Green School Bali - a visionary example of innovation in Education that stands out as a beacon of hope

The island of Bali draws me back time and time again, because of the beautiful nature, culture and gentle, kind and spiritual people. It's definitely one of my happy places.

On my last visit to Bali, I had the absolute pleasure of visiting The Green school. The school runs tours twice weekly. I had heard about what one person described as “the most sustainable school on the planet” and that the school seemed to be something of a revolution in the Educational space. As a Teacher myself I simply could not resist a visit.

The Green School is situated outside Ubud which is the spiritual and cultural centre of Bali. Ubud is a place where I choose to spend a lot of time in on my trips to Bali. Think 'Eat ,Pray Love' as this was one of the film locations.

From the start of the journey I was gazing at the street scenes of Ubud that greet you and lead you out into the open lush tropical outlying countryside, where the Green School is located.

Bali has kept its authenticity, and this is more evident as you journey into the countryside. Rice fields, giant palm trees and gulleys etched into the landscape are all around. The brilliant green of the abundant vegetation is everywhere. Along the way I passed through small villages, winding roads. A great way to see the day to day life and sample local culture through a car window albeit .

This unique International school sits on 23 acres of lush, tropical landscape in the Indonesian jungle.

On entering the school it was immediately evident that it was like nothing I had seen before. The school buildings are built largely from bamboo and other materials provided by nature. Being in harmony nature sits right at the centre of the Green schools ethos.

Classrooms are in the open air, albeit with bamboo roofs (even most Balinese schools are made of bricks and mortar) that shield from the midday sun and the rain. Power is generated on site by solar panels.

The students are mostly international. There are few Balinese students enrolled as the fees are out of reach from many of the local nationals. One full year enrolment ranges from $11,235 to $19,827 (USD)

The curriculum also reflects the stunning natural surroundings, and extends far beyond the traditional academic subjects. There is a big emphasis on project-based learning and inquiry-based teaching methods, personal growth and entrepreneurship. Inspiring on so many levels! 

On a daily basis, the students and Teachers engage in projects that make a genuine, positive difference. From small efforts like learning to prepare delicious plant-based meals to amazing ambitious initiatives such as creating a school bus powered by used cooking oil. They even have their own well with fresh water. 

The school surrounded by trees, a river and beautiful nature, it’s the perfect backdrop for meditation, yoga and mindfulness sessions. Such a wonderful holistic approach to education and an environment which would be a dream to teach in.

The beautiful Ayung river flows through the campus and the children can swim in the clean, chlorine free water. Just above the river they have even built a natural swimming pool for the younger children who don’t feel ready to swim in the river. There is also a mud bath and it was amazing to see the joy in children’s faces playing there. Truly at one with nature.

There is a garden area where children learn about permaculture and get to plant and try their own vegetables and even prepare meals for parents and the community. I loved seeing the farm animals,  cows, pigs and chickens on campus. There is a bird conservation area where the pupils care for rescued birds.

I was seriously taken aback and amazed. This school was such a departure from any education setting or curriculum I had ever seen. As I walked around these beautiful idyllic grounds, at the forefront of my mind was the feeling and hope that if only other schools around the world could be like this visionary school if only in part. With the ongoing news of Education systems failing around the world I truly found comfort in what I was seeing. There is another way to educate our children.

The bold vision of the Green School has been bearing fruit. Former Students have gone on to be musicians and startup founders, climate change activists, giving speeches at UN Conventions and Ted talks, and starting major campaigns such as the "Bye Bye Plastic Campaign", which has been implemented in many countries throughout the world. 

The Green School was one of the most inspiring experiences I've had the good fortune to witness. It provides an example of what might be possible, if only we embraced change and allowed our traditional educations systems to evolve and grow.

What is particularly impressive about the school is it's genuine heartfelt and holistic approach towards the delivery of education, but at the same time seeks to instil a real ethos about what matters to us all. Our planet.

If you are ever in Bali this school really is a must see. I found it inspiring on so many levels.

WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT THE GREEN SCHOOL

"Green School isn't just a school, it's a global movement to raise changemakers - because our world needs us now."

John & Cynthia Hardy, Cofounders of Green School 

"I am inspired by Green School in a way that I have rarely been inspired by any institution. All they want is to create whole human beings. There is a different way for our children."

TIM LOTT, THE GUARDIAN, UK

"Green School teaches us to become leaders today. Us kids may only be 25% of the world's population, but we are 100% of the future."

MELATI WIJSEN, ALUMNI, COFOUNDER BYE BYE PLASTIC BAGS

John and Cynthia Hardy the founders have created something incredibly special. I came away full of ideas and inspiration, and can’t wait to visit this school when I return to Bali.

Check out this Ted Talk by the Founder John Hardy 

https://youtu.be/CcvD2XeN_iY?si=PQL5eosyoIGgKrRl

This Blog post is dedicated to my Uncle John Cunningham who passed away last week. He was a wonderful caring Educator, Head Teacher and an avid traveller like myself. We often shared travel stories and I had told him about this amazing school. I just know in my heart he would loved to have visited this special place.

Check out this Ted Talk by the Founder John Hardy 

https://youtu.be/CcvD2XeN_iY?si=PQL5eosyoIGgKrRl