On October 7th and 8th, members of the KGI team together with the seven KGI Champions visited 11 AIBEP schools in Bali. For most of the KGI participants this was their first visit to schools built by the Indonesia Australia Partnership through AIBEP - the Australia Indonesia Basic Education Project.

All schools were located in the country areas of Bali. They don't have exact addresses and the KGI group had to go over hills and rivers, and travel on windy raods through rice fields. The whole 2 day experience has brought memories to each of us. This was such a valuable experience to see what has Australian and Indonesian governments have done to support Indonesia. It's amazing to find schools in the remotest areas of Indonesia and to see the spirit of students who walk for miles to go to school. AIBEP is not just about the school and a facility, AIBEP brings hope and promising future for the younger generation living in the remote areas.

Special thanks to everyone and especially to Ogi at KGI for setting up the visits with schools beforehand - Ayu Kusumastuti

KGI staff Gung De and
Ayu at SMPN5 Baturiti

These are the eleven AIBEP schools visited by the KGI team and
the Champions -

1. SMP 4 Bebandem, Karangasem
2. SMPN 6 Amplapura, Karangasem
3. SMPN 3 Rendang, Karangasem
4. SMPN 5 Kubu, Karangasem
5. SMPN 7 Kintamani, Bangli
6. SMPN 3 Ubud, Gianyar
7. SMPN 4 Marga, Tabanana
8. SMPN 5 Baturiti, Tabanan
9. SMPN 5 Busung Biu,Buleleng
10. SMPN 7 Alasangker, Buleleng
11. SMPN 5 Kubutambahan, Buleleng

Who went to the AIBEP schools in Bali and what
do they have to say about the experience?

Alwi from KGI

On Friday the 8th of October, 2010, Wibowo, Fadhil and I went to SMPN 5 Kubutambahan, one of the AIBEP schools in Buleleng.

The headmaster, teachers and students warmly welcomed us, the school is quite good, it is up on the hills and as the headmaster informed that it was the only school in the area. Many students would never get higher education if there is no SMPN 5.

Then the Champions (Wibowo and Fadel) started the presentation. Wibowo delivered the presentation lively. He seemed very familiar in handling the class so the kids were eager and brave to give feedback and enjoyed the session, while, Fadhil, gave his presentation in a rather serious manner. However it was a very successful presentation. The kids were very happy and experienced new thing from the champions. I could see that the students highly needed learning materials as they were very happy receiving KGI magazines and bulletins.

We drove back to Denpasar at 13.00 and reached KGI office at 16.15. It was a very nice journey.

Gung De from IALF/KGI

Bersama tim KGI dan Champions saya mengunjungi sekolah-sekolah AIBEP di Karanggasem dan Tabanan diantaranya: SMP Negeri 3 Rendang karanggasem, SMP Negeri 5 Kubu Karanggasem, SMP Negeri 4 Marga Tabanan dan SMP Negeri 5 Baturiti Tabanan.

Walaupun jarak nya sangat jauh tapi sangat menyenangkan karena sekolah sekolahnya dikelilingi pemandangan yg sangat alami dan indah. Murid murid sangat antusias/ bersemangat ketikapara champion memberikan presentasi dan games-games.Sangat mengembirakan.

Darmika from IALF/KGI

Saya berkunjung ke sekolah SMPN7 Kintamani, SMPN 3 Ubud dan SMPN7 Alasangker.

Lokasi Sekolah rata rata mempunyai view yang bagus. Perjalanan ke lokasi sekolah tersebut menyenangkan karena melintasi pemandangan yang bagus.

Disekolah murid murid yang mengikuti acara tersebut sangat senang, apalagi bisa menjawab quiz dan mendapatkan hadiah dari Champion mereka Antusias dan sangat gembira.

Tidak ada masalah dalam melakukan presentasi, semua berjalan lancar. Semua alat dan muridnya sudah dipersiapkan. Bahkan rela menunggu sampai jam 12.30. Ini menandakan mereka sangat mengharapkan kedatangan Champion dan Kang Guru team.

Mahendra from IALF/KGI

Pengalaman saya dalam kunjungan ke tiga sekolah yang terletak di ujung timur pulau Bali yaitu Kabupaten Karangasem dan belahan utara pulau Bali yaitu Kabupaten Buleleng sangat mengesankan, walaupun jarak yang ditempuh sangat sulit dimana prasarana jalan yang tidak memadai, tidak menghalangi kami mencapai sekolah tersebut.

Sekolah – sekolah yang kami kunjungi sangat mengesankan, dari desain, penataan, lokasi dimana terdapat pemandangan laut yang kami temukan di SMPN 6 Amlapura-Seraya Timur, Karangasem dan pegunungan di Busungbiu-Buleleng. Dimana dapat menciptakan suasana lingkungan belajar yang nyaman dan tenang.

Tapi sayang, ada beberapa sekolah disana kesulitan akan kebutuhan air, dan listrik. Mudah-mudahan kedepannya dapat diperhatikan oleh pemerintah Bali pada khususnya.

Tentang cara pembelajaran bahasa inggris yang mana dibawakan oleh syahrir, keyko dan asep cukup baik, tapi mungkin lebih ditingkatkan dan lebih banyak inetraksi dengan para siswa. Dan mungkin harus belajar sedikit pelan dalam pengucapan karena menghadapi murid smp.

Ya, demikian kesan dan pesan saya. Terima kasih.

Tjok from KGI

Kunjungan pertama di SMPN 3 Rendang sangat menyenangkan. Disambut hangat oleh para guru dan murid. Sekolahnya berada di daerah dataran tinggi dengan udara yang sejuk. Sekolahnya bersih dan sangat asri. Jumlah murid kurang lebih 174 orang dan dibagi kelas pagi dan sore karena hanya terdapat 3 kelas jadi tidak cukup menampung bila hanya terdapat 1 shift.

Siswa sangat antusias menyambut kedatangan kami dan mendengarkan presentasi dan fun games yg diberikan oleh Wibowo serta Keyko. Wibowo juga membawakan presentasi serta games dengan sangat fun dan menyenangkan bahkan guru bahasa Inggris pun ikut aktif berpartisipasi.

Yang cukup mengherankan bagi kami, sebagian besar murid ke sekolah dengan menggunakan sepeda motor. menurut informasi yang kami dapat dari wakil kepala sekolah dan guru, pihak sekolah memberi kebijaksanaan bagi murid untuk membawa sepeda motor dengan alasan jarak rumah mereka dengan sekolah lumayan jauh. Bila ditempuh dengan berjalan kaki atau sepeda kayuh, tidak akan sanggup karena jalanan yang menanjak dan jauh.

Selama 1 Jam di SMPN 3 Rendang, kemudian perjalanan kami lanjutkan menuju SMPN 5 Kubu. Wah ini benar2 perjalanan yang cukup panjang dengan rasa lapar yang sudah mulai terasa. Menuju SMPN 5 Kubu, ternyata kami harus menempuh jarak kurang lebih 2,5 jam kami melewati jalan2 singkat menuju ke sekolah tersebut. Berpacu dengan waktu, akhirnya kami tiba di sekolah tersebut jam 12.15

Ternyata sekolah SMPN 5 kubu berlokasi di area wisata Tulamben. Lokasi sekolah nya panas, berdebu dan kami cukup kesulitan mencari sekolah ini. Sangat disayangkan listrik masih belum masuk ke sekolah ini. Tapi sekolah ini memiliki view yang sangat indah. perfect veiw! View to Tulamben beach. Dengan lokasi sekolah yang tinggi, sejauh mata memandang, tampak jelas pantai tulamben dan seakan2 pantai tulamben berada di bawah sekolah ini. Great!

Dijamu minuman ringan, cukup membuat kami bisa menahan rasa lapar di siang itu. Murid tampak sedikit kelelahan karena hari sudah sangat siang, tapi mereka tetap antusias dengan beberapa games yang menyenangkan yang diberikan oleh Wibowo dan Keyko.

Wibowo (KGI Representative -Medan)

What an amazing trips I made with KGI staff, visiting AIBEP's schools in Bali. It's totally adventurous and education trips. I was also one of the luckiest persons in Indonesia as a KGI champ invited to have a chance, witnessing the spirit of students and teachers to get the better education though they live far away from the hustle bustle of Bali. Three schools I visited are SMPN 3 and 5, in Karangasem & Kubu, and SMPN5 in Buleleng. Along the roads, I was also captivated by the beauty of Bali and the surrounding areas of the schools itself. Amazing! I've never seen like these before in my life. But one thing for sure, Those schools deserve to be AIBEP schools, and it's not only due to the distant locations to reach, but also the students & teachers' spirit to work together hand in hand to improve villager's education.

Most importantly, the headmasters, e.g. Pak I Nengah Suda, I Made Sukaja & I Gd Wardana. Even though, there is no electric power supply, the local people are very helpful, supplying the power for the school, like at SMPN-5 KUBU. Some money contributed to pay for the bill every month. I can hardly imagine what students would be like if there is no AIBEP schools built. Only SD graduates, no SMP or even SMU. But through AIBEP schools many children and parents have the better dreams , one day their kids will be successful, although their parents had to sell some of their livestock like cows, just to afford for a simple motorbike to reach school which is located at least 7 kms from home passing through the mountainous areas.

But many kids have to walk at least 6 kms to reach the schools. The spirit of togetherness among the students have decreased their tiredness much, when arriving at their beloved schools. Finally, I realized that those things would have not been possible to come true, if there's no a good friendship, e.g. Indonesia - Australia. Once again, Good Neighbors Make Good Friends' been proven.

Fadel ( KGI Representative - Lombok West Nusa Tenggara Province)

Couple of days visit to AIBEP school in Bali was very educated moment, excited session, impressive views, and interactive student class. Ooh… beyond the word to described it. But I will try to memorize and summarize what I have done along with the others.

I have visited 11 AIBEP's school in Lombok before the second ones in Bali. Because of that I didn't feel nervous even shy when visiting and meeting with students of SMPN 7 Kintamani, Bangli and SMPN 3 Ubud Gianyar in the first day trip. They were very friendly and welcomed us warmly. Then, we, the three champions, made presentation in turn. Suryadi from Madura presented how to be a great champion with vision board as supporter in that day, then I presented the topic How To Be A Radio Presenter. I do Kang Guru English radio presenter in Mataram, so I explained about presenter qualification, how to prepare radio show and vocal tips. Finally Ririn from Jakarta presented important topic What is Kang Guru Indonesia. To make the class interactive we gave the students some games, puzzles, quizzes with nice Kang Guru merchandise to give away to the winners. The day ended with photo session with students and teachers with stunning view at the background.

Second day travel was to SMPN 5 Kubutambahan, Buleleng with Alwi, and Wibowo. We went through ziz zag and hilly roads. Our team arrived at location at 11.30 am. The principal welcomed us and we shared question about school and students. Accompanied by an English teacher we entered the class and did our presentation directly. After Wibowo, it was my turn to give a presentation about radio program. There was no LCD device to support but it was OK. I gave the students a copy of my presentation, so they can follow my topic well. As usual after I finished I gave quizzes for the students.

Unforgettable experiences
Good Neighbors, Make Good Fiends
On behalf of an Indonesian, thank you AUSTRALIA

Keyko (KGI Representative - Semarang)

My first visit was at SMPN 3 Rendang, Karangasem. And to be honest, I was surprised and pretty sad because I never thought that I would find a school like this in the remote area – in an island like Bali.
And I was really amazed with the students because they were so active and brave enough to interact with us. My team was KG Champion Bowo from Medan, Tjok and Gung De( KGI IALF BALI). We were a great team! Even though we got lost pretty often on our ways to the schools, when we arrived we were happy again. My favourite moment was when I asked them to sing and dance the HOKEY POKEY SONG together with me. They were really enthusiastic about it and they loved to do it yeah!

Our second visit was at SMPN 5 Kubu Karangasem. In this school the students were very patient, as they had to wait for us. They loved our presentation and also the prizes that we gave them during the games of course. I noticed that both schools don't have enough books for their libraries and need more teaching materials. It would be nice if the government could provide that and also help them to get electricity. I was sad because the access to go to the schools is difficult. The sign board was too small and there was no big portal, so we could not realize that there is a school inside the jungle.

On the second day we went to SMPN Busung Biu. Wow, the journey to this school was challenging and I loved it so much. Even though it took 5 hours driving from Denpasar to this school, but yeah the view was very beautiful. The road was very hilly so all of us almost passed out. But yeah we won!!! When we finally arrived at the school, it was too late. But again, the teachers and the students were very eager to meet us.

What I learnt from these experiences was that the teachers and students are keen to learn and develop their area to improve their chances in the future. "But I was pretty disappointed because as we know Bali is a very famous destination for tourists and of course the government gets the benefit from it. But why is there such a huge difference between the urban area and the remote area. So the development is not all over. I can understand that we make the priority for the big cities but still we have to think about our people in the remote area. I cried and I can't imagine that the kids have to walk for around 7 km going to school. And the road was so scary and tiring". On behalf of myself and also Indonesian people I would like to show my big big appreciation and thanks for the AUSAID for making this possible for them by built the schools in their area. So at least there are many chances for them to get a better education for their future.

Ririn (KGI Representative – Kediri/Jakarta)

Dear Kangguru,
First of all I would like to say thanks a million to invite us the KGI Champion to Bali, once again. This visit meant a lot for us as we have to share experience with SMP students in AIBEP Schools. To be one of the KGI Champion make us to be keen on presentation as well as we do that often when we promote KGI.

What I learnt from the visit:

1. Living in Remote area doesn't mean that we can't go to school. Like I saw in Alasangker Buleleng. The school location is up on the hill and quite far from the residences. The students there have a very strong motivation to be well educated person in the future. I've talked to one of the students, she told me where she lives, the distance and her life in the village, really heart breaking, but at least we found something precious here. Not just in Buleleng, in Kintamani, students go to school with unique uniform. They wear a jacket during the school activity. It's because of the weather and the climate there, cold and cloudy. Even very difficult to get clean water! But once again, this is also the challenge for both students and teachers over there.

2. Studying in schools supported by AIBEP and Indonesia Government, make the teachers and students enthusiastic to get a good achievement. SMPN 3 Ubud for example, some of the students got National achievement for English debate competition.

3. This activities (like most of KGI activities) gave me a chance to share my great experiences to be KGI Champion; I love to do that no matter what! I really enjoyed to see how happy the students were in the class listening to my information, sang together, played games and had fun!

Overall, I learnt a great thing from these activities, help each other sincerely will give you a great appreciation for each other. Like Australia and Indonesia Government through AIBEP. Like KGI with English learning sources, teaching materials for English learners across Indonesia. Thanks a lot KangGuru Indonesia.

SYAHRIR BADULU ( KGI Representative – Makassar)

It was amazing that even the staffs of KGI had not been to such fantastic places with amazing views; mountainous, hill and windy circumstances. This get-together journey was actually a great moment for both staffs and champions as it was the first time for us having a real adventure trip. I personally enjoyed the two-day trips. Although I had done a wide range of ELTIS school visits in Bone – Sulawesi Selatan as a Master Trainer back in 2008 to March 2010, this AIBEP school visit like crazy was the everlasting one, for sure! It is due to the fact that I was amazed with the warm atmosphere given by the principals, the teachers, the staffs and particularly the very friendly students given by SMP 4 Bebandem, SMP 6 Amlapura and SMP 5 Busung Biu where I visited. This is the first lesson I learnt that they really appreciated every contribution and attention the AusAID has given through IALF and KGI programs.

The facilities given such IT equipments, school buildings, classrooms, various kinds of teaching aids and presentation media like OZ flags, banners are still there and highly in use by them properly. In addition, I was so impressed by the spirit of the AIBEP school teachers, who have been to Australia for Bridge program, pretty much enthusiastically encouraging and being the excellent models for their students. This was among other performed particularly by SMP 4 Bebandem. As soon as we went to the special media room, they welcome us right away with an OZ style song, as if we were in Australia. Other viewpoint of the lesson I learnt is that the students were "thirsty" in having fun English communicative activities.

The students and teachers were glad to be in the instructional process of fun English. They were attentive and built a good rapport with champions and KGI team. This means that we should, in the future, provide them with more communicative ways of English learning and acquisition. Fun English supplementary materials should also be provided for teachers. The AIBEP students, in particular, and teachers are aware that their schools are of-great value from Australia. Their kind cooperation and enthusiasm tell all about this!! In the name of those AIBEP Students would like to Thank you, Captain, KGI and the team, IALF, and Bali's AIBEP schools, and AusAID in particular.

Asep (KGI Representative - Pontianak)

What I have learn From My Activities With Some AIBEP Schools in Bali -
Learning is one thing, Enjoy Learning is Another

For two days at 7th and 8th of October, I was involved by Kang GURU Indonesia to accompany Kang GURU Indonesia staff visiting some Australia Indonesia Basic Education (AIBEP) Schools in Bali. I presented about Kang GURU Indonesia and my involvement with Kang GURU Indonesia as champion in front of students of SMPN 4 Bebandem, SMPN 5 Kubu in Karangasem and another SMPN 7 Alasangker in Buleleng Regency. The presentations quite simple, but I and all team of Kang GURU Indonesia performed some games, and singing activities to drum up all attentions from the students to be more actively involved during the class.

Some students were very happy to know more about the games, and singing we did together in front of the class. I knew that those SMP students would love to learn more about English language and all about Kang GURU Indonesia through those fun activities. And yes, we did it. Some students won prizes we brought to them, and most of the prizes have been given away to the students during the presentation. One of very common problems from the students are their facilities to access the internet for further information about KangGURU Indonesia, and I think that is not a problem for us. We suggested the students to request the bulletin and we played many games in addition to our explanations and presentations.

I had a feeling that all students would love to learn English. However they owned very little facilities to support their studies, and the students must walk around to the school from far away from their home, I must confess that their spirit and their willingness to learn English is fantastic. This is something I learn from my activities with the students from those AIBEP Schools.

Suryadi - KGI Champion from Madura

"What I Learnt from my Activities with Bali's AIBEP Schools"

On October 7 to 8 I joined other KangGURU Champions and KGI staffs visiting Bali AIBEP schools, I visited four schools in Bangli, Gianyar and Tabanan. It took hours and hours to get there from Denpasar, and we had to drive throughout mountainous areas; up and down the hill. It was exhausted trip but it's paid off, I love it, it's nice to know another part of Bali, its natural scenery is wonderful.

What impressed me a lot when I came to Bali's AIBEP schools was the design and layout of its building; it's very artistic and totally described Balinese culture. Its bit different from AIBEP schools I visited in Madura. Balinese always do something with art and cultural sense, even when they build a school, that's might be a reason why Bali attracts people around the world. The location of some schools is terrific, and for me SMPN 7 Kintamani has magnificent view, we can enjoy beauty of Mount and Lake Batur from the school, fresh air and the weather is really tempting. I would love to visit this school again for another KGI activity someday!

When I entered the class, the students were active and enthusiastic; they were very welcoming and friendly. It made me felt comfortable to start my presentation, I shared my interaction and involvement with KGI as volunteer and how it helped developed my career. To begin with I told the students about being Kang GURU Champion and how this voluntary work turned my life; linked me to LAPIS (Learning Assistance Program for Islamic School) one of AusAID project. I encouraged them to have 'champion mentality'. I gave them list of champion's character, like being; helpful, caring, smart, active, be positive and optimistic. I said that what I already achieved so far was started by having dream of what I wanted; I visualize them in my thought, and stick a picture or photos on what I call a 'vision board'. I showed them my vision board and ticked some targets that I accomplished, which included my recent trip to Malaysia and Singapore.

I told them that next month I will join LAPIS team to Australia for study tour to Sunshine Coast University in Queensland, and that's my wish since 2008. They looked amazed and interested to know more about it then I opened question and answer session. Many students actively involved, it seemed that they have big plan for their future. I stressed on the power of positive thinking in shaping the future, I emphasized that having good education is important step to achieve our goal, including learning English as International language. SMPN 3 Ubud and SMPN 4 Marga already made good start to facilitate the students in learning English, they have established English clubs and provided English materials at schools' library, I found KangGURU magazines and listening materials there too.