125 / Yenwapnour, Raja Ampat, West Papua
Been born with half European and half Carribean blood, a Marine Biologist, Arno Brival really loves cultural diversity. Been working for 4 years as dive instructor and marine biologist in Arborek Island, Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua Province, he would like to do more to improve the local children education.
Together with his team he founded a non-profit organization called Raja Ampat SEA Centre (Science, Education, and Awareness Centre), whose aim is to educate local people about marine biology and to empower them to use the knowledge to conserve marine wildlife. Raja Ampat SEA Centre runs several conservation projects, such as diving school for the locals, Manta Ray watch, coral reef transplantation, and local children education.
Each of the 9 villages in Yenwapnour has formal school, but the teachers sometimes are absent. This condition encourage Arno to conduct a weekly education activities so the children can still learn about many things despite of their teachers absence.
Since September 2017, every Sunday after church, about 50 children of Yenwapnour come to SEA Centre place to see a presentation from Arno and friends about coral reefs, mangroves, trash, and other topics. They are also really excited to watch the documentary movies and play some educative games. Every week Arno choose 10 children to snorkel in their coral reef farm and learn anything related to marine conservation.
Arno is surrounded by local people who are willing and excited to learn about sustainable development. The fact that the children are really thirsty for science makes him very happy and encourage to open an Eco-Education Center. “Learning is important, and the willing to self-learn is even more important,” he said.