Learning from Angels
Traditional Baby Bracelets
When a Balinese child is born, for the first three months they are not allowed to touch the ground. Silver or gold bracelets are placed around their arms and ankles, they are almost worshiped or perceived to be “fallen angels”
I accompanied Gede to a meeting he had set up with the principal of a local primary school, the banjar leader, and a few teachers in Songan Village. During the meeting, the mission statement of Cempaka Putih Foundation was handed over and explained, and examples were given of other ongoing and/or successfully completed CPF projects within the community.
The School in Songan
The purpose of this meeting was to submit a proposal to start an English language program at the school. This is where I would come in, as the principal of the school wanted a western speaker of fluent English to participate in the project.
After two hours of deliberation in Balinese, Gede informed me the banjar leader, principal, and teachers had unanimously agreed to give the project the green light! Excited by this vote of confidence, I asked Gede WHEN we could start the program? My question was translated and the principal got up to fetch the Balinese calender.
CPF mediator leading meeting
It is customary in Balinese Hinduism to plan everything according to auspicious astrology. This is all meticulously worked out by religious authorities, and printed on the Balinese Calendar. There are days that are good for cutting your hair, clipping your nails, or filing your teeth; and then there are days that are good to start a new venture. Such a day had to be chosen from the calendar to ensure the success of the project. So, the date was set for two weeks later, giving us little but enough time to prepare.
A shopping trip to an educational book store in Denpasar revealed a wealth of colorful posters and handy workbooks. I searched, in particular, for materials that had both Indonesian and English explanations to make it easier for the children to learn, as well as providing a convenient Indonesian lesson for myself 
Boys and their books!
When the day arrived for our classes to begin, I really saw what perfect angels Balinese children can be. Over fifty kids, between the ages of six and eleven, were playing around and having fun while waiting for us in the schoolyard. My nervous anticipation began to subside as I witnessed the happy smiles and the spontaneity of innocent youth.
I recall from my own primary school days in South Africa, that a day would start with assembly where the children would be seated in neat rows to hear announcements from the headmaster. Then, row-by-row, and in an orderly fashion, we would adjourn to our classrooms. At this school, in this time, things are being done a little differently…
A boy praying in class
The children had their own ceremony, with just a little help from the principal to light the incense. They even did a prayer and offering inside the classroom. It was so inspiring to be given the opportunity to teach these wonderful children, and I am so exited now to see them every Sunday.
Dee giving individual attention
Our Sunday class is basically just an oral revision of what the children learn during the week. This a class where individual attention is given, and each child gets a chance to talk. I listen to their pronunciation and grammar, while giving advice and playing fun educational games.
Anybody is welcome to join and participate in this class every Sunday. Transport leaves at 12:30 p.m. and returns to Ubud at 17:30.
Come face to face with an angel and teach while you learn. This is truly magical.
Tags: Angels, Balinese Calendar, Children, Education, English, Primary School, Songon Village, Teaching English