East Bali Poverty Project

Creating Economic Opportunities through Bamboo Crafts Training By: Md Kari & Kt Sunia, EBPP bamboo craft team The bamboo craft learning program for all EBPP’s 154 junior and senior high school students is progressing very well. The students started by learning basic techniques of how to cut the bamboo using specially designed craft knives, and shaping the body and wings of a ‘balancing’ dragonfly from bamboo. After several meetings, almost all the students were able to make the perfect dragonfly, that could balance on finger tips and the specially crafted bamboo stand. The greatest difficulty in making these is in the formation of the wings; in addition to its small size, the shape is also very unique, so it is necessary to be very careful when making it Now, the students are starting to create other handicrafts things, such as attractive bamboo stationery holders, with sizes and designs tailored to their preferences. The uniqueness of these crafts is how individual students produce their bamboo craft shapes and sizes that look artistic. Once they’ve mastered these, the students will continue by making wall clocks for their respective homes and later simple furniture, etc. Our goal is to equip our students and their respective communities with the potential to sell these and other crafts in the future. Learning bamboo crafts is not only great fun for EBPP students but also opens up new economic opportunities for them. #BambooCraftLearning #EmpoweringThroughCraft #EBPPStudents #SustainableCrafts #CreativeBambooArt #SkillBuilding #FutureOpportunities #HandmadeWithLove #BambooInnovation #YouthEmpowerment #ArtAndCraft #BalancingDragonfly #CraftingTheFuture

EBPP Students’ Progress Regenerating Dryland to Productive Farmland By: Komang Kurniawan, EBPP Chairman & Team Leader Starting in August 2024, thanks to a grant from Bali-based Mitra Prodin, our Darmaji School students have been learning about improving their families’ presently infertile steep and sandy volcanic ash farmland from and with our Manikaji School students who started their dryland regenerative agriculture learning journey with a grant sponsored by ‘Australian Volunteers’ in January 2023 Leaving at 7:30am on 26 September for Manikaji, our Darmaji students’ second learning visit to their Manikaji School peers regenerated pilot garden boosted their enthusiasm in learning dryland cultivation techniques. There, they reviewed previous material about terracing and, overseen by Manikaji students, practiced in the field using bamboo A-frames to determine the contours of the land and rapidly learned how to make terrace, the importance of mulching, companion plants, and how to deal with weeds around plants. In a collaborative atmosphere, Darmaji and Manikaji students discussed, shared knowledge, and ended with a presentation that I considered very satisfying. To further inspire them, they also visited the new terraced garden of Sintia, a Manikaji student, who has succeeded grown tomatoes and other vegetables despite the dry climate. Students who tried the organic tomatoes loved them and motivated them to plant on their land. Darmaji students started hands-on learning in their own learning garden on 1st October, guided by Bumi Langit Foundation dryland permaculture experts and EBPP staff, eagerly preparing the land, and starting organic compost production. In high spirits, they had soon formed several terraces that will be ready for planting in the upcoming rainy season. Good luck Darmaji students, with huge appreciation to our donor, Mitra Prodin CSR. #EBPP #SustainableAgriculture #DrylandRegeneration #RegenerativeAgriculture #YouthEmpowerment #EcoFriendlyFarming #CommunityDevelopment #OrganicFarming #Permaculture #ClimateAction #MitraProdin #BaliVolunteers #FarmToTable #EducationForAll #FutureFarmers

Brit and Aussie Teachers Give EBPP Schools Support By Chris Frankland & Duncan Buchanan I have just completed a few weeks of voluntary inputs along with Duncan, a friend and ex-colleague, in the EBPP schools. Our background is teacher and student support in disadvantaged rural schools, in Malaysia, Lombok and elsewhere. Now retired, but after a lifetime in education, I must say that this was without doubt one of the most memorable, outstanding and gratifying experiences of my career. I was knocked out by the sheer vibrancy, positivity, motivation and exuberance of the students, and the dedication of the teachers. The challenges are many, but it is amazing to observe what can be done with few resources and determination, and it is a credit to them all that so much has been achieved. We focused mainly on teacher-student interaction, and expanding on ideas for group and pair work. Our inputs are ongoing, and we are also looking at ways of more accurately assessing the levels and progress of all EBPP students in literacy and numeracy. This is my fourth visit to EBPP, so I have been able to witness the impressive degree of positive change that has taken place over the years. I very much hope that our inputs will make an impact and are a useful contribution toward further improvements. We wish you all the very best and look forward to being able to return soon. Thank you for making us so welcome.

Transforming Lives: Hearing Hope for Bayu By: Ulfa Ratriana, Health Program Coordinator At EBPP, in collaboration with YPK Bali, we remain committed to improving the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) health of children in Ban Village. By September, we’ve conducted annual ENT check-ups to 860 students in 12 primary schools. A recent ENT examination led us to Bayu, a bright young student from Pengalusan Hamlet, who has struggled with hearing loss since he was 3, when his parents realised it. Bayu is totally deaf in his left ear, and his right ear has only limited functionality, making communication a daily challenge—especially with those unfamiliar with sign language. However, there’s hope! This October, we are giving him a hearing aid to try, that will open up a whole new world for him. If the trial is successful, we plan to providing Bayu with a hearing aid for his left ear by December, helping him engage more fully with those around him and build a brighter future. Thanks to your support, we're able to bring opportunities like this to children like Bayu. Together, we're making a real impact and helping children live fuller, more connected lives. #HearingHope #EmpoweringChildren #ENTHealth #TransformingLives #HealthForAll #InclusiveEducation #SupportBayu #ChangingLives #BanVillage #HearingAidForBayu #BetterFuture #CommunityHealth #TogetherForChange #EastBali

We, the East Bali Poverty Project family, wish "Happy Kuningan Day" to the entire Hindu community. May the blessings of Kuningan bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to all of us. On this holy day, let us together strengthen gratitude and sincerity, and continue to maintain harmony between humans, nature, and the God. May our every step be blessed with kindness and love. Happy Kuningan Day.

"Empowering Every Child’s Journey at EBPP" We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive—no matter their background. Boys and girls alike face unique challenges in their educational journey, but with the right support, they’re achieving incredible things! 🌱✨ From early childhood education to preparing for their future careers, our students are continuously learning, growing, and transforming their lives. Today, we celebrate how our boys and girls embraced gender equality in all aspects of life at school and at home, and work hard every day to overcome challenges and reach their goals. Together, we build a brighter future! 🎓💪 #EducationForAll #EmpoweringYouth #EBPPJourney #EqualityInEducation #FutureLeaders #BoysAndGirlsAtEBPP

Meet the faces of tomorrow – the young people who are shaping a brighter future for their communities and the world. 🌍✨ At EBPP, we take great pride in empowering and nurturing these incredible students who are not only excelling in education but are also leading the way in environmental sustainability and social engagement. Their commitment, passion, and drive to create positive change are inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Together, they are paving the way for a sustainable and brighter future for all. Join us in celebrating their achievements and the future they are building! 🌱🎓 #InspiringYouth #FutureLeaders #SustainabilityChampions #EmpoweringCommunities #EducationForAll #YouthForChange #EBPP #SocialImpact #EnvironmentalSustainability #YouthEmpowerment

My Journey from Student to Teacher at EBPP By: Ni Kadek Reni, EBPP Guidance and Counseling teacher Hello, my name is Ni Kadek Reni. I am 24 years old, and come from Jatituhu hamlet in Ban Village. I graduated from EBPP Jatituhu School in 2020, where I studied from elementary school through high school. This school inspired me to pursue further education. Thanks to EBPP, I learned to read and write, and I was one of the ten fortunate EBPP students awarded a scholarship to attend university, sponsored by The Shanti Foundation. I continued my studies at Universitas PGRI Mahadewa Indonesia in Denpasar, majoring in Guidance and Counselling. I chose this field because I have a strong passion for discipline. I also participated in the Student Organization for Guidance and Counselling at my university. After four years of hard work, I proudly graduated on September 4, 2024, marking a significant milestone in my academic journey. To support younger students at EBPP, I decided to return as a teacher. On September 9, 2024, I joined as the School Counsellor, dedicating myself to serving my village and sharing my knowledge to inspire the students. During my first two weeks at EBPP, I have built connections with several students. They were curious about why I returned, and I shared that I have a "dream book" filled with goals for developing our village and sharing what I learned in college. I am thrilled to be back at EBPP and truly grateful for the knowledge I have gained along the way. Thank you! #EBPPSuccessStory #EducationForAll #GuidanceAndCounseling #EmpoweringCommunities #VillageEducation #InspiringFutureGenerations #ScholarshipJourney

Yesterday, our EBPP community celebrated Galungan, a special day symbolizing the victory of good over evil. We’re proud to see them embracing their culture and heritage. Wishing everyone a joyful and blessed Galungan!

Turning Break Time into Music Lessons. By Edi Catra, EBPP Geography and Music Teacher. Today at EBPP Manikaji School, after teaching geography to high school students, I was really looking forward to taking a break to recharge my energy after my exhausting trip up the steep and dusty dirt road! However, when break time came, I’d a pleasant surprise: a group of enthusiastic 7th graders approached me, wanting to learn to play the guitar. They were inspired after seeing their elder peers’ performance during our Indonesia's Independence Day celebration. Seeing their enthusiasm, my fatigue disappeared, and I decided to use this break to teach them. I started by introducing guitar parts, which were new to them. I explain each component in detail, from the body to the strings, providing a solid foundation before they start playing. Their enthusiasm and attention impressed me. We continued with finger exercises to flex the hands, important for playlng the chords smoothly. I teach two basic chords: C major and D minor, which are perfect for beginners. I asked them to memorize and practice these chords for a week. Before the session ended, I emphasized the importance of regular finger training to make playing easier. Even though it was a short time, I felt very satisfied seeing their dedication. My break that should have been a time to relax turned into a precious opportunity to ignite the passion for music in their young hearts. Learning guitar not only gives them new skills, but also shares a love for music. This experience makes my challenge trip to school feel worth it. #MusicForChange #GuitarLessons #InspiringYouth #EBPPEducation #TurningBreakTimeIntoMusic #LearningThroughMusic #PassionForMusic #EmpowerThroughMusic #YouthEmpowerment