THE INITIATIVE
Begawan’s education initiative began as a free kindergarten for local children in 2000, and expanded over the years to become Begawan Guru Learning Centre. From 2017 to 2025, the Centre in Melinggih Kelod welcomed local children from ages 6 to 11 for after-school lessons six days a week, providing these children with a progressive model of education, as well as extracurricular activities, health care, and daily lunches.
Despite the difficult decision to close the Learning Centre in May 2025, we are immensely proud of the accomplishments of our team of facilitators, and the achievements of our amazing students. We are confident the programme will have lasting impact on those it touched, and we remain committed to the vision of quality, experiential education for all children, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds.
Student-centred learning
Placed students as active agents in the learning process
Holistic development
Fostered academic, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing
Entrepreneurial focus
Developed the skills to create new financial opportunities
Practical application
Reinforced new knowledge in real-life, relevant scenarios
OUR APPROACH
Preparing Bali's future leaders through progressive education
Over the years Begawan has developed a unique curriculum, tailored for Balinese students. The Begawan Guru approach emphasized experiential learning, fostered sustainable and entrepreneurial mindsets, and equipped students with resiliency in a fast-changing world.
OUR IMPACT
The evidence of Begawan’s success in community education was most evident in the students’ eagerness to attend classes, as well as the long waiting list to enrol. Our students have consistently been among the highest achievers in their schools. Teachers, parents, and educators alike remarked on the confidence, calmness, and creativity of the children in Begawan’s programme.
"What I like about Begawan’s approach to learning is providing learners with context that is experiential and relevant to their lives, and empowering them to get hands-on so knowledge is immediately applied. "
John Tan, Founder and CEO of Doyobi
"It is exciting to watch these flower buds, eco-warriors and teenage planet stewards take charge of the future of the environment and their communities. Look for amazing things to come from this group."
Michael Golden, Executive Director at University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
"We have witnessed significant development in our son, hearing directly from his stories after classes and study tours. He has gained many new insights for the future. We also observe that he is now more confident, enthusiastic, and active. The additional experiences provided by Begawan go beyond what regular schools offer."
I Gede Satria Bhuana, Parent of Student at Begawan Guru
"We saw firsthand how ‘learning by doing’ is not just an idealistic concept but practical and sustainable. Unlike what our system is very much accustomed to (sometimes a means to no end), there’s continuity with this!"
Faith Kwan – Founder of Unboxed
The final parents’ and students’ meetings at Begawan Guru Learning Centre
Parents' Meeting
Sunday, 20 April 2025
Final Gathering
Monday, 21 April 2025
Parents' Comments
Thank you to all the facilitators at Begawan for all the guidance and lessons the students have received. This experience means so much. As a parent, I can only express my deepest gratitude to the amazing facilitators — you are truly the best, Kak Desy, Kak Irham, and Kak Eka.
Wishing you success in your next chapter, and I hope we can meet again sometime.
Ni Luh Made Sri Lestari
(Parent of Ngakan Made Angga Jiyestha)
Thank you to all the facilitators who have given such wonderful experiences to our students, helping them become more independent and mature. There is no place better than this. As a parent, I’m proud that Ayundha had the opportunity to learn here.
I hope we can meet again someday. Thank you so much, Kakak-Kakak.
Ni Nyoman Nyeri Udiani
(Parent of Ni Komang Ayundha Novita Putri)
Thank you, kak Desy, kak Irham, kak Eka, and all those who supported the activities at Begawan Learning Centre.
Thank you for providing such extraordinary guidance to the students. You’ve always given them attention, joy, happiness, role models, and inspiration. Everything you’ve given has been so valuable to us. I apologize for not being able to help more.
May we all be blessed with health, safety, and smooth paths ahead, so we may cross paths again in the future. Thank you so much for the 4 precious years for Nindya.
Ni Nengah Wilantari
(Parent of Ni Luh Komang Nindya Ayu Aprilia)
Thank you so much to all the facilitators at Begawan Guru Learning Centre for the incredible guidance and experiences that Juna has received.
During Juna’s time at Begawan Guru Learning Centre, he has come such a long way. He used to struggle, but now he can write, count, lead a group, and even present with confidence.
I am very happy to see such positive changes in Juna—from his social interactions to his polite way of speaking.
Ni Made Maryantini
(Parent of I Putu Juna Ekayana Adi Putra & Ni Kadek Winda Natasya Putri)
