Sending Hope from Indonesia

My Journey to Help build Futures with Classroom of Hope

A man in a blue shirt takes a smiling selfie with four children in white headscarves. Green building and trees in the sunny background. — You can't help but smile being around this energy at the brand new school built in Lombok.

When it comes to my philanthropic work, no foundation aligns with my values quite like Classroom of Hope.

What is Classroom of Hope?

Classroom of Hope was established by Nicola and Duncan back in 2018. While living in Bali and working on education programs in Cambodia, their lives were upended when devastating earthquakes struck Lombok, east of Bali. These earthquakes flattened homes, infrastructure, and tragically, schools.

Open white door with red ribbon across entrance, set against green walls. Bright setting with tiled floor. Anticipatory mood. — From dirt floors to two state of the art classrooms.

Answering the call for aid, Nicola and Duncan visited Lombok, where over 400 classrooms had been destroyed. During the rebuilding process, they realised that many were too scared to return to traditional classrooms. That’s when they teamed up with Block Solutions, a company that produces lego like blocks from recycled plastic and biocomposite materials. Together, they fundraised enough to build a factory in Lombok to produce these blocks.

To date, Classroom of Hope has rebuilt 100 schools, 30 of which use Block Solutions’ innovative technology.

A man organizing green plastic building blocks in an outdoor setting, surrounded by various stacks of blocks. Behind him, a group of school children in white shirts and red scarves are observing, with tropical trees and a rundown building in the background. — School being built using blocks made from two tonnes of recycled ocean plastic.

Each school built with these blocks repurposes two tonnes of plastic waste from the ocean. The blocks create an earthquake resistant foundation that provides safety, cooler classrooms, excellent acoustics, and only takes 6 - 8 weeks to build.

Adults and children gather outside near a green doorway. Trees and a tent with chairs are in the background. The mood is lively and engaging. — Saskia and I meeting the children with Class of Hope- CEO, Tanya Armstrong.

How Did I Get Involved?

In 2014, I moved to the Philippines to build a resort inspired by yacht design. Living in a remote coastal area, I noticed seasonal waste washing up on the beaches and started wondering how to repurpose it. My first attempt was grinding it into foundations for my resort, a quick fix that only scratched the surface of what could be done.

As a boat captain, ocean awareness and conservation have always been important to me. During my travels through remote areas of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, I witnessed dilapidated hospitals and schools. Using funds from yacht owners, my crew and I provided water tanks, pumps, solar panels, and other essentials to revive community facilities.

Children play on a sunny beach, one paddling on a log. Palm trees line the shore with boats in the distance. The sky is blue and clear. — Inspired by the Philippines, the starting point for my evolving journey in sustainable projects.

During a conversation at my daughter’s school, I met Nicola and Duncan from Classroom of Hope. After learning more about their work, I felt an immediate connection to their mission. A week later, I ran into Duncan from Block Solutions. That serendipitous moment was my calling to get involved.

I put out a call on my social media channels to raise funds for a classroom. Within four months, I raised enough to build a fully equipped classroom for 170 children, complete with bathroom facilities far better than anything they’d had before.

A group of five people smile in front of a green wall. A plaque reads "SDN 1 SIGAR PENJALIN" and mentions a fundraising campaign. — Such a proud Pappa moment knowing my efforts help build the helping to build the Sigar Penjalin wing in Lombok.

Why I Stand Behind Classroom of Hope

What I love most about Classroom of Hope is their grassroots approach. They collaborate with community leaders to understand the children’s needs, educate communities about recycling and provide sustainable tools for the future. They don’t impose changes to local customs but work with what’s already there to create lasting impact.

Transparency is key. With many foundations, it’s unclear where the money goes. Classroom of Hope’s full circle approach addresses education, sustainability, employment and ocean conservation. Every cent goes back into creating a better future for the children.

Man taking a selfie with a large group of children in black clothing outdoors. A building with red and white decor is in the background. — Over 150 Lombok kids' lives transformed through this Class of Hope project.

How You Can Help

In October, Classroom of Hope held its first gala in Melbourne, aiming to raise $60,000 for a school. They exceeded expectations, raising $140,000 in one night.

“It was amazing to see the momentum,” I said of the gala. “This isn’t just about schools it’s about education and giving children opportunities to achieve a better future.”

Geometric shapes and text "GALA 2024" on dark blue background. Colors include orange, green, and blue. Text: "Presented by Loft Social for Classroom of Hope."

A joyous woman in a blue dress and man in a blue suit embrace on stage. She holds an envelope. Warm lighting, wooden walls, and plants. — Speaking at the Gala to highlight the impactful work of Classroom of Hope.

I’ve travelled extensively and seen real poverty not how we perceive it, but as a way of life for many. Classroom of Hope isn’t about changing lives it’s about providing quality education in sustainable facilities.

You can get involved anytime by visiting www.classroomofhope.org. Their subscription based donations are the easiest way to contribute. Just a few dollars a month can make a significant impact. Every dollar counts towards building a brighter, more sustainable future for children.

A timelapse video of the building process of the third block school in Lombok, Indonesia.