Our Balinese location in Sanur is now over 3 months old! It’s about time we introduced the rest of our wonderful educators who will be welcoming and inspiring children at our latest Education Centre. We’ve already met Anne, Sukma and Lyndie, so let’s now get to know:
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Dorathea: I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, with an Irish mother and a British father. I completed my teacher training at Stellenbosch University in the early 1990s and have since dedicated myself to advancing in the field of special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
I take great pride in being a mother to three wonderful, accomplished children and a grandmother to three grandchildren. It's been 26 years since I made the move to Indonesia, and I've found immense joy in living here, particularly in the enchanting island of Bali.
Despite being widowed for 17 years, I remain resilient and stand firm in my journey. I embody vibrancy and strive to share kindness and joy wherever I go. My disposition is overwhelmingly positive, and I passionately champion a world free of judgement and full of fairness for all. I prioritise environmental care and adhere to a mindful approach aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Mutiara: I was born in Jakarta 28 years ago, and from a young age, I discovered my deep passion for teaching. There's something truly magical about the energy and enthusiasm that children bring into our lives. Teaching, for me, is not just a profession; it's a calling, an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young minds.
Over the past 7 years, I have had the privilege of being an educator, and I must say it's been an incredible journey. I've witnessed the growth and development of numerous students, and that sense of pride and fulfilment is unmatched. I'm always open to new ideas, methods, and technologies that can enhance my teaching skills and help me connect with my students in more ways. Every day is an opportunity to grow not only as a teacher but as a person, and I embrace this journey!
Laksmi: I was born and raised on the enchanting island of Bali, Indonesia, nearly three decades ago. My journey as an educator began during my senior high school years when I started teaching. As the years passed, my dedication to the field of education only grew stronger. In 2019, I pursued my Masters degree in Early Childhood Education at Yogyakarta State University to enhance my teaching skills and understanding of pedagogy.
During my career, I had the privilege of working in an educational centre that follows both the Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches. These renowned educational philosophies are rooted in child-centred principles and emphasise the importance of respecting each child's unique learning journey. One of the key principles that has guided my teaching philosophy is a deep commitment to hands-on learning. This approach allows children to explore, experiment, and discover concepts in a tangible and meaningful way. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning that can last a lifetime.
Being a teacher gives me a diverse skill set that goes beyond the classroom. These skills not only improve my teaching but also contribute to my overall growth, enabling me to excel in diverse situations.
Arielle: I am from Manado, one of the cities here in Indonesia. I’m going to turn 23 this November. I have 3 siblings, an older sister and 2 younger brothers. I just arrived in Bali in August 2023, so I’m enjoying discovering its beauty alongside our Explorers and their families.
I have always loved being around children. I come from a large family and I have so many baby cousins. Looking back,I have always been surrounded by children - whether they’re from my own family or the community around me. Watching them as they learn and play has always been a joy for me, and that’s one of the main reasons I decided to start my journey as an educator. I got a chance to volunteer at the local kindergarten back in Manado before joining B0undless Education.
Fun facts: I love reading and collecting mangas/comic books. I am also a movie nerd and enjoy marathon-watching movies & tv shows!
What made you want to join the Boundless Education team here in Bali?
Dorathea: Several compelling factors motivated my desire to become a part of the Boundless Education team in Bali. First and foremost, the organisation's dedication to innovative and inclusive education deeply resonates with my own passion for advancing educational opportunities for all. Bali, with its rich cultural diversity and the potential for positive impact, offers a unique environment for such endeavours. Additionally, the prospect of collaborating with a team committed to making a difference in education aligns perfectly with my professional goals and personal values. The chance to contribute my skills and experience to such a dynamic and purpose-driven team is an opportunity I eagerly embraced.
Mutiara: The main reason I joined Boundless Education is because I want to grow and develop my skills and I think this will be the perfect opportunity. It’s such a new concept for me and I think it is very cool! I adore the Boundless team here so I have definitely made the right decision.
Laksmi: After learning about Boundless Life and its unique program aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), I am genuinely inspired and excited to explore this impactful field for the first time. Its commitment to the UN SDGs is both admirable and essential in today's world, and I am eager to contribute to this noble cause. What particularly resonates with me is Boundless Life Education's values, which emphasise the importance of instilling resilience, boldness, innovation, and connection in our younger generations. I firmly believe that these values are fundamental to creating a better future for our world.
Arielle: When I first learned about Boundless Life, I was very intrigued with its unique and ‘thinking outside of the box’ concepts, especially with regards to the educational sector and I really wanted to be a part of the team. And now, I feel beyond lucky to be a part of Boundless Life with an amazing team - bringing something new to the table and introducing new creative ideas to the world. I also feel like it provides me opportunities to grow as an educator and as a person.
The project-based Quest for your current cohort (Sep-Nov ‘23) is called “Water of Life” based on UN Sustainability Goal #6 - Clean Water and Sanitation. What has been your favourite moment from this Quest so far?
Dorathea: During the "Water of Life'' Quest for our current cohort (Sep-Nov '23), there have been several incredible moments so far that have left a lasting impact. One particular favourite moment was when our Explorers, with boundless enthusiasm and creativity, collaboratively designed and executed a community awareness campaign with a play and posters to promote responsible water usage and sanitation. They worked together to create an operational water filter. The joy on their faces when their projects worked, was just heartwarming to witness..
Seeing their dedication and passion as they engaged with each other as a community, spreading crucial information about clean water and sanitation, was truly inspiring and it is still ongoing. Witnessing their creativity in designing educational materials, interactive presentations, and hands-on activities is a testament to their growth and understanding of the UN Sustainability Goal #6.
These moments are a beautiful fusion of education and activism, showcasing the potential for positive change that arises when education aligns with meaningful real-world issues. It's moments like these that remind me why I'm so passionate about project-based learning and its capacity to empower young minds to make a difference in this fast moving world of ours.
Mutiara: My favorite moment from the 'Water of Life' Quest has been the incredible journey of exploring and teaching various aspects of water, from its usage and conservation to the importance of clean water sources. One particular highlight that stands out for me was our collaboration with the Lower Foundation class to create natural water filtration systems. It was a hands-on and enlightening experience that allowed students to understand the significance of clean water and the innovative solutions that can be applied to ensure its availability.
Watching our students actively engage in this project and witnessing their excitement as they filtered water naturally was truly heartwarming. Additionally, I had a memorable moment when the students in my class sang along to the 'Save Water' song. Music is a powerful tool for learning and conveying important messages, and seeing our Explorers embrace the message of water conservation through music was both delightful and impactful. It reinforced the idea that education can be not only informative but also fun and creative.
Laksmi: Some of my favourite moments exploring the “Water of Life” Quest are when we as educators can provide a meaningful hands-on learning to the children and let them explore and find their unique way of learning.
We discussed the use of water in daily activities in a fun way such as “brushing giant teeth” to get the germs away and learning water conservation when we wash our hands. We had a chance to explore our natural resources from the garden to create our ‘River’ and allow the children to express their creativity and experiment with water. We also had a blast making a Source of Water out of playdough while integrating maths, sensory exploration, art at the same time in order to enrich their learning journey. One of the most heartwarming aspects of teaching in this way is witnessing the joy of discovery in your students' eyes. When they uncover something new or solve a problem independently, it boosts their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
Arielle: one of my favourite moments during this Quest is when we made the miniature river from the natural resources we have around us. The kids gathered some soil and put them in the tray, they even gathered some flowers, leaves and rocks and enthusiastically decorated their miniatures. The kids love messy fun play. Watching them as they’re playing and learning also brings great joy for me.
All of our educators are superstars who bring our curriculum to life for our Explorers and future leaders. What would you say is your ‘superpower’?
Dorathea: If I were to identify my 'superpower’, (besides being a magical colourful unicorn) I would say it's the ability to transform complex ideas and concepts into easily digestible, creative and engaging educational content. I have a knack for breaking down information, making it accessible and exciting for learners, and fostering a deep understanding of the subject matter as well as learning skills that are essential in their day to day lives. This talent helps me connect with students, inspire curiosity, and ignite a passion for learning, ultimately contributing to their growth as future leaders.
🦸🏽♀️ Superhero Name: The Decoder!
Mutiara: I am a perpetual learner myself. constantly seek out new teaching techniques, and educational trends to stay at the forefront of education. This 'superpower' allows me to adapt and evolve alongside my students, providing them with the best possible learning experience. My other superpower is patience.
🦸🏽♀️ Superhero Name: The Knowledge Seeker!
Laksmi: I would say that my superpower is my ability to adapt. I had experience before, teaching on an island in a remote area with limited reception. I learnt how to be flexible and creative in providing a quality education to the children regardless of the environment. I also love to turn any lesson into an engaging and memorable experience for the children.
🦸🏽♀️ Superhero Name: The MacGyver!*
*80’s TV show fans will get this, but basically MacGyver was famous for being able to adapt to and resolve any tricky situation using even the most basic equipment for inspiration!
Arielle: I consider my newfound passion for teaching as my superpower. I am still new in the education field and I am so excited to learn and try new things and ideas and implement them into my teaching.
🦸🏽♀️ Superhero Name: The Energizer!
If you think your children would benefit from Boundless Education Bali the Crew would LOVE to welcome you. There are a limited number of spots remaining over our forthcoming cohorts. Give us a call to secure your family’s place.
