Bernard Neil Langton, a veteran educator with over 39 years of experience, has embarked on a transformative four-month sabbatical in Lombok, Indonesia. Originally from South Africa, Langton has dedicated his time and expertise to supporting local communities, enhancing education, and contributing to sustainable development initiatives in this rural corner of the Indonesian archipelago.
In just a matter of weeks, Langton has become deeply involved in a range of projects. His primary focus is assisting university students at the University of Mataram with a community service initiative centered around mangrove ecotourism at Cemare Beach, West Lombok. The project aims to develop an environmental education curriculum that promotes sustainable tourism while addressing local ecological and economic challenges.
“I’ve seen firsthand the potential for education to drive change, not only in classrooms but across entire communities,” said Langton. “The young people here are incredibly motivated, and their commitment to preserving the environment is inspiring.”
But Langton’s work is not limited to ecotourism education. He has also thrown his support behind Better Together Indonesia Foundation, from leading digital literacy workshops to advising on the sustainable farming project in Gawah Bonga, Langton’s contributions are already making a lasting impact.
Building Bridges Across Continents
Langton has been keen to foster international collaboration during his stay, focusing on developing long-term partnerships between South African and Indonesian educational institutions. His efforts have included networking with local universities and vocational schools, such as Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, to explore student exchange programs and joint research initiatives. His hope is to create opportunities for cross-cultural learning, benefiting both South African and Indonesian students.
“Education is not just about learning within borders. By connecting young people from different parts of the world, we can encourage greater understanding and cooperation,” Langton explained. He has also engaged with local NGOs to explore partnerships on a broader scale, eyeing potential grants from international donors that could support sustainable development projects in Lombok.
A Vision for Sustainable Tourism and Education
Beyond the classroom, Langton has embraced his role as a public advocate for sustainable tourism. He recently delivered a keynote address at the seminar Job Prospects and Doing Business in the Society 5.0 Era, held at the University of Mataram, where he emphasized the critical importance of combining technology with human creativity. Langton particularly urged the Indonesian youth to invest in language skills as a bridge to global opportunities. Upon his return to South Africa, Langton plans to launch free English courses for University of Mataram students to further support this vision.
In his downtime, Langton has taken the opportunity to explore Lombok’s natural beauty, visiting destinations such as Sembalun and the Bagek Kembar Mangrove Ecotourism site. He describes the island as “blessed with abundant natural beauty and unmatched local hospitality,” and recommends it as a prime destination for South Africans, especially those in the Muslim community, to visit.
A Lasting Legacy
As Langton prepares for the final months of his sabbatical, his contributions to the community are already palpable. From environmental education to livelihood projects, his work has left an indelible mark on the lives of those he has touched. The Better Together Indonesia Foundation has benefited greatly from Langton’s input. “We are immensely thankful for Bernard’s time, dedication, and the wealth of knowledge he has shared with us. He is now a part of our family, and we hope to work with him again in the future.”
As Lombok advances on its path toward sustainable development, the partnership between global expertise and local dedication, exemplified by individuals like Langton, highlights the incredible potential of such collaborations. Bernard’s inspiring experience in Lombok shows that volunteering extends far beyond individual tasks—it creates meaningful cross-cultural connections and drives community-wide progress. If Bernard’s story resonates with you, and you’d like to contribute your skills or time to similar causes, we invite you to join us.
Become a part of our global volunteering efforts by registering through our website: https://bettertogether.id/contact/. Let’s build a better future together!
Author: Fuad Andhika Rahman, S.Pi, M.Sc
