The United States Embassy officially opened the exhibition, “Build Back Better – an exhibition reflecting on life in Aceh 10 years after the Indian Ocean Tsunami” at @america in the Pacific Place Mall on Thursday. The exhibition is open to the public free of charge on Sundays and Mondays through January 26, 2015.
Developed by the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the exhibition features photos and memories of resilience, recovery and international solidarity, along with the premiere of a new film, “Stories of Recovery, 10 Years after the Tsunami.”
“The tsunami taught us many things – the strength of partnership and friendship between the United States and Indonesia, the depth of human kindness, the power of working together as a global community, the need for increased disaster preparedness, and the urgency of protecting the planet by mitigating risks to disasters and helping communities become more resilient,” said U. S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Kristen Bauer. The 2004 tsunami is the story of tragedy and loss, but it also demonstrates what the community of nations can accomplish when it works together toward a common goal – to build back better.”
To view an on-line catalog with excerpts from the exhibition, visithttp://bit.ly/BuildBackBetterAceh.
The opening also included a panel discussion, moderated by NET TV Presenter Marissa Anita, and featured Dr. Ir. Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, former chief of the Agency for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Community Life Aceh Province and Nias, North Sumatra and aid workers who were in Aceh after the tsunami.
To further commemorate the anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami, USAID encourages all to send the people of Aceh messages of hope via social media using the hashtag – #BuildBackBetter.
USAID is the lead U.S. Government Agency that leads and coordinates the U.S. Government’s humanitarian assistance efforts overseas. USAID works to end extreme global poverty and to promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing security and prosperity. USAID has a deep commitment to work as a partner in fostering sustainable development and seeks to empower and support through collaboration. The Agency works hand-in-hand with those it seeks to assist as well as others striving to support the most vulnerable.
