Volunteer Lessons From Bali
What does an 18-year-old high school graduate do with eight months to shape whichever way he wants? Since university in Australia starts in February 2023, I decided to go on a beach holiday in Phuket, Thailand with my cousins, visit my grandmother in the Philippines, do a couple of internships to add to my experience and participate in a volunteer service program in Bali.
I went to Bali thinking that it would just be a simple construction program that I would do for two weeks. But when I left Bali, I realised that those two weeks were the most important weeks of my life before college. The reason I say this is because it was a test of courage, strength and endurance.
I had experienced volunteering with construction work in the past with Gawad Kalinga, building houses in Cebu, Philippines. But looking back, that was “light” work with me passing around cement bags or bricks for a few days. This time, the work in Bali was more “professional” in that they treated us like adults. The foreman counted on us to do physically laborious tasks, which were assigned every morning. There was no room for negotiation or hesitation. For one assignment, I agreed to go up on a high scaffolding to help structure the support beams, pouring cement in two placeholders. I worked with very friendly locals and people from all over the world and to this day I still am in contact with them.
Daniel on site at a kindergarten building project, Ubud, Bali
I volunteered with International Volunteer Head Quarters (IVHQ), a New Zealand-based organization that arranges volunteer work around the world. You can choose one of 50+ locations, what type of work you want to do – teaching English, turtle conservation, environmental/health education or construction/renovation. You also choose the length of your volunteer work, some have a minimum of two weeks and can go for as long as you want. You pay a fee to register, then pay a weekly fee that goes to IVHQ’s local partner to cover your accommodations and meals for the duration of your stay. In my case, the local partner in Bali was Green Lion and they looked after all the volunteers very well.
The boys’ dormitory, Green Lion, Bali
Al fresco dining at Green Lion, Bali
A relaxing dip in the pool on a hot day
When I first arrived in Ubud, Bali, it was a Saturday evening – much earlier than the Monday start of the program. This was not ideal as most of the people I met were leaving the next day. I also missed the advice in the briefing pack that no lunch is served on weekends because many volunteers go out to explore the island. Fortunately, I had a big breakfast on Sunday and dinner was served early!
Monday rolled in and I got my first roommate. He didn't speak English very well and our conversations were minimal, but he had this character that made me enjoy the minimal exchanges we had. In the second week, I got introduced to two guys whom I got very close to on this trip. With Hiro and Bode, two Americans who flew in from California, I spent most of my time which was both enjoyable and meaningful.
I asked Hiro and Bode their perspectives for this story and, as both of them carry a journal, it helped them remember our days in Bali.
Hiro with his English students
Hiro volunteered to teach English for four weeks. He reflects: “Before the trip, I was a little nervous thinking to myself, ‘Am I gonna be a good enough volunteer? Will I make enough friends? Are the people gonna be cool?’
Besides teaching activities, I mostly spent my time with friends from the volunteer program. We explored the beauty of Bali like the waterfalls, rice paddies, etc. on our off time during the weekdays. We usually went out somewhere farther during the weekends (ex. Gili island) and spent most of the time with other volunteers.
The people in the program and those supporting us were so friendly, compassionate and fun to be with. The locals were always smiling and the volunteers were all eager to meet new people and make new connections. It was really nice.
Life in Bali is definitely a lot different than it is at home. Bali has narrow roads, the architecture is very different. Many daily activities are based on religious beliefs, and the lifestyle and outlook in life for the locals are quite different from where I live (USA).”
Bode (left) with Daniel (right)
Bode, who volunteered to teach English for 12 weeks, shares: “When coming into Bali I was in high hopes to find a new perspective on life and maybe find out new things about myself. I haven't left Bali yet but I know when I do leave I'd be happier with the person I am. The effect that others around me have made this trip so much more of an experience. Whenever I find myself alone some days, that's when I really take time to find myself; I usually spend this time scootering around finding good places to journal, draw etc.
The Bali community is best described as nothing short of a beautiful, loving, accepting and positive environment. Life back home compared to life in Bali is a complete wake-up call. The amount of down-to-earth individuals in Bali is beyond words. They love life and enjoy making others smile. The loving reciprocation is amazing.
In my life back in California I find people have different lanes of focus. Many are focused on money, popularity and mainly themselves, whereas Balinese folks watch out heavily for the others around them, showing a family-like loving, warm and inviting presence. If I could put this whole experience into one phrase it would be ‘Life of vital emotions’,” Bode ends.
When I was interviewing Bode and Hiro, one thing they mentioned that I found to be unique is what they did when they weren’t doing the activity they signed up for. Indeed, the interaction with the locals was special. I made some buddies with the people who owned the bar across the road and with all the car hire drivers who took us into town (our dormitory was quite remote). I just called them all “my man!” as I couldn’t remember all of their names!
Bali wasn’t entirely about work. Every Thursday there would be a big get-together usually because people would be leaving on the weekend either out of the country at the end of their volunteer period, or to an island to spend some quality time with new friends. I was fortunate to celebrate my 19th birthday with these genuine and generous people.
(L-R) Volunteers JP, Carl, Daniel, Hiro and Bode
Bali taught me a lot. One very specific learning is that drinking coconut water helps with hangovers! But joking aside, volunteering thrust me into a totally new environment. I had never travelled on my own so that was a first. I didn’t know anyone at all on this trip so I had to get out of my comfort zone to connect and make friends. I also had to learn to manage my cash. All these are good lessons for going to university. Also, I chose to volunteer on my own volition, the school didn’t require it, and thus it had more of an impact.
Workwise, construction also taught me that even if I trained hard for something, I need to be prepared to change my mindset completely. I enjoy working out and lifting weights and I thought it would help me with the work. I soon learned that construction is a lot more difficult. It really tests your strength, stamina and endurance. You are also at the mercy of the elements. On some days when it rained, we needed to adjust our work hours so this was also a test of flexibility, quick thinking and efficient use of time. I am proud to have contributed to building a kindergarten school, in which young Balinese will one day be able to study.
Construction project, IVHQ, Ubud, Bali
The making of a kindergarten school
Image : @IVHQ
Image : @IVHQ
When my parents met me at the end of the trip and we checked into a hotel before flying out, my mom complained that the aircon in the room was not cold enough, and my dad complained that the bath water was not hot enough. I said to them, “You need to do some construction work!”
I look forward to meeting Hiro and Bode again to do more volunteer work in the future. When we do, we will look back at our Bali volunteer days and look at these pictures which capture our enthusiasm and kindred spirit.
Daniel Aquino | guest contributor | ws
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