5 MIN READ
05-23-2025
Little Ocean Guardians: Lalanglinggah Elementary Students Clean Up Balian Beach
Ahmad Fasta, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
The morning sun cast a golden glow over Balian Beach as an extraordinary scene unfolded—hundreds of young students from SD Negeri Lalanglinggah lined the shoreline, sacks in hand, ready to make a difference. Guided by the 4ocean Bali crew and accompanied by two enthusiastic volunteers from Florida, Dr. Shaun and Dr. Tiffany, these children weren't just here for a lesson—they were here to lead one.
Before the cleanup began, the students were greeted with motivating words from the 4ocean team and their teachers. Excitement buzzed through the air as the children listened intently, absorbing the importance of their role in ocean protection. And then, without missing a beat, they sprang into action.
Over the next two hours, the students spread out across 800 meters of beach, clearing away a wide range of debris—plastic bottles, plastic bags, used sacks, old fishing nets, plastic cups, and even motorcycle tires. Alongside these usual suspects were unexpected discoveries that lit up the kids’ faces: a teddy bear, a heart-shaped strainer, and even a half-bodied mermaid doll. The beach became a treasure map, and every odd item was a story waiting to be told.
In total, the children helped remove a staggering 2,794.34 pounds of plastic waste from the beach.
Following the cleanup, Dr. Shaun and Dr. Tiffany handed out goodie bags, but the real gift came during the education session. The crew explained the different types of waste and how even the smallest everyday decisions affect our oceans. The kids were all ears—curious, engaged, and full of questions. That moment became a powerful seed planted in young minds.
“Today, our students learned directly in the field, and that experience is far more meaningful than anything we could teach in the classroom,” said one of the teachers.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. A high tide made the beach narrower than usual, and the crew had to stay alert to ensure the children’s safety. Coordinating the logistics of group division, maintaining engagement, and managing heavy and bulky waste items like tires added extra layers of challenge. But the dedication of the crew, the cooperation of the teachers, and the sheer joy of the students carried everyone through.
This wasn’t just a cleanup—it was a celebration of hope. The children's laughter echoed against the crashing waves, a promise to the sea that they’d be its guardians for years to come.
