Empowering the Next Generation:

Overcoming the barriers to education in remote Indonesia

We are dedicated to providing quality education in remote Indonesia. Through innovative teaching methods, we empower the next generation to create a brighter future where every child can reach their full potential. We serve with passion. We are committed to making a lasting impact.

The Problem

According to the World Bank, approximately 25 million Indonesians live below the poverty line. In remote parts of Indonesia, poverty often prevents children from accessing quality education.

Poor Education

Many children struggle with literacy and numeracy skills. According to a survey from INAP, 65% of students from 4th grade are not able to read and write fluently, while 33% know letters and syllables but struggle to read words. Of the students surveyed, only 2% were able to read proficiently.

Stunting

Stunting is a common consequence of malnutrition, which is often caused by poverty and the inability to access a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Stunting can lead to underdeveloped brain function and long-lasting harmful consequences, including diminished mental ability and learning capacity, poor school performance, and increased risks of nutrition-related chronic diseases.

Wasted Potential

It is not talent but wealth that determines a child’s educational destiny. This reality fails the individual children, each of whom has a right to education. Brilliant doctors, teachers or entrepreneurs instead herd goats or collect water. 

The Challenges

Infrastructure

Schools and villages face connectivity challenges that may discourage the best teachers from working in remote areas. According to a recent survey from the world bank, 29% of the schools in remote regions of Indonesia are connected to the power grid, 17% have internet access and 39% have enough textbooks.

Teachers

The quality of education services is hindered by teacher qualifications, teacher composition, and the necessity for multi-grade teaching. Another serious problem is teacher absence, as it directly affects whether students learn in school. Unannounced visits to surveyed schools indicated that 25% of classrooms did not have a teacher, and 17% of teachers did not come to school on a given day.

Awareness

Low student learning outcomes is associated with low parental education; less time dedicated to their child’s schooling; and far less engagement with school committees and teachers. Surprisingly, parents are satisfied with the quality of education and learning outcomes. This indicates that parents either have very moderate expectations or are not fully informed of the service standards that should be delivered by teachers.

Laws and regulations

Establishing a charitable foundation in Indonesia is an arduous task due to the country’s intricate legal framework and bureaucratic hurdles. The process of acquiring the required permits and licenses can be particularly daunting, as it entails navigating through an extensive array of paperwork and procedures.

Our Solution

To ensure sustainable support, we are prioritizing education as the key solution. By providing access to education, we can significantly combat poverty, reduce stunting, and give individuals the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Provide quality education

To address the problem of poor education and students struggling with literacy and numeracy skills, it’s important to prioritize access to quality education.

Agroforestry / Food garden

To address the problem of stunting caused by malnutrition, we need to prioritize access to nutrient-dense foods. Agroforestry is an effective and sustainable solution by providing communities with fruits and vegetables to improve their diets.

Access for all individuals

To address the problem of unequal distribution of educational opportunities, we need to prioritize access to education for all individuals regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Our Strategy

Infrastructure

We will invest in a good infrastructure that includes independent power system, stable internet, proper sanitation system, good quality literature etc. Also, we will choose a location close to the beach, with a good view and a moderate climate to attract domestic and international teachers.

Teachers

We will deploy high qualified teachers to teach the children as well as the local teachers. The motivation of local teachers to improve is more important than their education level. We will teach young talents intensively, to upgrade their qualifications and skills. Also, we want to implement an accountability system to avoid teacher absence.

Awareness

Improving parents’ knowledge and awareness will likely increase their demand and engagement in quality education. Finally, collaboration between teachers and parents to support student learning will likely generate higher aspirations and career outlooks among students.

Laws and regulations

We have professional guidance from experienced lawyers and consultants to assist with the legal process of obtaining permits and licenses, and ensuring compliance with local laws. Building strong relationships with local authorities and partners is also a key strategy for us to understand and abide by the local regulations.

Long Term Impact

With our education program, we aim to create a new generation of highly skilled professionals who will have the ability to drive sustainable development and growth in one of the least developed regions of Indonesia. 

Our focus on environmental protection and health, in addition to education, will ensure that our impact extends beyond the classroom and into the wider community.

But our impact doesn’t stop there. We don’t just teach, we teach how to teach. By training teachers to train other teachers, we are creating a sustainable model for education that will continue to empower future generations.

About us

We are a team of changemakers from different parts of the world, united by a common mission to overcome the barriers to education in remote Indonesia and create a sustainable, self-sufficient, and thriving community.

Governing Board Switzerland

Dario

President, board member

Origin: Interlaken, Switzerland
Occupation: Web Developer, Social Entrepreneur

Peter

Vice-President, board member

Origin: Interlaken, Switzerland
Occupation: Optometrist, CEO Urfer Optik

Fabienne

Treasurer, board member

Origin: Interlaken, Switzerland
Occupation: Administrator at Urfer Optik

Judi

Auditor, Consultant

Origin: Semarang, Indonesia
Occupation: IT Expert

Operative Team Indonesia

Jori

Director

Origin: Kupang, Indonesia
Occupation: Manager Tazkia Aarian Project, worker at provincial government of NTT

Lefinus

Manager Education Center Kot'olin

Origin: Kot’olin, Indonesia
Occupation: School Director SMAK Oetuke

Heni

Kindergarten head teacher

Origin: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Occupation: Kindergarten teacher

Sukirno

Kindergarten Instructor

Origin: Cilacap, Indonesia
Occupation: Director Kindergarten Paud Cipta Smart Adiraja, SSM Instructor

Jean

Literacy Expert

Origin: Aceh, Indonesia
Occupation: Director Saya Suka Membaca

Welvi

Kindergarden teacher student

Origin: Oebaki (Timor), Indonesia
Occupation: Kindergarten teacher trainee

Laila

Kindergarden teacher student

Origin: Kot’olin, Indonesia
Occupation: Kindergarten teacher trainee

Efi

Kindergarden teacher student

Origin: Kot’olin, Indonesia
Occupation: Kindergarten teacher trainee

Kristofel

Facilities Technician

Origin: Kot’olin, Indonesia
Occupation: Mason

Advisory Board

Yahya

Consultant

Origin: Flores, Indonesia
Occupation: School Director Environmental School Manusak, Social Entrepreneur

Lisa

Consultant

Origin: Jakarta, Indonesia
Occupation: School Director Alfa Omega School, Social Entrepreneur

Tim

Consultant

Origin: Bern, Switzerland
Occupation: Social Entrepreneur, Construction Expert

Berta

Consultant

Origin: Bern, Switzerland
Occupation: Kindergarten Teacher

Partners

SMAK Oetuke

Partner School near Kot'olin

Sekolah Alam Manusak

Partner School in Kupang Region
Partner School Jakarta

Paud Cipta Smart Adiraja

Partner School Cilacap
Partner School in Kupang
Charity Partner

Imigration Kupang

Visa Consulting
Main Donor
Main Donor

Get involved

Join us in Providing Quality Education and Opportunities for Remote Communities

Your support can change lives. Donate or become a volunteer. We need construction, teaching and expert volunteers to help us provide exceptional education, health and environmental protection.

Our current project: Education Center Kot'olin