Childcare Program

Background

Beyond the rapidly developing and touristy southern coastline, much of Bali remains underdeveloped, with many poorer communities. Our childcare program is located in the northern coastal village of Tianyar, where fishing and farming are the main sources of income, and many families face financial struggles.

Most kindergartens and daycare centers in Bali charge for their services, making it difficult for families in Tianyar to afford quality early education for their children. This lack of access not only hampers the children’s early education but also forces parents to stay home instead of working.

Recognizing the importance of early education and learning a foreign language, our local team established a community kindergarten that provides free childcare to the village and surrounding areas. By supporting the local staff, you will help ensure the children receive the attention and care they need. Additionally, your presence will help improve their social skills and conversational English, setting them up for a brighter future.

Where Will I Be Volunteering?

You will be volunteering at our Community Kindergarten located in Tianyar, Bali. The kindergarten was established in 2017 by our local team to offer essential free childcare to the local community. Its primary goals are to enable parents to work and support their families, while also laying the educational groundwork in English and other subjects for the children’s future success.

Currently, approximately 60 children aged between 3 and 6 years old attend daily, divided among 4 classrooms where your assistance is invaluable. The kindergarten operates solely on the funding provided by you and other volunteers, making your contribution essential to its existence.

Your involvement ensures that this underprivileged community receives vital support. Leaving Bali, you’ll know that your efforts have significantly impacted the lives of these children and their families.

Your Role

Your main responsibility will involve actively engaging with the children, providing encouragement and care to each daily visitor. Your role is to ensure their happiness and entertainment by sharing your time, enthusiasm, and skills alongside the local kindergarten staff.

Interacting creatively and energetically with the children, and imparting basic education, will boost their confidence and skills. In this less structured environment compared to schools, language skills can significantly improve through playful interaction. Teaching them key words and phrases during your time in Bali will set them on a positive learning path.

This fulfilling experience goes beyond teaching-it encourages you to participate in various activities such as arts and crafts, singing, dancing, sports, and assisting with daily tasks alongside local staff. Volunteers who invest time in planning and creating engaging lessons tend to derive the most satisfaction from their experience.

Each day, you’ll have ample opportunity to dedicate an hour or two to crafting activities that enhance the children’s enjoyment and learning at the kindergarten. Their infectious enthusiasm for learning and building connections with you is certain to brighten your days.

Typical Day

You’ll volunteer every morning from Monday to Thursday, typically for 2 to 3 hours, starting around 8:30 AM and finishing by 10:30 AM. The kindergarten is conveniently located just a minute’s walk from your accommodation. As you walk down the off-road track, you’ll be warmly welcomed by eager, happy children ready to play and learn.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the kindergarten also opens in the morning, and your assistance would be greatly valued if you’re available. Before the official start, you’ll have 5 to 10 minutes to engage with the children in the largepark on the kindergarten grounds. The morning begins with singing the national anthem together as the children line up.

Afterwards, the children head to their classrooms. You’ll assist with teaching basic English, support teachers, conduct your own classes, and participate in playtime activities with the children. It’s a dynamic and rewarding opportunity to contribute to their education and enjoyment.