Author: Perdana Scholastica
•12:12 AM
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Author: Perdana Scholastica
•11:12 PM
I have had the privilege of being able to volunteer at Karuna Bali for the past 6 weeks.
During that time i have had some of the most rewarding, humbling and life changing experiences of my life. My role as a volunteer involved my attendance at a number of English classes at Campuhan College, with students of varying levels of language ability. Having no teaching experience aside from a TESOL basic skills course, I was nervous about the idea of teaching and unsure of my abilities. However, any fears I had were soon put at ease. Primary age students were receptive, confident and a delight be around. I love their energy and was constantly amazed by their ability to be still, relax, imagine and dream. The students here are encouraged in their individuality, opinions and creativity; things I have learn are uncommon in traditional Indonesian schooling. The environment created by the staff here is one of love, fun, support and acceptance. In six weeks, I heard not one raised voice, or witnessed any kind of punishment. It is simply just not the way things are done here. The students are treated with dignity and their behavior reflects that in turn.

I was also able to spend time with an amazing group of students on a one-year scholarship program. These students have already completed senior high school but are from poorer backgrounds, unable to afford university or further training. Campuhan College provides these students with extended English studies and also computer skills focusing on graphic design, desktop publishing and media production. I have been impressed again and again with their commitment and grace. Some of them had moved out of their family homes, staying with relatives or friends to be closer to the college and some still travelling over and hour every day. I had so much fun with them, not only sharing about our different cultures and experiences but also getting to know them all individually, creating strong friendships and many unforgettable memories. These are the people I will miss the most.They are the family that have made me feel welcome and given me a feeling of home in Bali. My favorite experiences in Bali have been spent with these students. I feel so blessed to have met them and I know it will not be long until we meet again.

The best of these memories with the scholarship students were spent on weekends, when I took part in the EduCare program. I accompanied a group made up of scholarship students, previous Campuhan College graduates and volunteers from Balinese universities to a rural village school with limited funds and resources. We would spend each Saturday in preparation and each Sunday at the school. In a class of around 50, I was once again amazed by the demeanor of the children. Once again the children were allowed and encouraged to express their personality and creativity and specific times were set aside for 'Imagination' and 'Reflection'.We taught them English, played games, talked about values, told stories, let them act out stories. On my first visit, I could see how much they were enjoying having us there, but it wasn’t until we went to leave that I really gathered some perspectives. All 50 of them gathered around the car, reluctant to let us leave. When we managed to finally get the car free of them, they chased us down the road until we were out of sight. This routine was again repeated each time we visited the school. On my final visit, I was moved to tears by the appreciation of the teachers and the students. I did not realize how much I would be missed after only a short time. There was not a dry eye in the whole school! I’m not sure I can put into words exactly what I felt that day, I’m just so grateful to have been part of such an amazing team, they are all truly inspirational.

When I first arrived in Bali I was shocked and overwhelmed. Ignorantly, I was surprised by
the level of poverty here, and I did not expect to see the conditions that some people live
in with little hope of change. However, there is change here, and it’s happening at Karuna Bali with Campuhan College and the Educare program. Where Bali appears to lack in wealth and possessions; acceptance, joy, love, peace, family and community are overflowing in abundance. I leave Bali with a heart that is truly happy and completely different outlook on life.
Bali has taught me to love more freely and appreciate what is really important.

If you think you can't make a difference, you are wrong. There is no gift more worthwhile than time, and no gift that is easier to give, and no gift is too small.

Jemila Rushton
Volunteer