The Happiness that Cannot Be Bought

Every seed of goodness you plant will grow into a large tree, and beneath its shade, you will find the happiness that cannot be bought with money.

Setiap benih kebaikan yang kamu tanam akan tumbuh menjadi pohon yang rindang, dan di bawah rindangnya pohon itu, kamu akan menemukan kebahagiaan yang tak bisa dibeli dengan uang.

– Pak Vian

Novianto Adhi Sucipta, affectionately known as Pak Vian, is a dedicated teacher leading one of Calls Over Ridges Malaysia‘s aquaponics projects in Sabah. Pak Vian’s story is one of commitment and passion for teaching marginalised students, and a powerful reminder of the fulfillment that sustains educators in challenging times.

The Challenges of Teaching

Pak Vian’s experience teaching in Sabah has been both challenging and rewarding. Beyond the Aquaponics Program, his primary responsibilities are teaching a wide array of subjects across different grade levels. From elementary school (SD) to junior high school (SMP), Pak Vian covers subjects like Science, Social Science, Physical Education, Arts, and Civics. Although his teaching duties are broad, he always tries to remain flexible to the needs of his students.

However, one of the main challenges in teaching at CLC Matakana is the diversity of the student body. Students may be the children of migrant workers from Indonesia or the Philippines, or local Sabahans. With them, they bring unique needs and experiences. Pak Vian notes that communication can be difficult, especially for Filipino and Indonesian students who speak regional languages at home rather than Malay or English. This linguistic barrier sometimes complicates the learning process, making it more difficult for students to fully engage with the curriculum.

The Aquaponics Project: Innovation and Hope

Therefore, having a skills-based program like the Aquaponics Program provides an accessible and vocational option to students. With technical assistance from the aquaponics company Urban Farmer and funding from CORM, the aquaponics project was launched. Pak Vian explains that the project not only raises awareness about food security but also helps students develop important life skills such as discipline, teamwork, responsibility, precision, and honesty. These are crucial lessons, as they prepare students for future careers and life outside school.

CLC Matakana, in fact, previously conducted similar but simpler activities, such as planting vegetables in used bottles, which generated a lot of interest from both students and their parents. Given the growing demand for organic food and the urban location of the school, Pak Vian believes the project could be expanded into a sustainable business model that teaches students about food production, business, and marketing. Sharing knowledge that can benefit their entire families.

The Joys of Teaching

Despite the challenges, Pak Vian stays motivated through strong connections with his family back in Indonesia. He also reflects on his initial purpose for coming to Sabah, which helps him stay focused. Seeing the dedication of his colleagues, especially the Malaysian teachers working for less pay than their Indonesian counterparts – reminds him of the bigger picture: to provide a better future for his students.

For young teachers considering international missions like his, Pak Vian offers this advice: “If you want to get rich, do not become a teacher.” He goes on to emphasize that while teaching may not bring material wealth, it brings a sense of fulfilment and joy that cannot be bought: “Every seed of goodness you plant will grow into a large tree, and beneath its shade, you will find happiness that cannot be bought with money.”

Looking Ahead

Like CORM, Pak Vian believes that education has the power to change the future of marginalized children in Sabah. While he acknowledges that not all students will immediately land high-paying jobs, he hopes that by learning aquaponics, children unlock opportunities other than working in the palm oil plantations like their parents.