DRESSED in regular clothing, hundreds of school-age children marched out of their homes on Tuesday afternoon March 27, 2006. The group, carrying their bags and books, entered the school grounds for additional lessons. At the gate, a paper on the notice board read: This school needs assistance.

This message posted at Elementary School 074057, Maliwaa village, Idana Gawo subdistrict, Nias was not exaggerating. After coming inside, it is clear that