Yayasan Widya Sari: Volunteer Teaching Children in Bali

The program and being a Volunteer by the sea is in itself a wonderful experience - stunning views, sunrise and sunsets, amazing moments of laughter and love from the community, the kids, the volunteers and Ketut's family who runs and works hard and with a smile for this to grow and expand...

The loveliest thing though, In my experience, was the gratitude, the warmth and love that the children and all of us shared by the sea. Classes and English teaching was really nice, but what the heart experiences can't be rated. Imagine your heart growing each day, glowing, the sun feeling warmer and brighter..that's what volunteering here was for me, and what I felt from the first day to the last.

I am more grateful than what I was even before going =) I feel blessed for being part of this lovely family, this home in Indonesia were ill go back for more laughs, learning, heart opening and generosity.

I stayed in Yayasan Widya Sari for 7 weeks and I still think that wasn't enough. I was responsible for the C group, which is the oldest students. I created a real bond with them and I had so much fun teaching them everyday. As I am half indonesian, I loved the fact that when you live in Tianyar, you are actually immersed in the culture of this balinese village. The staff, which is Ketut's family, are the most welcoming people on earth and they will do their best to make you feel at home (I need to mention Ayu's food here, which is amaaazing!). On week-ends, I had the best time with the other volunteers exploring Bali on our own. In a nutshell, I will never forget the second family I made here. The Yayasan family.

It was a really great experience to teach english at Yayasan school. The staff is amazing!! They are the most kind people i've ever met, you really feel like you belong to their family. They help you with everything, entertain you, and the food they cook is awesome; best food ever! It is 100% that their heart is on the right place and that they really care about the children. The accomodation is nice as well, especially the boo-boo houses!! The kids on the schools are very sweet and most of the time really motivated to learn and get to know you Better. I miss them already:(. I think this is one of the best volunteerwork you can ever experience!

I have just finished my 6 weeks volunteering at the Yayasan Widya Sari. And those weeks have been truly amazing.
The English lessons with the kids were always a lot of fun and their smiles, laughter and gratefulness are heartwarming and precious.
Next to teaching the kids there were a lot of good times with the fellow volunteers enjoying the delicious meals together, playing games in the evenings and exploring beautiful Bali in our free time.
Also the local people and the local staff are very friendly and welcoming. By the time you have to leave Yayasan it feels like leaving home.

When I left Yayasan one month ago all of the kids thanked me for being their teacher and helping them, but really I want to be the one to thank them. I wanted to help them through out this experience, but they have helped me, with their constant glowing smiles and contagious laughs. They have changed me as a person and have shown me that you need so little in life to be happy. Everyday they would all turn up to class with a smile so big I couldn't help being one of the happiest people in Bali and their desire to learn made me just not want to leave. These kids have made this a life time experience, one I will never forget. I will say, however, that the school seriously needs volunteers help. The organization is not very good in Seraya and they need more dedicated volunteers to impose a structure so the kids can achieve the outcome that they deserve. If you are looking for a way to discover yourself , experience the true Balinese culture and enjoy the simplicity of their lifestyle, Seraya is the place to go. The children will make every effort worth while and make you feel truly blessed to have taught them.

Gemma

A year ago, the website of an organization called Volunteer in Bali popped up on Google. That moment, as i now understand, would change my entire life. With the Buku Team, we applied to the program and built a humanitarian project, which consisted of building a library for the kids of Yayasan Widya Sari and teaching english classes. Volunteering at Yayasan has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. After 3 weeks of living in this memorable community, I realise that there is still so much to learn. Happiness and smiles will welcome you wherever you go. From making new friendships to singing songs and exploring new places, this experience has been so enriching to every aspect of my life. It's so easy to just smile and laugh. Being in a completely different environment than back home makes you realise how much there's so much more to this world than what is familiar to us. Never will I forget all that the people of Tianyar have taught me, whether it's unconditional kindness or living life in the moment and appreciating every second of it. Now that it is time to leave, all I want to do is stay. I want to thank Ketut, Putukawi, Leony, Adit, Suwandi, Ayu, Nova, Nyoman, Sutiani, every other volunteer, all the kids of both learnings centers in Tianyar, and everyone else who made this trip such an unforgettable one. I love you all so much and am already missing you so much❤ It was so great to meet everyone! See you by the sea🌊🌊🌊

It would be an understatement to say I loved my time and experiences at Yayasan's Program by the Sea. Ketut and all those who run the program are exceptional in their abilities to create an environment that inspires the children to seek success and one in which the volunteers feel like family. I felt fully immersed in the community and the rich, vibrant culture and was blessed to share my knowledge with children who cared for the school, its teachers, and each other. The learning experience was definitely a two-way street with the students teaching me as well, and showing patience as I tried to acclimate to my new surroundings. Then there were beautiful afternoons by the sea, swimming with the children, cleaning the beach, playing games, and simply enjoying all the best that life has to offer. The local community was also amazing and there would always be a smile from those who opened up their village to all of us. My fellow volunteers are my friends... my family, as are Ketut, Leoni, Swandi, Melodie, Nyoman, and all the other wonderful people at Yayasan. I could go on and on and talk about how much I enjoyed the food and the meals together, the incredible weekends and quiet peaceful nights, but it reminds me of why in my 5 weeks at the program I still miss it everyday.

I spent a short two weeks volunteering at the Yayasan in Seraya and it was nothing short of an amazing experience. Seraya is in the Eastern part of Bali and it's far removed from the tourism scene of Bali, which is part of what makes it such an authentic, wonderful and unique experience. The community is absolutely lovely, some of the most amazing people I have met. The children who attend the classes are absolutely gorgeous; vibrant, happy, fun, respectful and so motivated to learn. I loved the small community in Seraya, you really get to know the kids and Wayan and his family. Seraya is very tranquil and quiet which is such a refreshing and restorative experience, I felt so at ease there. I learned a lot about traditional Balinese culture from getting to know the community, asking questions, attending two traditional ceremonies and doing a cooking class. What also made the experience amazing, was the friendship and time spent with the other wonderful volunteers, it wouldn't have been the same without them. I have met some truly wonderful and genuine people from around the world and learned to be more open, accepting and adventurous during my short time spent with my new friends. I have taken so much away from my short time spent in Bali. I've come back home with a new appreciation of the small things, more open to new experiences, a much more relaxed head space, more passion to pursue my post-grad teaching degree and a strong desire to come back!

My advice to those considering this opportunity - just do it! It has been absolutely amazing, and everyone I met loved their experiences as well. Come with an open mind and open heart and let this experience transform you. I would recommend Seraya if you want a unique, restorative and authentic experience of Bali. It gives you an amazing opportunity to really unwind and be away from it all and learn about yourself. I'd recommend definitely bringing lots of things to do (books, movies, tv shows, laptop, music etc), learning to ride a scooter before you come if possible and just keeping an open heart and mind, and be ready to make the most of your experience. This said I think any of the programs are amazing as I met volunteers from all of them. Oh, and come for longer than two weeks! A month at least I think would be best! It's life-changing, just do it!