Mentawai’s school is located on one of the most remote islands of West Sumatera, Indonesia. This past summer, Kiera and Jules visited the school to encourage and provide constructive feedback to teacher-interns from the TransformNation (TfN) Program. This is their testimony.

By Kiera and Jules, TfN Mentors

As the sun rises, the day begins with a sacred ritual at the Mentawai School: morning prayer sets the tone for each day. TfN teachers and staff gather, seeking guidance and protection from God for their students and themselves. This practice is centered on the principle of “Jesus first.” It’s simple yet powerful, emphasizing their deep faith and commitment to God as a school.

During our visit, we observed six TfN interns. They teach 39 elementary students from Grades 1 to 3. It was clear that the interns were significantly more skilled at teaching than the local teachers who work alongside them. The interns planned better lessons, had a clearer understanding of what the children should achieve, and taught more effectively. The students were noticeably happier and more engaged. This was a joyful revelation for us, affirming that our efforts and prayers are making a real difference in providing better education and knowledge of God to children in remote areas.

The TfN interns live in two houses about 500 meters from the school. They face challenging living conditions, like, depending on four solar panels for electricity, getting clean water from a well, limited basic amenities, and frequent thefts. But the team remains positive and has learned to leverage support from one another.

The interns’ enthusiasm is contagious and their students are often found excitedly waiting for them before the bell even rings. These teachers make learning a joyful experience. We know that learning can be challenging, but almost every child is highly curious, enthusiastic, and determined to prove that they can succeed. Even the weakest students know that their teachers are fully committed to helping them learn and they will not be overlooked.

When break time arrives you can hear joyful, carefree laughter echoing through the school. At the end of the day they often return to school to play. It’s not just about gaining knowledge; the teachers have made this school a second home for their students.

Tears of joy streamed down our faces as we realized the success of the TfN Program. The interns love God and their students with the love of Christ. They teach the students about Jesus as a real person, not just a set of moral rules. Seeing a genuine Christian school in such a remote area was truly heartwarming. God is using our dedication and prayers to provide better education and spiritual guidance to children in isolated places, making a lasting impact on their lives.