Yayasan Widya Sari: Volunteer Teaching Children in Bali

It was my first time as a volunteer, and I didn't know what to expect. But actually, it was one of the most beautiful experience of my life. Everything was great, the staff is very kind and they help you with everything you need. They make you feel comfortable, it's like a big family.
The experience with the kids was great, they are simply amazing: I tried to do my best with them, and seeing them smiling and having fun during the games is the best feeling you can have.
I would highly recommend this experience, and I assure you, you will never forget it!

I still remembered my eldest sister recommended me to go Bali to volunteer a few months back. Soon after that, I found myself in Bali alone, an amazing place with lots of friendly people.

When I finally arrived at the foundation, I met lots of other volunteers from many different countries. I still remember my first lunch in the foundation, tempe with white rice! Tempe is local Indonesian food and it’s my favourite, always! I remember receiving a flower from my student and she helped me put it on my hair. I love the time when I walked around with the kids and listened to their life stories after class. I recalled teaching vocabulary about jobs, and I let the students think about what they wanted to be in the future. I was startled by how amazing all their dreams were. I wish I could be part of the journey.

Being an Indonesian native speaker, I had the advantage in conducting the lesson, mixing Bahasa and English. But other volunteers faced no issue in conducting their lesson too. There are variety of ways to conduct the lesson. Games, readings, music, and other activities will interest the students. I love how eager they are to learn English.

I couldn't find a word to express how amazing the trip was, from a terrible homesick to a feeling of being in a new home. I thought I would go there to teach the students English, but they have put an impact in my life more than what I did to them. The students might not be smart and rich, but they never failed to make me laugh and happy. I believe I could do so much more for them, and I guess I need them more than they need me. This experience has indeed changed the way I see things. Dollars and cents could not replace the effort and time I gave up for them and I did not regret it.

I guess if you put yourself to nature, you won’t be disappointed! So, BE A VOLUNTEER and make a difference in other people’s life.

Finally, thanks to Yayasan Widya Sari for the warm welcome. For the students, thank you for the space in your heart. For the other volunteers, thank you so much. Tremendous gratitude to my family for supporting me. Well, I am back to Singapore with lots of memories.

Volunteering at Yayasan widya sari has to be the most beautiful, eye opening life changing experience for me. I don't feel like my review should be about the every day schedule but more about what you get out of the program as a whole and as an individual. I'm sure every volunteer who has come through has felt the same about this beautiful place. There was not one moment here where I longed for home because being surrounded by the happy, smiling students, Ketut and his welcoming family and all the super cool volunteers I felt like I was already there. I volunteered at Yayasan widya sari, Tianyar for a total of 5 months (20weeks) that was after I decided to extend my stay for an extra month, and if I could have I would have stayed forever. I wish I could find the words to describe how this place made me feel, because then this would probably be one of the most positive reviews out. The way classes are done here is a very good system, easily allowing for new volunteers to get into the flow of things which is good because I was very nervous and shy at the beginning as I had never had any teaching experience but I soon got right into it teaching the b2 boys and c girls (13-15) I couldn't have asked for 2 more perfect classes for myself, the system is very straight forward, lots of fun and very comfortable. The children are so eager to learn and so so loving and happy, so many hugs and new drawings to add to the collection on my wall every day. it's impossible not to get attached to each and every one especially living there for 5 months, I got to live and breath this experience and Honestly felt like a proud mother watching the children grow and succeed. Living right next to your classrooms and in the area of ketuts family home you get fully involved in everything happening around you, including things like eating dinner all as a group around the table, going out on a Wednesday night for a beer and to watch the live music and attending ceremonies which i think is really special. I enjoyed every moment spent here, even just sitting in the afternoons watching the children play brought so much joy, and meeting so many volunteers and also locals who have become forever friends. Ketut, Leony, Nyoman and Made really go the extra mile to make this an amazing experience for everyone and support you along the way with anything you need. I couldn't think of a more perfect place to have spent my time helping to give back to the Tianyar community, it ticked all the boxes plus 100 more. Volunteers are just ordinary people with extraordinary hearts, they offer the gift of their time to teach, to listen, to help, to inspire, to build, grow and to learn. They expect no pay but the value of their work has no limit, rewarded with a simple hug, they plant tiny seeds of love in countless lives. Volunteers are just ordinary people who reach out, take a hand and together make a difference that lasts a lifetime, thank you volunteer in Bali, forever grateful for this perfect experience x

Have you ever wondered why volunteers don't get paid? If you want to know why, carry on reading :P

I have been doing regular volunteering work in Singapore and have done several overseas volunteering trip before - Jakarta, Batam, China. And this year i decided to volunteer overseas once again. So, on one fine day when i was revising, there was a case study on Bali in my lecture notes. What came into my thought was: 'Hey! Bali! i have not visited that place since last year. So i decided to look up for accommodation and flights to Bali. Suddenly i was thinking, can i do something more while travelling? Why not volunteering in that place itself? So i changed my search from 'Cheap flight(hotel) in Bali' to 'Volunteer in Bali.' Unexpectedly, Bali by The Sea was churned out as top in the list by Google Search.

'By the sea' certainly caught my eyes and led me to click on the website to find out more. After checking on the programs offered, beneficiaries served, price lists and all the necessary information. I was deeply intrigued by the activities. Without much hesitation, i emailed the founder, Mr Ketut for the necessary information. Not long after, i was confirmed a slot to volunteer in the organization.

I did not worry much about volunteering alone in a foreign place instead i was more afraid of having difficulties in adapting to the local environment. Naturally, i chose 2 weeks of volunteering which is the minimum required duration (but i regretted, will tell you why later).

I arrived at Denpasar on 29th August (Friday), a week after my exams. I was greeted by a friendly driver who drove me to Ubud where i was placed in a local homestay and allowed to explore Ubud for two days. I was lucky enough to have two fellow volunteers who arrived the same day as me. So the three of us explored Ubud and was brought to Tianyar (exact location of volunteering. Accommodation and teaching venue is located in the same place) on Monday morning.

When i arrived, i was greeted by a bunch of kids who said 'hello, how are you' and 'hi what's your name and where are you from' eagerly. One word -> Adorable. Then we were invited to the dining table where we had lunch with fellow existing volunteers. Frankly speaking, it was kind of socially awkward for the first time. But i guessed it was normal considering this was the first time i met them. Next, the three of us was directed into our rooms (of course the rooms for guys and girls are separated. Sorry to disappoint you guys :P). First impression of the room: neat but a little bit dusty and well equipped with private cabinet and mosquito net. In my opinion the accommodation was decent enough bearing in mind that this was a charity organization, not a hotel. There is no electric fan so during the day it can get quite warm but oh well the beach is just 3 mins walk away from the school and trust me, it gets chilly at night so there is no need for fan. Toilet was well maintained but there was no hot water! Haha just to mentally prepare you it can really get quite cold in the early morning so i would suggest you to take a shower in the late morning but trust me you will get used to it. And remember to keep yourself hydrated IMPORTANT.

After lunch, I was allocated to teach B1 class (afternoon class) and B3 class (morning class). At 2 o clock that day, i joined my class. Teaching kids was not new to me and i had a very wonderful volunteer co-teaching with me (Zurine, Spain). The class was lively and active. It was a fantastic start for my first day of volunteering. Afternoon class usually ends at 3.30 except for Wed and Thurs where the class ends at 3.00 and they will have bonding activities together with the volunteers. Personally i like this arrangement because it fosters the relationship between kids and volunteers, as well as among volunteers themselves. Then i went to the beach to chill and had small talks with other fellow volunteers. Dinner is usually served at 6 and make sure you are back by that time to ensure that you don't miss any good food :P I am a picky eater but the food served there have definitely satisfied my palate.

Note that you will need to plan for the topics which you want to cover with the class and prepare other necessary materials, alone or with another volunteer co-teaching the same class if you happen to have one. Planning teaching material is never easy but after seeing the students able to apply it correctly was so rewarding.

Teaching days last only from Mon-Thurs and after that you are free to roam around Bali. YAY! I am glad that i have a bunch of funny people whom i traveled with during the free days. We visited a lot of places of attractions and did may crazy things together. From watching sunrise, dolphin sightseeing, hiking the mountain (which i chickened out in the end sorry guys :P) , four hours of rice field trekking, water palace, magnificent waterfall and many more. Indeed weekends well spent with you guys!

Good times always pass by so fast, not knowingly it was my last day teaching my B1 and B3 class. After the class, we had our weekly sports lesson where it involved all staffs, volunteers and students. a great way to bond and sweat! Then, there was a farewell ceremony for me and another girl (Carmela, Spain) who was also leaving on that week. I was made teary when one of my student gave a thank you speech in front of everybody. Each and everyone of them presented me with a thank you letter too before each class ended. How thoughtful of them! I only read them few days ago when i was back in Singapore because if i read it there, i will cry more for sure hahahaha. The local staff Leony presented me with a traditional Balinese hat and it suit me really well. Thank you! I couldn't hold my tears during the farewell ceremony because i know i won't have classes with them anymore :( I can't bear to leave them and so you should NEVER choose two weeks of volunteering. Go for more if you can :)

Finally, I would like to thank Ketut (Founder), Leony (Staff), Nyoman (Staff) & Nyoman (Chef) for the support during my stay in Bali. As well as Melodie, Kaitlyn, Vicky, Caroline, Dan, Tristan, Zurine, Carmela, Lucie and Lisa. Without you guys i will be bored to death and i love you guys from the bottomless bottom of my heart :P if u get my pun!

My stay was surely a memorable one and it was an amazing experience for me. I will be back again :D

Oh and the answer: why volunteers don't get paid? Not because they are worthless, simple because they are priceless. A quote from Mother Teresa to end my lengthy review: 'Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.

I was a little apprehensive about this programme because I'd never really volunteer through a private organisation before, but it was easily the most meaningful experience of my life. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. Ketut, the founder of the programme will always be there to help answer your questions and queries. He and his team are more than capable of taking care of all the volunteers.

When you're there teaching the kids, you're there not only as a teacher but also as a friend. Because I was there for just 3 weeks, i really treasured every single day. There were days where I fell a little ill, but that did not stop me from giving my best to make my lessons easy and entertaining.

Its the community within class which I fell in love with. When you're there, you're not just there with the locals, you're living like a local: eating and engaging with them, adapting to their lifestyles.

I will never forget the moment when a student of mine invited me to her house for a meal. She stayed in a really small house, perhaps only slightly larger than the size of a typical household toilet in Singapore. Upon walking in, all I saw was a mattress; it was where her parents slept and right beside it lay a cloth; it was where she would sleep. We chatted awhile before their dinner arrived. Their dinner was delivered to them by a motorbike and it was only later when I realised that they received it via donation. I had the most memorable meal that day. The fact that they were willing to share their meal with me, despite the fact that they already had so little to begin with touched my heart.

It was the most perfect moment, I revisit it all the time.

Wanted to volunteer overseas ever since i have been hearing stories from my friends about how much fun they had when they join school volunteer trips. I was thinking i would volunteer after i have completed my National Service (2 Years), but i jumped on the opportunity when my friend asked me to join him to this program in August.

Not knowing what to expect, except that i was gonna be living near a beach and i am teaching. I have 0 teaching experience. On the first day we took a tour of the place and met the staffs who are very welcoming and also all the friendly volunteers from around the world.

Staff
Ketut - the main guy who coordinate everything from accepting you for volunteering to your transport and accomodation. Any issue, you can find him.
Leony - Co-ordinator helping Ketut. She is very friendly and you can also talk to her about anything
Nyoman - Very chill nice guy, he usually does the driving
Nyoman (Different person from the top) - Master Chef. cooks all the meals and also do laundry

Kids / Students
These kids are really eager to learn. Some of the kids go to school in the morning and come to Yayasan in the noon to learn english. These kids are very welcoming, they will say hi and find out all new volunteers they see. Even though i dont teach some of these kids, they still know my name and come to say hi to me everyday they see me. It really makes you happy.

Teaching of the kids
Freestyle. There is no mandatory structure, method, format or topic to teach. You teach the kids whatever you think is going to benefit them the most. Mix games, music and use about any creative ideas you have to make the lesson interesting. On my first week, i sit in and learned from a volunteer while she is having her lesson. Then i started teaching by myself. I have a new friend i made there to help me translate to the kids if they dont understand. Game time are pretty much what the kids are excited about. My tip is to mix games with learning.

Volunteers
Other great part of joining this program is that i get to meet people from across the world that are here just to do the same thing as me. During meal time or chill time, its a good time to share traveling stories and also cultural / country differences. You really learn alot just by chatting and sharing. During the weekends, you will also join some of your new found friends to explore Bali

Its really true when you read that when you volunteer, you are the one who gets the most. I am thankful for every experience i have during the 3 weeks. I will go back to visit definitely.

I arrived in Bali, Indonesia on 27th of March, 2015 and stayed there until 20th of June, 2015, exactly for 12 weeks in total. The three-months long journey turned out to be a surprise gift, like the one my students lovingly gave me on my last day. I expected A but instead was given A, B, and C. The original purpose of the trip was to learn how the people in the "third world country" lived differently from the people in the "first world." Not only have I learned the Balinese lifestyle but I also experienced something new, something of which I had been wholly ignorant before: that a human community can be a rich blessing to an individual and that kids are indeed the manifestation of human goodness. In short, my stay at a small Tianyar village turned out to be a rare opportunity that actually made a lasting impact on my perspective and my future course of life.

Growing up in the developed countries like South Korea and the United States, my perspective of life and the world naturally had been limited to that of people with similar background. Life, for me and for others, consisted of constant competitions one after another, and the "winner" was whoever could stay longest on the treadmill of the 21st century version of Hunger Game. Like many of my generation I felt disgust on this notion of life and felt strongly for doing something against this momentum of the first world life. I'd been thirsty for a chance to explore the other world, different than my own.

An occasion turned my vague feeling into a specific idea. Five years ago I heard in one of the sermons that the lives of great people, like Tolstoy or Gandhi, were transformed when they encountered the reality of the people in drastically different living-condition and lifestyle. "Go!" the pastor said, "meet these people yourself. See their reality with your own eyes. You'll never be the same." Since then I had felt a strong need to go to countries like India, or just any countries generally considered "third world", and meet the harsh reality of the people there.

With such aspirations I came to Indonesia. But I encountered something I did not anticipate. I expected the shocking poverty or the abysmal misery of the people. Instead I saw people living more or less contently with the small possession they had. Hardly anyone was miserable. I could easily think of more miserable people back home. Don't get me wrong; people in Indonesia are poor, at least money-wise. Many live in hut-looking houses; hardly any families own cars; students cannot afford college education; many have to buy water for everyday use; for most, traveling other countries sounds like an impossible dream.

However, they were hardly in abject condition by any standards. What I saw in general in the poor fisherman village and elsewhere in Bali and Indonesia was the cheerful people who seemed to be way happier than their counterparts with hundredfold income on the other side of the globe. "It is not the man who has too little who is poor," said Seneca, "but the one who hankers after more." The poor was not they as much as we. I went to Indonesia ready to feel pity on the local people, but ironically I couldn't help feel pity on the people in South Korea and America for their comparatively too competitive and stressful lifestyle.

Sure, Balinese people have very few by our standard - no fancy vacations or new iPhones - but they still retain what we also had had long time ago: the spirit of community. Even more, they are blessed with the privilege of truly enjoying every moment, with friends and families (the distinction is blurred in Bali), not having to incessantly worry about their tomorrows or some distant future - the fundamental ingredient of everyday happiness. Unfortunately, we in the first world countries have lost the ability of enjoying the moment for its own sake and of truly appreciating and be satisfied with the few most important things in life, like family, fresh air, and exchange of innocent smiles. We somehow transformed our society into Hobbes' "war of all against all." I'm in awe of this village that still retains the spirit of community, which unites everyone and builds a strong trust and bondage between each other.

In this peaceful village, time seems to matter less. People are not caught up with set schedules or personal pursuits. The kids seem to really enjoy their childhood, following their innate desires to be with friends, run barefoot, swim in the beach, play soccer and games, etc., without any constraints on their natural passion from either their parents or society. There is no doubt that they were much happier than their counterparts in South Korea and other developed countries. Of course, the kids I am talking about are from seven to fifteen years old, and they may get stuck in reality of life as they get older. Still, I feel happy as I see them so happy. I only wish Korean kids could enjoy their right of childhood as well.

During the three months of stay, I've grown so much as a person and extended my personal horizon, mainly thanks to the unique circumstance I was in where I was forced to socialize with other people, whether co-volunteers or students. As a natural introvert, who finds comfort and energy when being alone in a quiet place, it was initially a serious challenge, both mentally and physically. But I took this time as an opportunity to outgrow my former self and get out of my comfort-zone. After some initial struggle I think I achieved some success in this endeavor, or so people have told me.

Teaching is an art, a craft in it self that requires a series of failures and endless endeavor to master. I was a novice in this art and had to go through strings of failures in the beginning. As I had never taught kids so young as these before, the job was as daunting as it could get. When doing worksheets, ten students call my name for help all at the same time every two seconds. When I am helping one, another keeps insisting I should come to her now, and I tell her to wait just to be called by another. Some students can be rowdy talking to friends while I teach. Imagine a novice introvert teacher struggling to keep the class organized and under control. Yes, it was demanding job, at least initially. To my great relief, teaching gradually became manageable and I grew more confident everyday. After a while, I began to enjoy teaching, not only because it could be fun and meaningful but also the kids were so responsive and adorable to interact with. Once the kids open their minds and trust their teachers, they are the most respectful and enthusiastic students you can imagine. I'd even say It's a privilege to teach such bright and good-natured kids.

I still vividly remember my first day at Yayasan Widya Sari. Everything was so exotic. Three hut-looking classrooms among the tall palm trees and tiny kids with big eyes crowding around a whiteboard eagerly listening to their foreign teachers. I was so excited that I was here so different from everything I had experienced all my life but at the same time so nervous not knowing what to do other than just looking at their innocent faces. At that time, several kids came to me, no, ran towards me, with biggest smiles you've seen, asking my name and where I came from. In turn, I asked their names and they were some of the cutest names I know: Tri, Puspita, Ayu, etc. They instantly suggested me to play games together and taught me some of the games they know right then. Then I taught them the games I know and they were so happy to learn and play new games. In the very first encounter, I was accepted into their group and we were friends by the end. How can I forget such a moment? I've had numerous such moments in the last three months. They are the greatest gifts the kids at Yayasan gave me, which I will be remembering even in my grave.

This really, réally was the best experience in my life! A friend of me and I did the volunteering as our internship for school. We were both studying to be a teacher in high school and this amazing experience counted as our internship.

I'm really glad we got this opportunity. Bali and yayasan both stole my heart. Bali is such a great, beautiful country full of friendly and helpful people. I loved to live there!
Yayasan is placed in an awesome spot in Bali: really local, close to the sea. But really pretty! Once you are in Yayasan for a few days/weeks, everyone in the village knows you as a teacher of yayasan, so everyone will speak to you, help you,... You also get really involved with yayasan itself and the village: you go with Ketut (the owner of the place) to ceremonies, he helps you finding fun things to do in the weekends,...
The kids in Yayasan are also truly amazing! Even if you get there for the first second they are happy and thankful you want to be there. Also in class they really behave and are lots of fun!

You live at Yayasan, the school itself, together with the other volunteers and Ketut and his family. Personally I think it makes the experience even better: you live with a real local family and get to know the real Bali. Not the touristic Bali. Even though you live with Ketut and his family, you have all the luxury you need. You sleep with 2 volunteers in one room, you have your own bed and your own bathroom with a western toilet, a douche and a basin. What do you need more? Bali is such a great country where you live outside, so it is really enough!

In the weekends yayasan is close to 'ocean view': an awesome resort where you can lay and chill the whole day IF you buy a drink or so. They have the best juices ever! You can also dive at ocean view, where you can see the ship wrackage.

If you have never teached before and you are scared to stand in front of a whole class: DON'T! It is really amazing. You are also never alone for class: you always teach in pairs of two. Next to that the kids are amazing, smart and they will help you. The teaching is also not the same as in the western world: you can sing with the class, dance with them,....

Also after 'school hours' the kids are often at yayasan, because it is such an awesome place. Even then you can play with them.

Ketut's family also prepares the food for you, also this is awesome: especially the noodels, I still miss them every day!

I can talk for hours about yayasan and this awesome place. But really: IT IS AWESOME! I'm so glad I did this, and I will go back for sure! It really stole my heart!

At last I want to thank Ketut again for everything he has done for all the volunteers and me. He is truly the best host you can wish for and next to that an amazing person I truly admire.