Build Schools in Indonesia from Recycled Plastic

Before
Placed in the heart of Kuta Village, PAUD Mandalika has been pioneering early childhood education in a place where none existed before since 2012. As the only pre-school in the village, it has served generations of young learners despite lacking the most basic of facilities.

For over a decade, the school has operated without a permanent building. Learning activities were constantly relocated, borrowing whatever space was available. Most recently, classes were held in a cramped 6x4 meter bamboo room, shared with a nearby elementary school and also used for religious activities. The space was overcrowded and unsuitable for the 62 active students, with poor ventilation, no proper flooring, and no room to move or play.

Even more critical was the absence of proper sanitation. With no toilet of their own, students and teachers had to use the facilities at the neighboring school. This was far from ideal, especially for such young children who require hygienic and age-appropriate amenities to support their health and development.

The need for change was clear.

Building a Brighter Future
In 2025, the long wait finally ended. Happy Hearts Indonesia partnered with the local community to bring lasting change to PAUD Mandalika. The rebuilding project began in April and, just a month later, the new school was complete.

What once was a small borrowed room is now a block school building equipped with two spacious classrooms, furnished with whiteboards, cabinets, tables, and chairs. There’s also a proper toilet—finally providing the sanitation facilities that young children deserve—and even an outdoor playground to support physical development and play-based learning.

Thanks to the collaborative effort, the transformation also contributed to the environment, with approximately 2.2 tons of plastic recycled and 5.2 tons of carbon emissions reduced during the construction process.

A New Chapter Begins
Today, 62 students (32 girls and 30 boys) and 6 teachers (4 women and 2 men) walk into classrooms that are not only safe but designed for early childhood development. The school is now a place where children can learn, explore, and thrive.

The local community—297 residents and future students included—feels an immense sense of pride. Their contributions were critical: they provided the land, helped clear the site, and offered housing and snacks for the workers. Their participation helped turn a vision into reality.

More Than Just a Building
This transformation is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about raising awareness on the importance of child-friendly learning spaces and recycling, fostering a long-term partnership between the school, the community, and local government, and inspiring other villages across Lombok to dream of better futures for their children.

Together, We Rebuild Futures
PAUD Mandalika stands as a powerful example of what can happen when communities and supporters come together. We’ve built more than a school—we’ve built hope, opportunity, and a stronger foundation for generations to come.

Let’s continue this mission. Many more children across Indonesia still need safe spaces to learn. With your support, we can reach them—one school at a time.

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