Speech by Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Trade and Industry, at the Opening Ceremony of the Train-the-Trainers Programme for Teachers from Aceh on 21 November 2005 at 9.00 a.m. in SEAMEO RELC

Mr Andradjati, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia,

Mrs Maureen Ng, Director, SEAMEO Regional Language Centre,

Course Participants from Indonesia,

Ladies and Gentleman,

1. I am delighted to join you this morning for the opening of the first train-the-trainers programme in the English Language for Master Teachers from Aceh.

The Tsunami Disaster

2. The world was shocked when the tidal wave hit on 26 December 2004. No one could have imagined the extent of the devastation brought about by the Tsunami. Here in Singapore, we were stunned when we saw the images on television and read about the state of destruction. Our hearts went out to the people of Aceh, as well as those in other regions affected by this terrible disaster. This calamity has also touched me in a personal way. My family and I were on holidays in the Maldives, and we were fortunate to have left on the evening on 25 December, just before the disaster struck.

3. As a close friend of Indonesia, Singapore has offered assistance and support to the relief and reconstruction efforts in Aceh, within the limits of our ability. In addition to financial support, we had deployed uniformed and medical personnel to carry out rescue and recovery operations, and provide other forms of assistance and support. The Singapore Government has also been working with international organisations and NGOs in various reconstruction projects in Aceh, like the construction of the Meulaboh concrete pier and refurbishment of the Meulaboh General Hospital. This arrangement allows us to leverage on the resources and expertises of various organisations, and vice versa, to assist Aceh in a manner that would benefit its people and the community.

4. Now, almost a year after the tragedy, we are heartened that the people of Aceh are steadily re-building their lives and communities. While reconstruction efforts are still be under way, some sense of normalcy has returned to Aceh. We are encouraged by the determination of the people of Aceh in overcoming all difficulties and moving ahead with hope.

Train-the-Trainers Programme

5. While the re-construction of the physical infrastructure is important, the key to the future of Aceh lies in the education of her people. We were dismayed to learn that disaster has claimed the lives of some 2,000 teachers in Aceh, including many who were trained at the various SEAMEO Centres. As such, the Singapore Ministry of Education has decided to work in partnership with the SEAMEO Regional Language Centre, to organise and sponsor the train-the-trainers programmes in the English Language for teachers from Aceh. The SEAMEO Regional Language Centre is Singapore’s contribution to language education in Southeast Asia. It is very honoured to be able to participate in this meaningful project.

6. English language training has been selected for its importance in the redevelopment of Aceh. The world is growing smaller with globalisation and advancements in technology. We need to communicate with people from different countries and regions for cultural, economic and education reasons. in order to develop ourselves, our families and our towns. English is the main international language in the world today that allows us to build links with others and to access knowledge. English is also important as the language through which education and training in other fields will become possible.

7. To all the 30 potential Master Teachers who will be receiving training at this course, you will return to Aceh with new skills and new materials for the teaching of English as a practical tool of communication. You will have an important role to play in the rebuilding of the education system in Aceh. The Singapore Ministry of Education is proud to be part of this process. We hope that you will find the course useful. We welcome your feedback on the training programme so that we could further tailor the programme to suit your needs as we will be receiving another group of 30 teachers from Aceh for the same training programme in January 2006.

Conclusion

8. Despite the hard work expected of you in the next 3 weeks ahead, we hope you will enjoy your stay in Singapore. We hope you leave us at the end of your stay with the feeling that you have acquired new skills in English training, as well as new friends from Singapore that you can keep in touch with even when you are back in Aceh.

9. Thank you.