Help us empower the youth through education at Karangploso, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

Details

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  Description

  My name is Ibu Ria, a mother of three daughters living in a small village in Karangploso Malang Indonesia.
  For years, I have watched the young people around me grow up with one shared belief: that dreaming is not for them. In developing countries like mine, especially for those from middle to low-income families, dreams are often seen as a luxury. "Why dream if I was born poor and will die poor?" they say. The system tells them to settle, to survive—not to thrive.
  
  This quiet surrender eats away at their spirit. It makes education feel pointless. “No matter how smart I am,” they whisper, “I’ll still end up as a factory worker.” This loss of purpose has grown into something darker—substance abuse, teenage fights, early pregnancies. Not because they are bad kids, but because they no longer believe they have a future.
  
  As a mother, this broke me. And what broke me even more was how silent everyone else was—how absent the government felt, how numb the community had become.
  
  But five years ago, something changed.
  
  I stumbled upon Workaway and decided to invite a few volunteers to teach English to the children in my neighborhood. I didn’t expect much—just a bit of help, a bit of light. What I got was a spark that lit up our whole village.
  
  The kids didn’t just learn English. They listened to stories of travelers who crossed oceans alone, who faced fears with courage, who built lives far beyond what they were told was possible. And in those stories, our children saw themselves. They saw proof that dreams don’t belong only to the privileged.
  
  Today, just three years later, 13 girls from my village are attending university. It may sound like a small number—but here, it’s a miracle. And two years ago, with the help of generous volunteers and friends, we opened a kindergarten for underprivileged children, offering an international-quality curriculum in the heart of the village. We believe if we can teach them to dream young, we can build a better future.
  
  So if you ever feel lost, unsure of your path, or just looking to give meaning to your travels—come find us. Join our journey.
  You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to be someone “special.”
  You don’t need to be superficial.
  You can be a hero in someone’s future—just by sharing your story, your journey, your truth.
  Because every story that dares to dream, inspires someone else to do the same.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Teaching

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  1. Learn the Ancient Javanese Culture:
  
  Experience the timeless traditions of Javanese culture, which are becoming increasingly rare. You'll live as the Javanese do, learning about holistic traditional foods, Javanese myths and stories, and the profound Javanese philosophy that shapes daily life.
  
  2. Free Tours of Malang’s History:
  
  Embark on a journey through Malang's fascinating history, from its ancient roots to its transformation into the modern city it is today. The only thing you'll need to pay for is the entrance fee to historical sites.
  
  3. Cook Traditional Javanese Dishes:
  
  Dive into the world of Javanese cuisine. You’ll learn how to cook traditional dishes, and experience shopping at a local market to gather ingredients the way locals do.
  
  4. Batik Crafting:
  
  Learn the art of making Batik, a traditional Indonesian textile technique that involves coloring fabric with intricate patterns. This hands-on workshop will give you a deeper understanding of Indonesia's rich craft heritage.
  
  5. Traditional Javanese Dance:
  
  Discover the elegance of Javanese culture through traditional dance. You’ll have the chance to learn the basic movements and expressions that make Javanese dance unique, and perhaps even perform what you’ve learned.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  As a Workawayer with us, you'll be asked to participate in a variety of tasks that will vary depending on our current needs. Here are some examples of tasks you may be asked to assist with:
  
  Teaching English: We visit different schools every day to teach English to children and teenagers. You'll be asked to help with lessons and engage with students in fun and creative ways to make the learning process enjoyable and interactive.
  
  Community projects: In the evenings, we work on various projects in the village, such as building new facilities, organizing events, or helping with cleanup efforts. You'll be asked to assist with these tasks and help us make a difference in the lives of our community members.
  
  Social media: If you have skills in social media management, we'd love for you to help us develop our online presence and raise awareness of our cause.
  
  Web development: If you have experience in web development, we'd appreciate your assistance in improving our website to showcase our work and attract more volunteers and supporters.
  
  Overall, we're looking for individuals who are passionate about social issues and willing to get involved in our community-based initiatives. We value creativity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn and grow. We hope that by working together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of the children and teenagers in our area.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  English, french, germany, mandarin
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  Accommodation

  We offer simple, family-style accommodation for our Workawayers. Although you won’t be staying directly with us due to the busy location of our home beside the road, we have partnered with a welcoming local host family. You will have your own private room and access to shared facilities, including the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas.
  
  Our accommodation is basic yet comfortable, with clean and cozy rooms that provide a warm, inviting environment. Staying with our host family, you will be treated as one of their own. Enjoy shared meals and stories, and immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life.
  
  By staying with our host family, you will gain a more authentic and meaningful experience, fully integrating into our daily routine and community activities. We will provide guidance and support throughout your stay, and answer any questions you may have about the area or our projects.
  
  We offer a free breakfast featuring traditional Indonesian cuisine. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegetarianism or a sensitivity to spicy food, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your needs. Should our meals not suit your taste, there are also numerous restaurants in the area for you to explore.

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  What else ...

  Transportation from the train or bus station to our house is easy to arrange. Travellers can order a motorcycle or car through online transportation services, such as Go-Jek or Grab. We can also provide assistance with arranging transportation if needed.
  
  During free times, Good Holiday Indonesia offers paid trips to popular destinations in East Java that also contribute to our social causes. These destinations include:
  
  Bromo Trip: Hike to the top of Mount Bromo and experience stunning views of the sunrise.
  
  Ijen Trip: Visit the Ijen crater and witness the famous blue fire phenomenon.
  
  Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Trip: Explore the beautiful Tumpak Sewu waterfall and enjoy the surrounding nature.
  
  Paragliding Trip: Experience the thrill of paragliding while enjoying stunning views of East Java.
  
  Rafting Trip: Raft down the rapids of a local river and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
  
  We can provide tour or help you rent a motorcycle to explore these destinations on your own.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  Our internet wifi are stable. It will be good for your working need.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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