Our Ocean School: Making Waves in Our First 10 Months

A Community-Driven School in the Mentawai Islands

Date

March 6, 2026

Author

oos

Photo

© Our Ocean School.

Our Ocean School is more than just an English classroom.

It is a community-driven education initiative in the Mentawai Islands, supported by local teachers, volunteers, and international supporters.

The school operates as a non-profit education project, focused on expanding opportunities for young people in Tuapejat and surrounding communities.

Local Teachers Leading the Program

Our Indonesian teaching team plays a central role in the success of the school.

Their dedication and creativity have helped develop a learning environment where students feel safe, encouraged, and excited to participate.

The curriculum includes:

English speaking and pronunciation
cultural exchange
environmental awareness
leadership and life skills

Many lessons incorporate topics connected to island life, the ocean, tourism, and protecting the environment.

This helps students see how their education connects directly to real opportunities in their community.

Today, the school has become a place where students can imagine new futures for themselves.

October 2024

In just 10 months since opening its doors, Our Ocean School has proudly made a meaningful impact on our community in the Mentawai Islands by providing free English education to over 250 students, with 90% of them gaining access to English for the first time. In a region where schools rarely offer English programs, Our Ocean School is bridging the gap, opening up new opportunities for students to build skills that will serve them well into the future.

Our school has been a hub of cross-cultural exchange, welcoming over 70 western volunteers of all ages who’ve come from around the world to join our classrooms and help students practice English. This engagement goes beyond language skills—our students are growing in confidence as they learn to express themselves in English, a vital skill for those who may one day work in the tourism industry. With 75% of our student body being female and balanced representation of both Muslim and Christian students, we’re proud to foster an inclusive and diverse environment that reflects the spirit of our community.

Our Ocean School’s journey has only begun, but our students’ enthusiasm and progress affirm the importance of accessible education. With continued support, we look forward to expanding our reach, empowering even more local students, and building a brighter future for the Mentawai Islands.