MINISTER DEDICATES SCHOOL BUILT WITH DONATIONS IN NIAS

Nias, N Sumatra, Jan 10 (ANTARA) - Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda on Saturday officially opened a school in Gunung Sitoli (capital of Nias district) built with funds raised by Indonesian diplomatic missions abroad.

Speaking at a ceremony to commission the Gita Caraka integrated school, the minister said the school was conrete proof that funds had helped Nias and been managed responsibly.

The school was set up with part of the funds raised by some 119 Indonesian diplomatic missions around the world to help repair the damage caused by the 2004 earthquake and tsunami in Aceh and Nias, he said.

The collected funds were allocated for the recovery and reconstruction of builings and facilities damaged or destroyed by natural disasters in seven Indonesian provinces.

"Most of the raised funds was earmarked to finance the building of schools. Why schools? Because in this globalization era, competition is very tight. To face it, education is the answer," the minister said.

"I hope this school can be managed and maintained well to express our gratitude and appreciation to the donors," he said.

He added, "I hope the school can increase the local students' academic achievements".

Besides officially opening the school, the minister also signed an official document formalizing the school's handover and presented it to Nias District Chief Binahati B. Baeha.

The ceremony was also attended by North Sumatra Governor Syamsul Arifin.