Samuel Oakes
A graduate who has dedicated his career to supporting communities in rural Indonesia has been highly commended in the International Impact Award category at the inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards.
Samuel Oakes, who studied Outdoor Adventure Leadership & Management at the University between 2013 and 2016, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to international development and education through his charity work in Indonesia.
Since graduating, Samuel has built a career focused on creating opportunities for young people and strengthening communities overseas. After beginning his journey in the charity sector as a volunteer, he went on to establish ATOVA International, a UK-registered charity working with communities across Indonesia on programmes focused on education, youth development, health and wellbeing.
Over the years, Samuel has helped secure significant funding for charitable initiatives and developed innovative community programmes, including a sustainable business programme that has attracted more than £100,000 in funding. Through ATOVA International, he has also invested heavily in developing local Indonesian staff, helping young people become educators and leaders within their own communities.
Reflecting on the award, Samuel said: “It feels a little surreal, if I’m honest. I genuinely had no idea that anyone back home really knew what I was doing.
“I’ve spent most of the last decade living alongside the communities I serve, so I’ve been quite disconnected from the UK and from home. The work can be incredibly challenging, but the rewards have always been found in very small, very human moments.”
He added: “You don't go into this kind of work expecting recognition. Most of the time, you just put your head down, get on with the job and hope that, somewhere along the way, you’re making a difference. So, when recognition does come, it blindsides you a little, but in a very good way.”
Samuel credits much of his success to lessons learned during his time at Worcester, particularly from lecturers on the Outdoor Adventure Leadership & Management course.
“My time at the University of Worcester shaped me in ways that went far beyond my degree and ultimately helped prepare me not just for my career, but for life,” he said. “The University gave me knowledge and qualifications but also taught me about character: to work hard, take responsibility, find solutions rather than excuses, and keep moving forward when things become difficult.”
Among his fondest memories are the friendships and adventures he shared with fellow students, from expeditions across the UK to long study sessions.
“When I look back at Worcester, those are the things I remember most fondly. The friendships, the adventures, the discomfort, the laughter and even the exhaustion. It was a period of my life when I learned to push myself, made some fantastic memories, and began becoming the person I am today.”
Today, Samuel’s work continues to make a tangible difference to the lives of young people and families across Indonesia. He says seeing young people grow in confidence and helping communities create lasting opportunities remains the most rewarding part of his work.
Being highly commended in the International Impact Award category recognises not only his personal achievements, but also the impact of the communities, young people and colleagues he has worked alongside throughout his career. “They’re the reason I do what I do,” he said.