Teaching Program

Background

As Bali continues to draw millions of tourists annually, transforming local livelihoods significantly, English fluency has become crucial for economic opportunities. However, many remote villages like Tianyar struggle with English proficiency, limiting their ability to benefit from tourism’s economic impact. Starting language learning early in life is widely believed to be more effective, with school years presenting the best opportunity to learn English.

Despite most children attending school, some face barriers like transport costs, uniforms, and fees for textbooks. Those who do attend often receive limited English education due to outdated curricula and resource shortages.

Our teaching program offers volunteers a chance to make a real difference by enhancing children’s English skills and teaching them new abilities. Through our daily afternoon community classes, which are free for local village children, volunteers bring a relaxed and enjoyable approach to learning. Regular interaction with fluent English speakers boosts their confidence and provides invaluable learning experiences.

Where Will I Be Volunteering?

Yayasan Widya Sari – Established in 2008 by I Ketut De Sujana Mahartana, this foundation offers free community classes to all children in the village. Concerned about the lack of English education in government schools, Ketut created the foundation to help local children take advantage of the booming tourism industry by learning English. Additionally, the foundation offers extracurricular activities such as computer class, yoga, Balinese dance classes, and lessons on culture and tradition.

The community school, situated only a minute away from the volunteer accommodation, educates over 200 children aged 6 to 15 daily. There’s also ample outdoor space for ceremonies and play. The school is fully funded by the fees paid by volunteers, making your support essential to its existence. By volunteering, you’ll significantly impact the lives of this underprivileged community, leaving Bali knowing you’ve made a real difference.

Your Role

The afternoon classes are designed to make learning English fun and enjoyable, especially after a long day at school. While your primary focus will be teaching English, you’ll also have opportunities to teach other subjects such as math, computers, and more. You can get creative with singing, arts and crafts, and playing sports and games outside.

By volunteering, you’ll provide the children with a new learning experience while also transferring skills and sharing cultural perspectives. You’ll also participate in various activities the center offers, including marking work, giving one-on-one attention to children, cleaning, and participating in local ceremonies.

Each morning, you’ll plan engaging and interactive lessons, building on what previous volunteers have taught. We encourage using fun educational games and creating class competitions with quizzes and activities.

The children in Bali are incredibly eager to learn. Their thirst for knowledge and excitement in attending afternoon classes will clearly show you the positive impact of your efforts daily.

Typical Day

You will be volunteering at the schools from Monday to Thursday, 3pm to 5pm. Each day will be unique, and as you get to know the children and their routines, you’ll develop special relationships and see the rewards of your efforts.

The school is just a short walk from the volunteer accommodation. Together, everyone will walk to the school, greeted by the cheerful children eager to play and learn.

After welcoming the children and engaging in outdoor play, they will head to their classrooms. The age range of your class will determine the level of English taught, with full information provided during your orientation upon arrival.

On Wednesdays, several hours are dedicated to fun activities such as sports, dancing, beach cleaning, or swimming. We encourage you to be creative in your approach, incorporating games, songs, art, sports, and music wherever possible.