Schools

Although each village in Bali has its own individual character, the schools all share common problems. Classrooms are uniformly basic, and all too frequently in poor physical condition. Roofs often leak, and with desks, doors & windows broken. Teachers struggle under rudimentary conditions with few, if any, educational materials or teaching aids. Even so, many of these dedicated individuals long for more training and better teaching tools. The children respond with heartwarming enthusiasm to the smallest improvements, their minds full of curiosity and eager to learn.

The BCP support of schools was initially limited to supplying much-needed teaching materials.  Later, through the volunteer program, we were able to offer classes in English and environmental education.

We have been able to help with urgent maintainance of school buildings, and are actively seeking organisations willing to adopt a Balinese school.  Future plans include providing more opportunities for teachers to receive further training .

 Kindergartens and Pre-schools

An exciting BCP development is the creation of a growing number of  kindergartens and pre-schools.  Two are operating in rural Tabanan Regency, and another  opened in 2004 in the village of Penestanan outside Ubud.  A further kindergarten  opened in the mountain village of Tamblingan, and another in the mountain village of Wanagiri.  The latest are in Tanggup and Katik Lantang.   In several cases the kindergartens we have created have since been taken over and run by the local government aministration.

The hands-on approach encourges children to learn by exploration and self-discovery. In so doing they acquire important life skills not taught by conventional rote learning.  

There is a constant need for teaching aids and educational equipment.  The BCP kindergartens also welcome experienced volunteer teachers and teacher trainers able to come to Bali for a prolonged stay - ideally six months or more. 

Left:  two Montessori teachers in Wanagiri.