VOLUNTEER TEACHING ENGLISH — UBUD
In a little village, about 10 minutes drive from Ubud, an English tutor volunteer program is well established and you can join an English class and assist the Balinese English teacher. I found my way to Pejeng village having contacted the teacher, Made, beforehand to set up a time.
This elementary school conducts English classes in the library twice a week. Made is hired by a local expat villa owner, who wanted to give back to the community. The motivation for this program was not only to help to children to
develop English language and other skills but also to train the teacher. Most of the volunteer helpers have a specialist qualification in teaching English as a foreign language.
The beauty in this exchange is that Made can learn different teaching styles. Made’s method of teaching has evolved over time and is interactive, child centered and fun — and guess what? The children learn very quickly. Classes are Saturdays and Sundays at 8.30am.
Why not try it out next time you visit Ubud and lend a hand — you will find it extremely rewarding. Motivation and enthusiasm rides high as these children choose to come in their own time, outside of school hours. The morning I arrived to assist, many of children were waiting patiently at the door and most had arrived one hour early.
