Yayasan Widya Sari: Volunteer Teaching Children in Bali

Ketut began Yayasan Widya Sari when he saw a need in his community over 8 years ago, and he continues to look for ways to help. This program is unique in that one of the goals is to empower local people. It is run by Ketut and his family and friends and volunteering here has made me so proud to be part of something that really impacts the community. I came to Yayasan Widya Sari with the intent to stay for 4 weeks, and ended up staying over a year. The children stole my heart and watching the joy in their faces when they are learning shows how important this program is. I highly recommend Yayasan Widya Sari for those who want to make a difference and learn about themselves and others.

I spent 6 weeks in Tianyar Village at the Program by the Sea. I truly had one of the most amazing experiences of my life here. The kids are absolutely wonderful and hilarious, it would be hard not to love them. Ketut and his family are incredibly welcoming and generous, from including us in local ceremonies to providing every delicious meal. The other volunteers I met were kind and very open, be ready to make some great new friends from around the world! The other employees at Yayasan were so much fun and always made sure we felt comfortable and safe. The volunteer program runs 4 days a week allowing 3 days to travel on the weekends around Bali. Everything about this experience exceeded my expectations. I couldn't be more grateful to have been a part of this community, I wish I could have stayed for much longer.

Words cannot describe how amazing my experience was. I was a volunteer in Tianyar, program by the sea for 5 weeks and I truly loved everything about this program. The people, the kids, the village and the authenticity this program offers is just so rewarding. I truly felt at home and I felt like I was part of a family while in Yayasan. I enjoyed so much being able to teach my kids every day and it was easy to build a connection with them from the start. The kids are always enthusiastic to learn something new and they receive you with open arms from day one. Now that I have left, I miss it very much and to anyone who is doubting whether or not they will do it: GO FOR IT. It will be one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences of your life.

I went to Bali for 10 weeks to volunteer, I choose to stay in Tianyar and teach English. After only 3 weeks I wanted to stay there forever, every single person who I met while I stayed there felt the exact same way. I have stayed in contact with all the support staff from the school I taught at and I consider them family. Like the title of this going to Bali will change your life. I am currently saving to go back, there are not words to describe the experience you get by going there.

Even though it's a cliché to say this programme really has changed my life. It has been an unforgettable experience, the children are so friendly and wonderful and have so much love to give and are very eager to learn! It was a pleasure teaching them for the 5 weeks that I was there. Every member of staff is also an attribute to the yayasan. Ketut, Leony and the family are all so welcoming and make every volunteer feel at home for however long they are there. It's nice and social and you can sit around chatting to locals or other volunteers, go to see nearby visiting spots or relax on the beach in the free time between classes. It truly has been such a lovely experience that I will treasure forever!

I have never been happier in my life. Throughout high school and college so many people struggle to find themselves, and I often did too. That all changed the first day I entered the classroom and saw the beautiful smiling students. You feel lighter when you are there, calmer and more balanced. Your heart is always happy because you are surrounded by like minded individuals from around the world, grateful students and the most beautiful culture. I couldn't have asked for a better experience and a better place to call home. I miss Tianyar everyday and I think about how much I've gained from my short time there.

In my 10 weeks volunteering I grew more as a person than I had in the previous year. Ketut is one of the best souls on this planet, his staff, and family are all amazing individuals. The kids love unconditionally and taught me more about myself than I ever taught them. I was lucky enough to teach the computer class and got to know almost every student. Living 100ft from the beach was a dream come true; I miss my morning swims so very much. I can't wait to return someday to re-live my unforgettable time in Tianyar.

I hardly know where to start to tell about my volunteer trip in Bali. It would be impossible to summarize all the incredible moments and one of a kind experience. As soon as I landed in Bali the fun began. The organization representative who picked me up from the airport barely spoke a word of English but tried so hard to communicate with me to make sure that everything went well and that I was comfortable. On our way to Ubud, he stopped to show me one of his favorite temples and let me time to wander around for awhile to take in the breathtaking sights and get my first glimpse of the Balinese culture. I stayed in a hostel for a few days in the heart of Ubud waiting for the other volunteers to arrive before we went to our volunteer compound for the remainder of our stay. On our way to the compound, we stopped to explore Tirta Gangga, a beautiful water palace decorated by pools and fountains surrounded by a lush garden with stone carvings and statues. After a three-hour drive, we finally arrived at the compound on the North Eastern coast of Bali in Tianyar and that’s when all the magic began.

I spent two months volunteering with Yayasan Widya Sari, a non-profit foundation, teaching English to the 7-9 year olds and 11-13 year old group. The organization founder, Ketut, made the entire program a life-changing experience. The other volunteers I worked with felt like family to me. We ate together, taught together and played together. Out of all the countries I have volunteered in, I have never felt so at home and appreciated. The people of Bali are the most kind-hearted, friendliest people I have ever met. I had so many memorable experiences and developed so many friendships with the locals and other volunteers. If it weren’t for the Visa restrictions, I would have stayed in Bali even longer.

The community involvement and sense of camaraderie in Tianyar is overwhelming. When you are a visitor, the locals take you in as one of their own. Bringing you home to meet and talk with the family, enjoy a meal with friends, and what turned out to be my favorite activity was being invited to go fishing with the locals. The Balinese people are always smiling and waving to others; and they are always willing to help their neighbors in any way they can. There was never a moment on my trip that I didn’t feel the love, friendship and hospitality of the local people.

I cannot emphasize enough how much I recommend people visiting this beautiful place. If you want to have a truly life changing experience that will challenge you to broaden your horizons and learn more about yourself and other people in the world, this is the ideal program.

I have volunteered with a variety of programs across the world and I can honestly say that my experience with Ketut’s program in Bali was one of the best times in my life.