One of the most important goals of Our Ocean School is helping students build confidence through communication.
Many students in the Mentawai Islands have limited opportunities to practice English in real-life situations.
That’s why Our Ocean School focuses on interactive learning rather than traditional memorisation.
Students practice speaking English through activities such as:
- introducing themselves
- describing hobbies and interests
- asking questions
- practicing conversations
- role-playing everyday situations
This method helps students develop real conversational confidence.
Learning Through International Volunteer Interaction
An exciting part of the program has been the support of international volunteers who visit the school and practice English with students.
Since opening, more than 12 Western volunteers from around the world have spent time working with students at Our Ocean School.
These interactions allow students to:
- practice English with native speakers
- learn about different cultures
- ask questions about the world beyond the Mentawai Islands
- build confidence communicating internationally
For many students, this is the first time speaking English with someone from another country.
One popular class activity involves students acting out restaurant role plays, inviting each other out for dinner and ordering food entirely in English.
These moments are powerful reminders that language is more than vocabulary — it’s a tool for connection.
