Currently focusing its efforts in So
uthern Bali, ROLE has built an Eco-Learning Center on 1.5 hectares of property in Sawangan, Nusa Dua. The Eco-Learning Center serves as a campus where disadvantaged women from surrounding communities can learn life and vocational skills, Bahasa-Indonesian, English and mathematics, while also learning and teaching environmental education. The Eco-Learning Center has 17 environmentally minded learning stations where women students receive instruction in areas ranging from renewable energy to snail farming. As part of the training program, students become experts in the different vocations and methods of sustainability that make up the 17 stations. After receiving environmental education and language instruction from ROLE instructors, ROLE students take on leadership and teaching roles by running the Eco-Learning Center for tourists and school groups. This part of the Women’s Education and Training Program allows ROLE students the opportunity to raise environmental awareness while practicing their English, teaching and management skills.
ROLE has created a pipeline system of programs by which unskilled women can become avenues for environmental change, while also gaining the tools necessary to become financially independent. All new students begin by taking a literacy examination. Students are tested on their Bahasa Indonesia reading and writing level; students still struggling with literacy are enrolled in our Basic Literacy Program and take reading, writing and basic mathematics courses until they can pass the literacy examination. Students that are literate may move straight into the Basic Work and Life Skills Program. This course is designed to give students a broad understanding of employer expectations, business concepts, as well as build self confidence and English skills. During this stage, students begin having lessons at two of the 17 ROLE stations each day. After developing strong knowledge bases in each of the 17 station topics, students move on to the Vocational Training Program. In this step of the ROLE pipeline, students learn to be the teachers and staff of the Eco-Learning Center. When visitors arrive, vocational students teach or manage at each of the stations, with students specializing in areas of training such as permaculture, weaving, spa, yoga, restaurant, or office work.
After completing the vocational education program, ROLE students choose one of three paths to financial independence. Graduates with a passion for environmental education will be hired on as permanent Eco-Learning Center staff. If graduates would like to work for outside employers, ROLE will assist them in securing permanent jobs placements with local businesses. Some graduates may instead want to start their own micro businesses. ROLE works with these students to help them plan and start up eco-friendly business operations. These businesses are usually derived from a trade they learned at an Eco-Learning Center station, such as abalone farming, natural dyeing etc. After having completed ROLE’s rigorous and comprehensive program, ROLE is confident that its graduates will have the work and life skills necessary to succeed in whatever occupation they choose, and the environmental knowledge necessary to make positive impacts in their local community.
