Another kind of 'floating school'

There are lots of more serious problems with the education system here in Raja Ampat and in Indonesia in general… But I must say, it surprised me, when we went to the virtually new village of Waisilip (created to be the seat of the local district in 2001)...




The school floods at even the slightest rain.  Many people refer to our boat-based environmental education program as 'the floating school' or the 'floating education station'... but now that phrase takes on a whole new meaning!

It's no wonder, actually.  The entire village area is sitting on reclaimed land from mangrove swamps.  Nature always wins and takes back what's hers.  The surprising part is that the design and development of this village was done in complete and total ignorance!?  The school is brand new (no more than 5 years), but no one can go to school if it rains... which it does for about 6 months of the year.

This was only a light afternoon shower... just imagine once the rainy season really hits!?