Islamic Organization Donates US$150 Million for Children of Tsunami Victims

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The Islamic Conference Organization (OKI) donated US$150 million for 25 thousand orphans of tsunami victims at Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD). We give the grants until they are fully grown and can live independently, said Deputy Secretary General of OKI Atta Manane Bakhit in a press conference after meeting with Vice President Jusuf Kalla Wednesday (12/6). Bakhit said that OKI will assist the orphaned victims for fifteen years. Each child, he said, will receive a donation of US$1 per day. Up until today, the regional government of NAD has recorded around 22 thousand candidates of aid receivers of the targeted 25 thousand. Bakhit said that relief aid that will be started by next year includes education and residence aid. According to him, the aid receivers will remain living in their relatives' homes. They will be given cash to cover everyday needs. In addition to an educational program, Bakhit said that the aid will also include health insurance covering all expenses of the children's health and hospital treatment. OKI, he said, will cooperate with local insurance companies to handle the insurance.Moreover, he said, OKI will also prepare skill training to aid receivers when they have become adults. Those who are unable to continue schooling will receive training so that they can go into business, said Bakhit.Bakhit said that members of the OKI have so far donated around US$1.3 trillion for Aceh. The funds, he said, were for a relief program and post-disaster reconstruction.OKTAMANDJAYA WIGUNA