Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has set up makeshift classrooms and organized emergency classes for children affected by the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption in East Flores district, East Nusa Tenggara.
It has also provided other assistance, including 15 additional large tents for makeshift classrooms, 1,570 packages of study supplies for pupils, 3,464 books and reading materials, family kits, and funding assistance.
"The ministry is committed to ensuring that children affected by the disaster continue to have access to education. We are also committed to presenting safe learning through facilities and psychosocial support," the ministry's secretary general, Suharti, said, according to a written statement issued on Wednesday.
The ministry is coordinating with the Public Works Ministry to rehabilitate damaged schools and collaborating with partner organizations to supply assistance and provide educational support, she added.
She affirmed that the ministry is determined to ensure that students can continue school activities despite the emergency.
Baca juga: Govt assures Mount Lewotobi victims getting proper assistance
"We are keen to provide optimum assistance for a safe study environment and support post-disaster recovery," Suharti added.
The eruption disrupted activities at 66 educational institutions in Wulanggitang and Ile Bura sub-districts in East Flores district. Seventeen of the educational institutions suffered structural damage.
It also affected 458 teachers and 5,383 pupils in the two sub-districts.
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Meanwhile, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that 2,735 families, or 12,200 people, were affected by the Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption and sought shelter in safer places.
Deputy Home Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto also confirmed that the emergency response operation will take place until December 31, 2024.