Children sitting in a classroom with a teacher wearing an International Animal Rescue T Shirt.

Needs Funding

Education

Providing opportunities and growing the next generation of conservationists.

Donate now

Project Summary

Conservation doesn't last if it stops at the forest edge. YIARI’s Education Team is a vital part of its holistic approach to animal welfare and the long-term protection of precious habitat. Their work improves the life chances of children and young people from local communities as well as building understanding and awareness of the importance of protecting their local environment.

From school visits, scholarships and after-school programmes to community skills training and collaborative research, YIARI reach people of every age, from preschool children to adults, across Java, Kalimantan, and Sumatra.

Local Partner: YIARI

0 +

PARTICIPANTS IN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Approx. 4,000 participants reached each year through education and awareness activities
0

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Over 50 children in Indonesia are being given extra skills and training to further their education and help them start careers.
0

VISITORS TO LEARNING CENTER

Over 1,800 visitors hosted annually at the Sir Michael Uren Learning Center in Ketapang, Borneo.

The Full Story

Why Education Matters

Protecting Indonesia’s forests and wildlife isn’t only a matter of patrols and habitat restoration, it depends on the people who live alongside that habitat understanding why it’s worth protecting, and having a stake in its future. Education is where that understanding starts. By reaching children early, supporting them through school, and working alongside adults in the wider community, YIARI is building the awareness and local ownership that is needed to ensure sustainability for conservation in the long-term.

Reaching Communities Across Indonesia

The education and awareness team runs activities across cities and districts in Java, Kalimantan, and Sumatra, engaging around 4,000 participants a year, from preschool children to adults. Over time, this work has reached 7,630 children with environmental education, and trained 512 children more intensively in conservation skills.

Helping Educate the Next Generation

YIARI’s education work runs through five core initiatives:

After School Programme – extending learning beyond the classroom, giving children ongoing engagement with conservation topics in their own communities.
Funded Educational Scholarships – supports children to continue their education and gives them access to higher education. To date, 50 children have received scholarships through this programme.
School Visits – brings conservation into the classroom, reaching hundreds of students directly where they learn.
Kahiu Academy – a dedicated programme that builds deeper conservation knowledge and skills among young people.
Community Education – extends awareness-raising beyond schools into the wider community, with practical, skills based training and education.

A Home for Learning: The Sir Michael Uren Learning Center

Beyond outreach, the Sir Michael Uren Learning Center gives visitors an ongoing place to engage directly with conservation, through film screenings, discussions, and hands-on workshops. It has welcomed 1,826 visitors to date.

Collaborative Working and Educational Research

YIARI’s team runs collaborative initiatives with NGOs, government agencies, communities, and indigenous peoples to improve understanding of key areas such as the illegal wildlife trade, animal behaviour, agroforestry and conservation. It also works on large scale research projects in conjunction with universities to ensure that its day to day work is grounded in evidence and local knowledge.

Your Support Can Make a Difference

YIARI’s education work is funded by generous donors, including individuals, trusts and foundations. Donations help fund school visits, scholarships, learning centre programmes, and research partnerships shaping the next generation of conservationists.

If you are interested in supporting this work contact Freya Macintyre: [email protected]