More Aussie, RI schools get connected

JAKARTA: A number of schools throughout the country have participated in the third phase of the Bridge (Building Relations through Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement) program, bringing the total number of Indonesian schools participating in the program to 47 in seven provinces.

Under the program, 31 teachers from Indonesia will travel to Australia in 2010 to build partnerships with Australian schools, improve their English language skills and receive training on incorporating information and communication technology into their teaching.

"This is a unique opportunity for teachers to exchange knowledge and experience with their Australian counterparts and develop their skills, particularly in using the Internet as a teaching tool," Australian ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, said in a statement over the weekend.

"Knowledge-sharing through outlets such as Wikispace enhances the learning environment by improving students' confidence and language proficiency while also fostering friendship between Australian and Indonesian students."

The Bridge program was initiated in 2008 by the Australia-Indonesia Institute and is funded by the Australian Government and the Myer Foundation. The Asia Education Foundation is delivering the program with the support of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. - JP