk.

When Coffey took over my contract, Karen’s role in providing assistance for me was much superior. I am impressed with her aptitude and capability. Karen always think systematically and comprehensive. Everything is become simple and easy after we talk with her. Karen was not only providing technical assistance. Although Ian (her husband) was not always stay in Aceh, and it means that Karen was also stay alone in Aceh, she bestows passionate and friendly communication.

Karen and Mary are different. And the combination of the two was the greatest. Mary and Karen filled each other and it was good in creating a conducive and comfortable working environment. I am so glad to know the two of you. I am also proud having work with you.

Karen planned to go home to Australia and stay with her family. Mary will work in ERA until April 2008. As Education and Training Manager for CEPA, I will work closely with Mary. Although Karen has gone back to Australia, she promised me that she will not forget me. She will support me from the distance.

There are some other wonderful persons in ERA. There are Sofyan Gani, Samsul Bahri, Lilis Ridwan, Afnan, Gatot, Herman, and others. They are wonderful persons. With their unique and different style, they keep me with warm and wonderful working environment. Thank you all for your support for me and the cluster program. God Bless you!

Two years in Aceh

It has been 16 months since I joined TAFE Global for managing the school cluster program in Pidie. Right after I completed the program 6 months ago, Coffey International Development hired me to manage the expansion of the school cluster program in Aceh Province. The expansion program will be finished at the end of this month. We will hand over all of the program asset to the related counterparts.

Starting from next month I will work on CEPA (Community Education Porgram in Aceh) based in Bireuen under Coffey ID for the next two years. Actually the program has been started last year while I was involved in the school cluster program. I heard that they did not have a training manager. They hired consultants from ERDI and other agencies to delivery trainings.

This is the fourth time I work for AusAID. When I worked in UNICEF based in Jakarta, I assigned to manage CLCC implementation at 13 districts in 7 provinces funded by AusAID. It was a pity that I did not have a proper time to visit most of the pilot districts.

It is not easy for me to work in Aceh for quite a long term since my family live in Jakarta. Nevertheless I choose to work on the program because I feel that Aceh still need me to provide assistance in developing and improving the quality of education. Aceh people appreciation of what I have done in their schools and community, is the most important for me. It is wonderful to know that our program has change people. School community motivation, knowledge and skills has improved. I remember, on the last training for 36 district facilitators from 5 districts, they expressed:" Please do not worry about the program. Although ERA and AusAID program has finished we will continue the progam implementation. We will ensure that capacity building at cluster level will be sustained".

Hope I can fulfill AusAID, Coffey and mostly the community expectation. May the Good Lord bless and keep me as always.

Peran Pengawas Sekolah

Istilah "peran" kerap diucapkan banyak orang. Sering kita mendengar kata peran dikaitkan dengan posisi atau kedudukan seseorang. Atau "peran" dikaitkan dengan "apa yang dimainkan" oleh seorang aktor dalam suatu drama. Mungkin tak banyak orang tahu, bahwa kata "peran", atau role dalam bahasa Inggrisnya, memang diambil dari dramaturgy atau seni teater. Dalam seni teater seorang aktor diberi peran yang harus dimainkan sesuai dengan plot-nya, dengan alur ceritanya, dengan lakonnya.

Ketika istilah peran digunakan dalam lingkungan pekerjaan, maka seseorang yang diberi (atau mendapatkan) sesuatu posisi, juga diharapkan menjalankan perannya sesuai dengan apa yang diharapkan oleh pekerjaan tersebut. Karena itulah ada yang disebut dengan role expectation. Harapan mengenai peran seseorang dalam posisinya, dapat dibedakan atas harapan dari si pemberi tugas dan harapan dari orang yang menerima manfaat dari pekerjaan/posisi tersebut.

Seorang pengawas sekolah misalnya. Pemberi tugas seorang pengawas adalah Dinas Pendidikan sementara yang merupakan penerima manfaat adalah para guru dan kepala sekolah. Dinas Pendidikan mengharapkan (role expectation) bahwa pengawas sekolah mampu melakukan supervisi terhadap sekolah, dengan tujuan meningkatkan kedisiplinan, komitmen dan kemampuan para guru dan kepala sekolah dalam melaksanakan tugasnya masing-masing. Sementara para guru dan kepala sekolah, juga mengharapkan agar pengawas mampu menjadi tempat bertanya, tempat mereka mendapatkan bantuan teknis.

Untuk dapat melaksanakan peran masing-masing dengan baik, setiap pemegang peran haruslah memahami benar apa yang menjadi fungsi perannya. Kejelasan tentang peran ini (role clarification) merupakan kondisi prasyarat untuk tercapainya harapan terhadap sesuatu peran. Ambil contoh, manakala seorang pengawas tidak memiliki pemahaman yang benar tentang perannya, mana mungkin dia bisa menjalankan tugasnya dengan benar. Yang lebih mungkin terjadi adalah kesalahkaprahan. Bukan sekali dua kita mendengar perilaku pengawas yang datang ke sekolah, duduk di ruang kepala sekolah, menulis laporan supervisi di buku supervisi walaupun dia tak pernah masuk ke kelas untuk melihat guru mengajar. Dia juga tentu tak paham apa yang diharapkan Dinas Pendidikan serta para guru dan kepala sekolah.

Hal kedua yang terpenting adalah kemampuan yang memadai. Peran pengawas itu vital atau sangat penting. Pengawas sekolah lah yang menjadi ujung tombak penjamin mutu pendidikan. Sekalipun para guru telah dilatih mengenai kurikulum baru, atau pun berbagai inovasi dalam pembelajaran, di lapangan mereka akan mengalami kesulitan dan tantangan. Disinilah pentingnya peran pengawas. Pengawaslah yang diharapkan dapat memberikan masukan, saran dan bahkan meningkatkan motivasi dan semangat para guru agar tidak patah arang dalam mencoba menerapkan gagasan, pengetahuan dan keterampilan mereka di kelas. Sayangnya, sekalipun semua orang bicara tentang pentingnya peran pengawas, dalam kenyataannya rekruitmen pengawas tidak mendapat perhatian yang memadai.

Dari pengalaman bekerja di sejumlah kabupaten di Aceh ini, cukup banyak teman dari Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten mengeluhkan sistem rekruitmen pengawas yang mereka pandang tidak memadai. Pengangkatan pengawas, kerap kali bukan didasarkan pada kemampuan atau pengalaman mereka dalam memberikan supervisi. Dalam banyak kasus, seseorang yang dinilai telah terlalu lama menjabat sebagai kepala sekolah, dipromosi menjadi pengawas sekalipun unjuk kerjanya sebagai kepala sekolah tidak terlalu baik. Jangan heran bila di lapangan kita mendengar begitu banyak keluhan tentang pengawas sekolah yang tidak becus memberikan supervisi.

Kemampuan yang dibutuhkan seorang pengawas, haruslah utuh. Kepala sekolah masih memerlukan bimbingan dalam melaksanakan manajemen yang transparan dan akuntabel, dalam menerapkan kepemimpinan partisipatif. Para guru sangat memerlukan bantuan teknis dalam mengelola pembelajaran di kelasnya. Kemampuan lain yang juga penting adalah kemampuan dalam melaksanakan teknis supervisi.

Manakala kemampuan di atas tidak dimiliki pengawas, jangan terkejut bila yang kita temukan adalah pengawas yang "tidak dihargai" oleh para guru dan kepala sekolah. Mungkin ada pengawas yang bangga karena para guru dan kepala sekolah takut dengannya. Sungguh sayang. Karena rasa takut guru terhadap pengawas, sungguh berbeda dengan rasa hormat. Sungguh ironis karena seharusnya pengawas menjadi figur yang dicintai dan selalu diharapkan kehadirannya oleh para guru.

Patut diduga bahwa topeng menakutkan yang digunakan pengawas sekolah adalah karena dia sesungguhnya merasa kurang mampu dalam memberikan supervisi. Mungkin juga karena kurangnya kemampuan dalam berkomunikasi.

Harapan saya menulis post ini adalah untuk mengubah citra pengawas. Sungguh besar peran yang diharapkan dari seorang pengawas sekolah. Bila memang kemampuan atau penguasaan materi yang menjadi penyebab, maka saatnya Dinas Pendidikan memprioritaskan pengawas sekolah sebagai peserta dalam pelatihan yang berkaitan dengan kurikulum dan pembelajaran. Pembekalan harus diberikan sebelum tugas diberikan kepada seorang pengawas sekolah. Kemampuan dalam melakukan teknis supervisi tentunya harus menjadi bagian tak terpisahkan.

Selamat bekerja para pengawas sekolah ! Jangan hancurkan harapan para guru dan kepala sekolah. Pendidikan berkualitas bagi anak bangsa sangat besar tergantung pada pelaksanaan peran bapak dan ibu.

Ke Sabang

Jum'at tanggal 6 Juli 2007 pagi, awan mendung menggelayut di langit Banda. Sekitar jam 7 pagi kami diantar Husni menuju Pelabuhan Ulee Lhee. Dari sanalah perjalanan menuju Sabang dengan menggunakan ferry akan dilakukan. Ternyata sesampai di Ulee Lhee, puluhan truk dan mobil penumpang sudah antri untuk dapat diangkut ke Sabang. Kami mengambil keputusan untuk menggunakan kapal cepat. Biarlah Husni membawa mobil dengan menggunakan ferry.

Mendung masih bertahan sampai sekitar jam 9 pagi. Hujan disertai angin yang cukup keras bahkan mulai menerpa. Hamidah sempat menyampaikan kekhawatirannya. Saya hanya berdoa dan berharap semoga cuaca menjadi baik menjelang kapal cepat kami berangkat. Alhamdulillah, Allah memang Maha Mendengar dan Maha Mengabulkan. Tidak lama setelah kami diundang untuk memasuki kapal cepat, langit pun cerah. Bahkan angin pun seolah mendukung keberangkatan kami ke Sabang.

Setelah sekitar 30 menit perjalanan, kapal cepat melabuh di Pelabuhan Balohan - Sabang. Dengan bantuan petugas pelabuhan, tidak sulit menemukan mobil angkutan yang bersedia mengantar kami ke Gapang Beach. Sekitar 45 menit perjalanan ditempuh, melewati hutan dimana cukup sering kami bertemu monyet yang turun ke jalan untuk sekedar mendapatkan pisang dari mereka yang lewat di hutan itu.

Awalnya melihat lingkungan kawasan resort di Gapang Beach yang terlihat sepi, saya enggan menginap disana. Kupikir, lebih banyak orang pergi ke Ibooh, tentunya disana resortnya lebih baik dan pantainya lebih menarik atau bersih. Ternyata .... pantai di Ibooh memang cantik dan sangat indah. Anak-anak dan cucuku pasti suka. Sayangnya, tidak ada penginapan yang cukup representatif untuk keluarga. Disana memang banyak rumah panggung yang disewakan kepada pengunjung. Tetapi, rumah dengan 1 kamar itu tidak dilengkapi dengan kamar mandi. Aduh ..... bagaimana mungkin. Dengan 1 anak berusia 6 tahun dan 2 bayi berumur 1,5 tahun dan 6 bulan, sungguh tak mungkin menempati rumah tak berfasilitas sanitasi ini. Walhasil, setelah mengeluarkan keringat (karena untuk menuju rumah panggung tadi kita harus mendaki bukit), kami memutuskan untuk pindah ke Gapang Flamboyan Resort.


Alhamdulillah, pantai di Gapang ternyata juga bersih dan cantik. Kedua cucuku dan Syifa, langsung senang bermain di pantai berpasir putih. Seorang lelaki menawarkan wisata snorkelling ke Pulau Rubiah. Ketiga anakku langsung bersemangat. Syifa langsung berpikir bagaimana beda pengalaman snorkelling di Bali dengan di Sabang.

Jam 7 pagi keesokan harinya kami berangkat dengan menggunakan perahu. Sewa perahu hanya sebesar Rp 150 ribu rupiah, sedang peralatan untuk snorkelling disewakan dengan harga Rp 50 ribu per unit. Perjalanan ke Pulau Rubiah sekitar 20 menit. Cucu-cucuku sangat senang.

Hampir tak ada pengunjung terlihat di pantai di Pulau Rubiah. Di tempat dimana kami menambatkan perahu, terdapat satu rumah yang menyediakan minuman dan dapat juga diminta menyediakan makanan sesuai pesanan. Tampak 2 pasang wisatawan dari Perancis beserta anak-anak mereka, dan beberapa perempuan bule yang sedang berbincang dengan orang kita. Rasanya, suasana di pantai ini lebih cocok untuk wisata keluarga dibandingkan dengan pantai di Bali.

Snorkelling di Pulau Rubiah ini cukup mengasyikan. Hanya sekitar 30 meter dari pinggir pantai, kita dapat melihat rangkaian terumbu karang yang indah. Terumbu yang berwarna-warni tampak semakin indah dengan banyaknya ragam ikan cantik disana. Waktu satu jam untuk snorkelling atau pun hanya sekedar bermain air seperti yang dilakukan Gilang dan Naufal, tampaknya tidak cukup. Bagaimanapun, kami harus pulang. Sayang Rafie masih terlalu kecil untuk bisa menikmati indahnya pantai dan terumbu karang di pulau Rubiah.

Minggu pagi, anak-anak dan ketiga cucuku diantar Husni ke Kilometer Nol. Wajib, kata Gita, melihat Tugu Kilometer Nol. Sayang kata mereka, jalan menuju kesana tidak terawat. Demikian pula Tugu yang ada, selain kotor dengan coretan tangan jahil, secara umum lingkungan di sekitar bangunan tugu pun tidak terpelihara dengan baik. Minggu malam angin bertiup sangat kencang.

Senin kami pindah ke daerah kota dan menginap di salah satu hotel kecil bernama Holiday yang bersuasana China sangat kental. Memang secara umum, nuansa Sabang lebih seperti Little China Town.

Selasa kami pulang dengan menggunakan ferry. Selain karena cuaca memang cukup bagus, pilihan ini diambil agar anak-anak bisa mendapat pengalaman yang lebih kaya. Alhamdulillah, mimpiku untuk mengajak anak-anak ke Sabang untuk menikmati keindahan alamnya, telah terwujud. Walaupun sayang juga Bima dan Maulida tidak sempat ikut ke Sabang.

Kunjungan anak cucu ke Aceh

Juni adalah masa liburan sekolah setelah kenaikan kelas. Syifa naik ke kelas 4 di SD 2 Tiju - Sigli, sementara Gilang (si cucu pertama) sudah terdaftar sebagai murid kelas 1 di Cileungsi Bogor. Memang waktu berjalan tak terasa. Di awal tahun ini sudah ada tiga cucu laki-laki yang memperkaya dan mewarnai hidup dan kehidupan ini.

Dalam kunjungan terakhir ke Jakarta bulan lalu, sempat kuajak Gilang untuk berlibur di Aceh. Katanya, "Nggak ah !". Tapi hanya 3 hari kemudian, mamanya Gilang telpon dan bilang, katanya Gilang ingin bicara. Dengan suaranya yang sangat khas, dia berkata "Eni, (itu panggilan untuk nenek dalam bahasa Sunda) Gilang mau liburan di Aceh" Rasanya tak percaya, cucuku mau berlibur di Aceh. Segera kutelpon Gita dan kutanya apa benar mereka ingin ke Aceh? Ternyata, anak-anak ingin ke Aceh. Kedua anakku, dengan menantu dan calon menantu, beserta 3 cucu yang masih kecil-kecil, akan datang ke Aceh.

Mereka datang hari Kamis tanggal 28 Juni 2007. Perjalanan dimana empat orang dewasa harus menjaga satu anak dan 2 infants memang melelahkan pastinya. Sulit percaya, alhirnya anak-anak dan cucuku bisa juga menginjak tanah Aceh. Setelah menginap semalam di Grand Nangroe Hotel di Banda Aceh, mereka semua kubawa ke Pidie. Bukan hanya Gilang dan Naufal yang senang melihat sapi dan kerbau serta gajah dalam perjalanan ke Pidie, tetapi juga paman, bibi dan orangtuanya. Memang pemandangan alam sangat indah kami nikmati dalam perjalanan ke Pidie.

Hanya dua malam di Pidie, Bima dan Maulida harus segera pulang ke Bandung. Dia harus kembali bekerja. Kedua anakku ini hanya sempat kubawa melihat pantai di Pante Raja dan sungai yang jernih di Tangse. Walaupun hanya kedua tempat ini yang dapat kuperlihatkan pada mereka, sepertinya mereka senang dengan apa yang mereka alami dan lihat. Bagaimanapun, tidak mudah lagi menemukan sungai dengan air yang jernih di Bandung.

Setelah Bima dan Maulida pulang, kubawa anak-anak ke Meulaboh. Di tengah tugasku mengunjungi sekolah binaan dan bekerjasama dengan Satuan Kerja Program Gugus di Kabupaten Aceh Barat dan Aceh Jaya, anak dan cucuku bisa melihat sisa kerusakan yang disebabkan Tsunami lebih 2 tahun lalu. Mereka juga bahkan sempat melihat rumah bantuan yang tertimbun pasir akibat pasang besar yang terjadi bulan sebelumnya.

Selesai tugas di Meulaboh dan Calang, perjalanan dengan anak-anak kami lanjutkan ke Banda Aceh melalui Lham No. Walaupun sempat ada yang mengkhawatirkan kalau-kalau jalan ke Banda dihalangi penduduk, alhamdulillah kami bisa sampai di Banda dengan selamat. Syukur, karena khususnya Gilang dan Naufal, mereka banyak punya kesempatan melihat indahnya pantai dan lautan dengan ombaknya yang kadang sayup terdengar.

Next, ke Sabang !

Dua bulan penuh kesibukan

Sejak tulisan yang terakhir, banyak sekali kesibukanku. Maklum, program gugus yang kutangani diperluas ke 4 kabupaten lain di Aceh. Ada rasa bangga karena pemerintah daerah dan juga Australia, percaya bahwa program gugus yang kutangani memang efektif untuk meningkatkan kompetensi guru.

Di tengah kesibukan melakukan sosialisasi dan survey data dasar ke 4 kabupaten perluasan, ada cerita Hamidah dari lapangan. Suatu hari dalam perjalanan ke kantor dengan menggunakan labi-labi, labi-labi adalah angkutan umum di Aceh, dia mendengar pembicaraan seorang guru (yang ternyata adalah tutor atau guru pemandu dari kecamatan Sakti) dengan seorang temannya. Dia bercerita tentang bagaimana senangnya ia dengan kegiatan KKG (Kelompok Kerja Guru). Dia bilang, dulu sebagai tutor ia tak punya banyak kegiatan. Sekarang ini KKG di seluruh kecamatan Sakti telah berfungsi kembali. Dia punya jadwal untuk membimbing guru-guru di seluruh KKG (lintas gugus). Memang cape, katanya. Tapi, dia senang karena dia bisa memperoleh banyak hal dengan berjalannya kembali KKG. Dia menambahkan, kegiatan KKG ini berjalan lagi setelah ada program ERA.

Sungguh, bukan karena nama ERA disebut yang membuatku bangga. Tapi, kenyataan bahwa tutor dan para guru merasakan manfaat dari program ini, itu yang membuatku bahagia. Nyata, betapapun sederhananya program ini, para guru telah merasakan manfaatnya. Dan mereka senang terlibat dan aktif menjalankan program ini.

Minggu lalu, Pelatihan untuk Pelatih Kabupaten baru saja dilaksanakan. 39 pelatih kabupaten dan 10 anggota satuan kerja kabupaten mengikuti pelatihan di Banda Aceh. Tujuh hari pelatihan memang cukup melelahkan, baik bagi peserta maupun pengelola dan pelatihnya. Alhamdulillah, ibu Eny Wahyuni dan Pak Prie, dua sahabat lama dari Jawa Timur telah datang membantu. Dengan kemasan pelatihan yang PAKEM (aktif, kreatif, efektif dan menyenangkan), seluruh peserta menyatakan kepuasannya. Ada dua peserta yang atas kehendaknya sendiri, menyampaikan pesan dan kesannya dalam mengikuti pelatihan, melalui lagu yang mereka ciptakan. Keinginan peserta untuk sebanyak-banyaknya memperoleh pengalaman belajar baru, terungkap dalam refleksinya yang antara lain mengatakan "Kalau kami sedang berdiskusi atau bekerja dalam kelompok, janganlah disuruh untuk beristirahat !". Mungkin itu bukan hal yang istimewa. Tapi rasanya bolehlah kita bertanya, apakah dalam pelatihan yang dikelola oleh teman-teman dari Diknas atau LPMP, antusiasme peserta juga seperti itu ?

Minggu ini, di Pidie akan dilaksanakan pelatihan penyegaran untuk fasilitator kabupaten dan nara sumber gugus. Dua teman dari Sulawesi Selatan kami minta datang untuk membantu. Lima fasilitator dari Kabupaten Pidie sendiri akan secara langsung belajar melalui keterlibatannya sebagai co-facilitator. Semoga kegiatan ini bisa berlangsung dengan lancar dan berhasil sebagaimana yang diharapkan.

Next week, tim AusAID akan kembali mengunjungi Pidie. Tim ERA juga ingin beraudiensi dengan Bupati. Sementara itu pembekalan untuk Distrcict Coordinator dan Training Coordinator masih perlu dilakukan. Belum lagi pertemuan untuk menyiapkan Satuan Kerja yang akan dilimpahi tugas dan tanggung jawab untuk mengelola program. Well.... like Karen said "One step before the other one". Kalau lihat ketatnya jadwal 6 bulan ke depan, wuih.... sungguh berat rasanya. Insya Allah dengan kesehatan dan kemampuan yang Allah berikan, semua kegiatan akan dapat dilaksanakan dengan baik.

Dua minggu ke depan, rencananya mau liburan ke Bali bareng anak-anak. Mudah-mudahan tidak ada halangan apapun. Rasanya tidak sabar lagi menunggu saat break dan mengisinya dengan liburan bersama anak-anak.

AusAID Team Visit : The Second Day

On the second day the AusAID team agenda was visited schools and conducted dialogue with counterparts and stakeholders at sub district and cluster levels. The first school visited by the team was SD 1 Beureuneun at Mutiara Sub District. They could see that teachers in all classrooms implementing active, joyful and effective learning. Besides the classroom arrangement and student works displays, they could see how teachers encourage students to be actively participate in the learning activity.

At 8.45 am we moved to SD 1 Kota Bakti at Sakti Cluster. We will meet with teachers, supervisors, District Facilitators and also the Heads of Sub District Office.

Grant Morison was interested on the School Plan and Budget displayed at Public Information Board. He asked a lot of questions related with the spending of the BOS and other block grants provided by the government and ERA as well. Grant used to be a teacher and therefore he is interested with the reading corner and the books provided for the students.

The dialogue with the stakeholders was lively. All representatives from teachers, supervisors, district facilitators and the head of sub district offices; stated their experiences in implementing the cluster program and what is still needed in order to continue and or improve their performance.

Beside the achievements, they also stated contraints and obstacles in implementing the program. The lack of support from the school heads, the limited capacities in performing their role as district facilitators and or cluster resource persons, and different treatment given to primary schools and madrasahs; were the main issues.

Within the 2 hours dialogue, I believe that the AusAID team has gained a comprehensive information about the program and the further needs. Issue about the differentiation of treatment given to the primary schools and madrasah, is still has to be solved. Hopefully with the existence of Aceh Province Strategic Plan, this issue can be solved promptly. However, it should be considered that teachers and students at schools are the victims of the unequal treatment.

Just want to share my opinion about the good leader. I believe that "the good leader is the one who treated every party equally; focused and prioritized his/her mission for the sake of children; and never think and act primordially". It means that he/she should think and act beyond the different ethnic, geographycal area, or different istitutions. It is true that primary schools and madrasahs are under different department. But, do you ever think that the victims of the unfair treatment are the students ? Students at both schools, named Sekolah Dasar under the Education Office and Madrasah under the Religious Department. Students become the victims just because their teachers treated differently by their leaders. It's a pity indeed.

AusAID Team Visit to Pidie

Yesterday afternoon, a team consisted of Georgina Harley, Grant Morison, Mary Fearnley Sanders and Sofyan Gani arrived in Pidie. Georgina is representative of AusAID in Jakarta who is responsible for Education Program in Aceh. Grant Morison is representative of AIPRD in Canberra - Australia. Mary Fearnley Sanders is Director of Education Rehabilitation in Aceh (ERA) while Sofyan Gani is Advisor for ERA.

The team visit to Pidie is to collect information from counterparts and stakeholders about how the ERA program works and how AusAID can supports education development program in Aceh in general.

The first meeting was with counterpart at district level. Syamsudin, the Head of Education Office, accompanied by the head of office administration; the Head of Basic Education Sub Office; and representative of the Religious Department; warmly welcomed the team. For about two hours through a lively discussion, the AusAID team received many information about education issues and the support need to be provided by AusAID.

Syamsudin described that Pidie affected by a long conflict and also by Tsunami. There were hundreds of schools burned in 2000 - 2002. Library and books also burned at that time. In that abnormal situation, most of parents couldn't work normally and it affected their income. When Tsunami attacked Aceh, some shools along the coast destroyed. Hundreds of students and teachers died or lost.

Syamsudin explained that the most needed is support in improving the quality of education, particularly in primary school level. He assumed that education at primary school level is the most important, considering that it will colored children competencies and their readiness since the early stage. Quality education at primary level, will eliminate constraints and problems at the higher level of education. The first district strategic plan in education is to improve the quality of education. Pidie has achieved a tremendous achievement in compulsary education. The NER (Net Enrollment Ratio) for promary school is 100 per cent and for junior high school is around 97 %. For this achievement, the Central Government has awarded Pidie.

Syamsudin also mentioned that the cluster program implemented by ERA and supported by AusAID is the most success in Pidie. Based on the evidence of the success, only 4 months after ERA cluster program implemented, Pidie Government provided 17.5 million rupiahs per cluster for all of the 64 clusters in Pidie District. Education office adopted ERA approach and model in revitalise the cluster. In 2007 fiscal year, the legislative has approved and signed budget to support the clusters (Rp 25 million per cluster).

Pidie has shown its commitment to support the program. Pidie commitment is a reflection of their trust on the program. They believe that this program is relevant with the real and crucial needs. They are also happy because it is implemented with the inclsusion of counterparts and stakeholder through a negotiated structured which is based on the existing structure. This approach will ensure district and sub district preparedness in continuing the program. In other word, it will build local government capacity for program sustainability.

Both of Grant and Georgina were pleased with the lively discussion and frankly explanation provided by the counterparts from Education Office and the Religious Department. They were also happy that the cluster program implemented by ERA is not only relevant but also significant as well in improving school community performance. The results of follow up survey conducted in early February shown that the school performance is improved, which can be seen from the positive changes in teaching learning practice, the more transparent and participative school management, and also from the increasing of community contribution in supporting the schools program.

Collaboration with Local Broadcasting

Three representatives from Megaphone Radio, a local broadcasting in Pidie, came to the office two days ago. I was impressed with their professionalism. They were pleased with the idea of using local radio in improving community awareness on education and agreed with the proposed alternative forms of broadcasting will be used. Evenmore they also proposed different ideas on it.

The manager, Syaiful, is a good man. As a manager, he listened carefully the goal and purpose of the colaboration. Shortly, after a lively discussion, we agreed about the various alternative we will use. At least there are three program will be broadcasted by the radio.

First, talk show. At least once a week we will invite people from various institutions to talk about issues in education quality improvement. They can be The Head of Education Office, Representative from Education Board, or even teachers, supervisors, or parents. This program is purposed to build and develop community' awareness and understanding about issues in education. This is a prerequisite needed to build their commitment to support and willing to contribute in any education program in all levels. For example, through this program, people will gain a comprehensive information about BOS fund (Support for School Operational), the role of school commitee, how to actualize the concept of children right at school and how parent and community can contribute in school efforts, etc. The twelve District Facilitators and 24 Cluster Resource Persons will also become resource persons for this talk show.

The second is life broadcasting from the field. Because our program is purposed to revitalise the school cluster system, we will broadcast activities in the cluster and schools. The KKG (Teachers Working Group) meetings, the KKKS (School Principal Working Group) meetings, School Committee meetings and various activities conducted in the clusters will be broadcasted directly from the field. With this approach, information and experiences shared in the KKG and or KKKS meeting will disseminate to other clusters across Pidie District.

The third is Radio Bulletin. Actually this idea was from Marzuki, one of the radio broadcaster. Enthusiaticaly he described that through Radio Bulletin we can share information about activities will be conducted within the on-going week as a reminder for school and cluster communities; topics will be discussed in the talk show; and also accomodate people curiosity about many things related to the School Based Management, Joyful Learning and or Community Participation.

So far, I am happy with our initial meeting. I look forward to seeing their proposal. Hope they have common understanding and committed to actualize the ideas. It is obvious that Radio Broadcasting has a very important role in empowering people. Radio can become a strategic media in creating Community Learning for Children.

Collaborate with Megaphone Radio Station

In the previous program, we built teachers' capacity in creating and developing a newsletter. My original idea was to build teachers capacity in creating and developing a very simple Cluster Newsletter, so teachers can share their experiences and ideas to other teachers in the cluster. The newsletter should be developed locally and using applied and appropriate technology. Unfortunately, the communication expert did not have common understanding. The result was, although the cluster people could developed a newsletter, it seem that it is difficult to keep the sustainability. It was too high tech and too expensive as well, while there were a gap between the technology we used and their capacities in using advance technology. Even more, in primary school level, most of the schools do not have computer.

For the second phase of the program, I suggested ERA to collaborate with radio broadcaster. With this media, I am sure that we can disseminate much more information, experiences and lessons learnt; to a broader audiences. Not only for the school community at the 4 pilot clusters, but also to all people in the district. With this approach, hopefully the concepts, knowledge and expriences related with the revitalisation of the school cluster system, will improve people awareness and commitment to make changes for children education improvement in Aceh.

Tomorrow Zulkarnaen from Megaphone Radio in Pidie will discuss about the feasibility of creating special program for school community. Hope we can achieve common understanding and commitment.

Krishna

Keikhlasan Berbuah Keberhasilan

Hari ini saya mengunjungi SD 1 Kota Bakti. Salah satu sekolah dasar di Kabupaten Pidie yang merupakan binaan ERA (Education Rehabilitation in Aceh). Program ini didanai oleh AusAID dan bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kualitas pendidikan dasar.

Sekolah ini terletak di kawasan yang dahulu merupakan daerah konflik. Tidak seperti layaknya sekolah lain, bangunan sekolah ini terletak di dua tapak (site) yang dibatasi oleh sungai kecil selebar sekitar 8 meter. Dulu sekolah ini memiliki 2 bangunan untuk rumah guru dan ruang kelas yang cukup untuk tempat belajar siswa dari 6 kelas. Sayangnya kedua bangunan untuk ruang guru itu sudah hancur total, tak lagi dapat digunakan. Terlihat juga 3 ruang yang rusak sehingga tak dapat digunakan untuk kegiatan belajar.


Saat ini SD 1 Kota Bakti hanya memiliki 6 ruang yang dapat digunakan untuk belajar dan kegiatan manajemen sekolah. Tiga ruang kelas berada (kelas 1 - 3) di sebelah timur sungai dan tiga ruang kelas lainnya (kelas 4 - 6) berada di sebelah barat sungai. Karena tidak memiliki ruang guru dan ruang kepala sekolah, maka untuk memberi ruang bagi kegiatan kepala sekolah dan para guru, separuh ruang belajar untuk kelas 6 juga digunakan sebagai ruang kepala sekolah dan guru.


Ketika langkah kaki memasuki tapak yang berada di sebelah timur sungai, ada kesedihan dan kegembiraan yang sekaligus terasa di dada. Sedih melihat bangunan yang sungguh tak lagi layak digunakan sebagai tempat belajar anak-anak kita. Perasaan gembira terasa karena di halaman rumput yang hijau dan bersih, terlihat anak-anak sedang melakukan kegiatan olahraga. Mereka bermain kasti dengan ceria. Siswa-siswi kelas 3 ini sedang bermain kasti, karena guru mereka sedang mengikuti kegiatan pelatihan di Sigli. Dua orang guru sedang melaksanakan kegiatan belajar di kelas 1 dan 2. Perasaan sedih dan gembira sekali lagi menyeruak. Sedih melihat ruang kelas yang plafondnya sudah rusak dan warna dindingnya pun tidak lagi putih. Gembira karena terlihat para siswa belajar dengan ceria. Kedua guru yang sedang mengajar mencoba menerapkan PAKEM (Pembelajaran Aktif, Kreatif, Efektf dan Menyenangkan). Dengan segala keterbatasn fasilitas yang ada, kedua guru itu tetap mencoba menjalankan tugasnya dengan sebaik-baiknya.


Melihat semangat dan tekad para guru yang berusaha melaksanakan tugasnya dengan sebaik-baiknya, saya yakin salah satunya adalah karena keikhlasan dan kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah. Ibu Nurzaini, penghargaan dan terima kasih kami untuk ibu. Dengan kepemimpinan yang terbuka dan partisipatif, Insya Allah, orangtua siswa dan masyarakat di sekitar sekolah, akan bersama-sama membantu sekolah dalam meningkatkan kualitas layanan bagi anak-anak kita. Semoga kesehatan dan kemampuan senantiasa diberikan kepada ibu dan semua guru di SD 1 Kota Bakti.

My First Visitor

My first visitor to the new office was Zan Darusman. She came to the office this afternoon with her husband and Prof Minas. I knew Zan from Farida Flemming. Zan used to work with universities in Australia, particularly dealing with issues related with foreign students. Zan helped me in analyzing data from baseline survey, for my program in Pidie.

Prof Minas is a psychiatrist, Head of the International Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia. He is in Pidie to help Zan' husband to develop a Community Based Mental Health Program. One of the issues with mental health is to identify them at the beginning/early stage and what better way to start from primary school level. Zan informed him about the worked I have done and issues on trauma with the teachers. They are interested in having dscussion to discuss the potential to involve the teachers in community based mental health in early detection in children.

I always interested in community based program. Particularly for Pidie, where the children affected by Tsunami and or conflict, the Community Based Mental Health is very crucial. The good thing of community based program is that it will empower people who are interact with children in daily activities. It will not only build the capacity of teachers who are interact with them everyday, but also with parents and community. This is very important because children mental health condition is colored by the family life or the neighborhood. The community based program will enable parents and community members to recognize and identify children mental health condition, and to know what to do or wher to go if they need help.

I understand that this program will involve at least two key stakeholders, they are Dinas Kesehatan (Health Office) and Dinas Pendidikan (Education Office)at district level. I am pretty sure that the two stakeholders will support this program and willing to cooperate.

This program is related with my program, the revitalisation of the school cluster system. In the cluster program, despite of teachers and supervisors, we also build capacity of parents and community so they can provide their best contribution to support children education and health. We have a dream that schools in Pidie can become a center of community education and health. We try to develop school as a healthy and enjoying environment for children. Although our journey is still long, at least we are doing something to reach that dream.

I really hope that the program can be developed and implemented promptly in Pidie. Pidie people are eager to make positive change, and they are committed to support and implement any program as long as they understand that it is relevant with their needs.

Good luck Prof Minas, hope we can work together to improve the children mental health in Pidie !

My New Office

Dear children, I just move to the new office which is my new house as well. The house is quite big. It has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. I use one of the room as my office.

Husni, Hamidah, ibu Sakdiah, Yeni and Muzakir helped in moving all of the stuffs.

Syifa has her own bedroom. She is very happy with that. Hope she can start to sleep in hers.

You can see the new office picture. Hope I can concentrate better in performing my responsibilities.

Love
Mum