Education
Challenges in the Education System of West Papua
West Papua is considered to be one of the least educated regions in the world. Relative poverty, especially in remote areas, is very high, which means that children have few or very limited prospects for the future.
At 0.61, West Papua has the lowest HDI (Human Development Index) in Indonesia, one of the lowest in the world. The absolute poverty rate is 27%.
Lack of infrastructure:
Many remote areas in West Papua have inadequate or no school buildings, and existing infrastructure is often in poor condition. Distances to schools are often long and difficult to access, making access to education significantly more difficult.
Lack of cultural adaptation of the education system:
The Indonesian education system often does not take into account the cultural and local needs of the indigenous population in West Papua. Traditional knowledge and local perspectives are rarely integrated into the curriculum, which reduces the relevance of the lessons for students
Teacher shortage and insufficient qualifications:
There is a significant shortage of qualified teachers, especially in rural areas. In addition, many teachers are not sufficiently trained to meet modern educational standards, which affects the quality of teaching
Financial and social inequality:
High poverty rates limit the ability of many families to pay for school fees, materials or transportation costs. In addition, children often have to work to support the family, which hinders their education.
The Child Aid Papua boarding school:
A holistic solution to educational challenges
in Raja Ampat, West Papua
Building Digital Competence: IT and Technology Education
Modern working methods and technologies are only slowly gaining a foothold in the remote region of Raja Ampat. Nevertheless, computer and laptop skills are essential for the young people's career opportunities. That's why our students also work on computers and learn important skills such as using Microsoft Office and creative elements such as creating their own website.
Learning Through Exploration: Engaging with the Environment
In our organized excursions, the children learn about and appreciate their environment in a playful way. We place great value on practical experience in environmental protection. Through tasks and learning objectives, the students put what they have learned in environmental lessons into practice. The idea of environmental protection is anchored through the direct and personal experiences of the children and young people.
Boarding school
Child Aid Papua School brings together students from more then 20 islands and villages across the Raja Ampat archipelago in southwest Papua. Many of these villages are in remote areas, making daily travel to school impossible. To ensure access to education, the school provides a boarding facility for 24 boys and 24 girls.
A dedicated team runs the boarding school, supporting students not only in their studies but also in developing essential life skills. They learn practical tasks like cooking, cleaning, and taking responsibility for daily routines—preparing them for independent living. For many students in Papua, this boarding system is the only way to receive a continuous, high-quality education and build a better future.
English as a key
Tourism in Raja Ampat has been growing rapidly for several years and is one of the few promising sources of income in the region. To ensure that the local population benefits from these opportunities, mastery of the English language is essential. Child Aid Papua addresses this need by not only teaching children in Raja Ampat English in school, but also integrating the language into their everyday lives.
English is actively practiced on the school and boarding school premises every day: in conversations, joint activities and projects. The language thus becomes a natural part of the learners' lives. This enables them to apply what they have learned immediately, deepen their language skills and consolidate them in the long term.
This holistic approach optimally prepares the students of Child Aid Papua for the job market – especially for the rapidly growing tourism sector in Raja Ampat.
The results speak for themselves: Our school leavers are already among the most sought-after employees in the region and are shaping their future with confidence and competence.
The Child Aid Papua High School is a unique educational project in the West Papua region and is a pioneer in setting new standards. With an innovative school concept that focuses on the English language, digital skills, hospitality and environmental awareness, the school optimally prepares its students for the challenges of the modern working world.
A unique school concept for a sustainable future
In junior high school (years 7 to 9), the focus is on learning basic skills in the areas of language, technology, hospitality and sustainability. Students acquire a solid foundation to apply their skills in practice in senior high school (years 10 to 12). The focus here is on practice-oriented learning methods: through projects, internships and the development of micro-businesses, the young people gain valuable experience that prepares them directly for the job market or further training.
Recognition and quality
Since January 2020, the Child Aid Papua High School has been officially accredited by the Ministry of Education in Indonesia and is authorized to offer a state-recognized school leaving certificate. This enables students to receive a consistent, high-quality education from grades 7 to 12. The school places great emphasis on individual support and holistic support in all subjects.
Practice-Oriented Learning and Global Opportunities
In addition to the classroom instruction, the school offers its students exceptional opportunities to complete internships in the region, in other parts of Indonesia, or even abroad. Especially in grades 10-12, which are designed as a vocational school, the focus is on practical projects, especially in the areas of marine and ecotourism.
Bilingual Education and Regional Uniqueness
In grades 7-9, lessons are held bilingually in English and Indonesian, which helps students not only learn the English language but also actively integrate it into their everyday lives. Child Aid Papua High School is the first school in Papua to set these priorities and educate young people with a focus on sustainability, tourism and modern skills.
to actively and sustainably shape the region.
Child Aid Papua High School
Vocational School: Marine and Ecotourism
We are committed to sustainable education that equips young people with valuable experiences and future opportunities while benefiting the region. Here are some examples of potential job opportunities in the area.
tourism industry
internship program:
Training in a 4-star resort/hotel
marine sciences
Reef Check Eco Diver certification
Opportunity for higher studies in marine sciences/biology
Field work with INGO or MPA Ranger
university
scholarship opportunity
collaboration with the Hospitality University
guide
Certification of the Indonesian Guide Association for Students
The possibilities range from tourist guides to diving guides
diving industry
diving certifications for students
Possibility of training as a diving guide with various diving providers
entrepreneurship
Natan, 10th grade, has already founded his own juice shop
Lesson in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship
Environmental education
An outstanding feature of the Child Aid Papua High School is the active integration of environmental education into school lessons. Raja Ampat is one of the greatest natural paradises on our planet and we want it to stay that way.
Child Aid Papua therefore embeds the idea of environmental protection in the everyday lives of the students through continuous practical experiences and projects. From lessons in the classroom to environmental protection-oriented activities on site - the students learn how important it is to preserve natural resources and how they can actively contribute to protecting their environment.
Success Stories
Melando receives a scholarship to study hospitality at a private university, Trisakti, Jakarta, and has a part-time job at Hilton Garden Inn, Hotel.
Edy works as a professional tour guide for a tour and travel company in Raja Ampat.
Natan, 10th grade, has founded his own business “Raja Ampat Paradise Juice Shop” and has tourists as customers.
