The schools complex of SDN Simpang Anduring, Padang, which were damaged by the devastating earthqauke in late September 2009, have been restored with strong support from Allianz employees and companies. All five elementary schools are now ready to use again, further completed with laboratory and library facilities.

The five elementary schools have been restored after the 2009 earthquake to the current 800 students of SDN 37, SDN 16, SDN 15, SDN 08, and SDN 03. The construction projects were supported by experts of  gtz (German Technical Cooperation). The funds were donated by Allianz staff and agents in Indonesia, Taiwan and Germany, which had been matched  with corporate donations from Allianz Utama Indonesia, Allianz Life Indonesia, Allianz Asia Pacific Singapore and Allianz Direct Help. “We are very glad to see so many Allianz entities and colleagues from around the world contributing to this project of restoration. Our concern was to donate more than money and rebuild the schools with all expertise available”, said Bruce Bowers, CEO of Allianz Asia Pacific.

On behalf of all donators Allianz today officially handed over the five school buildings to the government and comunities in Simpang Anduring, Padang

“The earthquake that happened late September last year was so heartbreaking. We, as an active corporate citizen in Indonesia, have committed to take part in the government’s efforts to restore Padang, especially supporting the sector of education. which is  in line with our Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR program. We are glad to complete this project so that all 800 students can return to their studies and even have more adequate building facilities,” said Joachim Wessling, CEO of Allianz Life Indonesia.

In Padang and surrounding areas, Allianz Indonesia has approximately 140 agents and insures more than 3.000 customers.

Previously Allianz has also shown its committment in Aceh and Nias after the 2004 Tsunami and supported people to recover from natural the disaster in Sumatera island. In the affected areas, Allianz helpd through various activities, ranging from rebuilding schools, foster parent programs up to providing micro financing. Allianz aimed to help people to realize their start into a new life.

“Our business network reaches out nationwide from Aceh to Jayapura, from North Sulawesi to Sumba. We always try to balance our business success with strong social activities. CSR has always been an important responsibility for Allianz in Indonesia,” said Joachim.

Disaster Risk Reduction training for the schools

Through the Allianz Peduli, the social activities arm of Allianz in Indonesia, an additional CSR initiative for SDN Simpang Anduring will be supported:  disaster Rick Reduction (DRR) trainings for the students and its closest communities. Allianz will provide more than funds and expertise, Allianz Indonesia will also engage its staff and agents in the Padang area to actively participate as trainers.

“We will conduct the training gradually starting from October. We have appointed DRR experts to first develop proper DRR training materials for the school and to train our agents and employees who will become the trainers for 800 students on a voluntary basis,” said Decy Christiana, Head of CSR Allianz Indonesia.

DRR training is aimed to teach proper knowledge about disaster risks and the right attitude and knowhow to face future possible natural disasters. This training is one of Allianz Peduli’s programs in the area of education and it is aligned to Allianz’s expertise in risks management.