MEET THE TEAM

Halim is originally from Tenggel village on Poto Island, a small island in the southeast of Bintan. Halim has been working with TIF since 2018, first joining as a Learning Facilitator in the Teluk Dalam Learning Centre. A year later, Halim relocated back to Tenggel where TIF opened a Learning Centre - now Halim teaches in Tenggel and is the Program Coordinator for the Bintan Pesisir area.

Halim graduated with a Bachelors in Information Systems from Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi, Tanjung Pinang. Born and raised in fishing community, Halim says "I am very proud to be a part of TIF where I can contribute to improving education for children in my village and beyond."

​

Riyo is originally from Lingga Regency and began with TIF in 2014 as the Learning Farm lead and Football Coach thanks to his boundless energy. Over the years, through working for TIF and honing his skills, Riyo began taking on teaching duties and now leads classes regularly at one of our Learning Centres, and is Program Coordinator in Teluk Sebong.

He describes TIF as, "not only a workplace, but a somewhere where both employees like me and our students can learn, develop core skills and maximise our potential." After seeing TIF grow over the years, Riyo believes that TIF's future is bright and he is excited for what is to come.

​

​

Sesa, a Kawal local, graduated with a Bachelor in Education, majoring in Guidance and Counselling, from Padang State University. Sesa commenced working at TIF in 2022 as a Learning Facilitator where she shares her passion for learning, creativity and love of play with students.

Sesa believes in the power of English language skills as a tool for unlocking students' potential, and is excited to witness her students develop over time. When not at work, Sesa is dabbling in micro-enterprise, or spending time with friends and family.

Aidil was born and raised in Pengudang, a coastal village in the north of Bintan. Aidil grew up in a fishing community, but didn't see himself becoming a fisherman when he grew up. So, after graduating high school, he worked in the tourism sector for several years. Here, he realised how invaluable his education, especially the English classes, had been towards providing him with career opportunities.

Joining TIF in 2022, Aidil works as a Learning Facilitator providing the next generation with the opportunity to development core skills for their futures.

Riska, born and raised in Tanjungpinang, joined TIF as a Learning Facilitator in August 2023. During her university studies, she was actively involved in organisations, community-based education, and volunteered at children's literacy parks. These experiences honed her teaching and communication skills, making her well-suited for her role as a Learning Facilitator.

Working with TIF has enriched her understanding of Malay culture and coastal communities. Riska graduated with a degree in Psychology in 2022, but she remains eager to learn and grow.

In her free time, Riska enjoys exploring new places, taking photos, and editing videos.

Thresia, known as Marlin, was born in Batam, raised in Bintan and joined the team as a Learning Facilitator in June 2024. An alumna of the TIF Learning Center, she graduated the program in 2018.

Before joining TIF, Marlin worked as a part-time religious education teacher for elementary school children in Teluk Dalam. She believes that TIF is the best place for fostering sustainable learning for small island and coastal communities, and enhancing English language skills, which will greatly benefit the students in the future.

Thresia enjoys working in a positive environment and gaining new experiences. In her free time, she loves listening to music, writing, and spending time with family and friends.

Wahyu was born in Lingga Regency, and grew up in Bintan. He has been working with TIF since 2018 - Wahyu currently teaches in two locations and is the Program Coordinator for the Gunung Kijang area.

Wahyu is a creative who is active in the local music scene and enjoys volunteering in his spare time. When asked what motivates him in his role, Wahyu replied "not only is it a great opportunity for me to improve my public speaking, teaching and teamwork skills, it is also an opportunity for me to make a direct positive impact on my village. This job has led me to find my purpose: to contribute to the development of my village."

​

Tintin is a proud Orang Suku Laut man from Panglong in the north of Bintan and with strong ties to community across Bintan, Batam and beyond. Tintin holds a Diploma from the Center for Tourism and Education, and joined TIF in 2020. Tintin is working as a Learning Facilitator and leads on engagement with Orang Suku Laut communities.

Tintin is passionate about providing culturally relevant learning opportunities for children, and actively harnesses the power of education to protect and preserve Orang Suku Laut language and culture.

"I am very grateful to be part of TIF. Sharing experiences with colleagues and teaching children are extraordinary opportunities for me."

​

Ayes comes from Air Glubi - a small island located off the southeast coast of Bintan. Ayes holds a Diploma in Hospitality from Sahid Institute of Tourism, Jakarta, but had long been interested in teaching and sustainable development for his island community. So, in 2022, when given the chance to work for TIF as a Learning Facilitator in Air Glubi, he eagerly took it on.

Ayes believes that TIF's program empowers children to reach their full potential through nurturing individual creativity and expression, while also enabling him to develop his own soft skills and confidence in English.

Kenny was born and raised in Malang Rapat, Bintan, and is an alumni of the TIF Learning Centre program. Kenny learned with TIF when she was in primary school, and then volunteered in the Learning Centre during university breaks throughout 2019.

Kenny officially joined the team as a Learning Facilitator in 2023 and is back teaching in her home town. She is close to completing a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in Management.

Outside of work, Kenny is an avid singer, dancer and cat lover.

Johanes, known as Jo, is a proud Orang Suku Laut man from Kawal Laut and has deep ties to community in Bintan and Lingga. After finishing school, Jo received a scholarship to pursue higher education at Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta, majoring in Religious Education and Philosophy.

Jo joined the team in early 2024. He is highly enthusiastic about children's education, especially for the Orang Suku Laut community. Jo believes that "a good education adapts to the life of the child. Education shouldn't change culture, but change mindsets."

Currently, Jo teaches at various Learning Centers as needed. In addition to his teaching role, Jo is an avid soccer player, a religion teacher, and a passionate dancer.