124 / Pulau Balai, Singkil, Aceh
Intan was in her last semester when she decided to stop out her study for 2 years. The decision was made due to the urge to make a change in Balai Island, her mother’s village. She is listed as English teachers in several formal schools, and her passion leads her to also commit to work in Zoo Liberec program. Every Monday to Thursday she teaches about the importance of healthy marine ecosystem to the children.
Balai Island is the main island amongst 70 islands of Banyak Islands, Aceh Province. Blessed with beautiful beaches, coral reefs, pristine jungles and the wildlife within, the island face a fast development from tourism, especially after the island was significantly affected by tsunami in 2004. But then there come the consequences; the beauty of nature is polluted by waste and the coral reef ecosystem is destroyed by inappropriate fishing activities.
Intan is really keen to change the situation by educate the children of Pulau Balai. She initiated a weekly clean up with the children to keep the island clean from which she teaches the children about the dangers of waste to the ecosystem. However she thinks the best way to tackle the waste problem is by preventing the problem, and it can only happen with help of good education.
Intan believes that good environment-themed books would really boost the children’s awareness about how to save the nature. She hopes this movement will last long and be sustainable in the island.