Sustainable Business Programme Facilitator
Coordinator | Volunteer Coordinator
Coordinator | Volunteer Coordinator
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Gain valuable teaching experience! You will be delivering a comprehensive Business curriculum to individuals in rural villages.
Experience a new culture! Whilst volunteering on the Conservation Programme you will live in rural Sumatra and experience the diverse cultures and traditions native to Bukit Lawang!
Work with an truly international team! The team here at Bukit Lawang come from all around the world so you will meet a whole range exciting, passionate and driven educators from across the globe!
Explore the Sumatran Jungle! whilst working with the Bukit Lawang Trust you will have ample oportunity to go on weekend expeditions into the jungle to see Tigers, Orangutans, Elephants and Rhinos!
Make and Impact! Every volunteer that joins our programmes leaves behind a lasting and sustainable legacy with both the trust and the community whilst also joining our dedicated alumni team!
We deliver our free sessions in business skills to individuals from rural villages and support them to start or improve their own micro-enterprise.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
The Bukit Lawang Trust is a Non Government Organisation based in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra. The Trust building is a community centre which provides free education to people of all ages from both the local community and farther afield in Sumatra. As a volunteer on the Sustainable Business Programme you will be directly involved in the establishment of new and exciting sustainable enterprises in the local community.
The Sustainable Business Programme aims to help set up micro-enterprises in Bukit Lawang and also support and guide current business owners towards sustainable best practice in order to protect the severely endangered Leuser Ecosystem.
You will guide your 'entrepreneurs' through the process of establishing their dream job by covering the following key areas;
- Idea Generation
- Market Research
- Research Analysis
- Business Model Canvassing (BMC)
- Managing Finances & Budgeting (Cash Flow)
- Sustainability (Green Factor)
- Business Management
At the end of the programme volunteers will assist in the setting up and starting of these brand new sustainable micro enterprises, reducing poverty through livelihoods diversification and reducing the negative environmental impact through facilitating a workforce shift to sustainable jobs.
Typical day
Volunteering at the Trust is no gap year holiday, our volunteers typically work from 08:00 to 18:00 on week days, and occasionally on weekends for training events and action days. We maintain an ethos of hard work and selfless commitment and all of our volunteers are here to serve the local community. However, that doesn’t stop us having a life changing experience whilst we are at it!
A typical day starts at 07:00 with breakfast. On Mondays we have a Hub meeting where all of the staff and volunteers come together to plan the week ahead. Following this, you will begin your sessions. The Youth Ranger Programme and ESL Programme have one or more lessons each day although some days teaching is only in the afternoons. When you are not planning or teaching classes you can join the free fitness sessions here at the Trust or take on your own projects doing renovations or other community work here at The Hub. We also send out volunteers to help out at the local Trashbank, turning plastic into new products and supporting the efforts of rubbish processing and collection. Weekends are your own, however occasionally, for example on events such as volunteer induction, phase review and volunteer debrief, you may also find that the Trust has arranged some incredible activities for you. On weekends when you are not trekking in the jungle or rafting down rivers you will have a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Sumatran culture and cuisine, with a range of guest houses, restaurants and even one bar Bukit Lawang has plenty to offer!
Free-time activities
You can go trekking from Bukit Lawang to Gunung Leuser National Park and see the famous Sumatran Orangutan. Most volunteers do a two day one night trek and usually are fortunate enough to see Orangutans.
In Bukit Lawang there is a river which runs through the village that people often go swimming in or relax and have a coffee or beer on the river.
There are multiple bars and guest houses with extremely friendly locals and live music on most nights.
Our volunteers often read, and relax on the hammock, go for walks, visit newly made friends in town, blog, study Indonesian, rent a bike and go for a ride in the countryside! Other places that may be of interest are below:
At the weekend there are innumerable places located nearby that are a must see!
Batu Katak - A quiet place on the river and near waterfalls.
Batu Rongring - Beautiful for trekking.
Berestagi - For long weekends or traveling before or after volunteers can visit this lovely town in the mountains and go trekking. It is a bit colder here and that makes it a popular place among locals and tourists!
Lake Toba - A beautiful island (Samosir) in the middle of the lake is home to waterfalls, hot springs, beaches, and more.
Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
required
English, Business, Conservation at High School level
CV and Letter of Interest
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
There are no essential qualifications or experience for this programme however some experience teaching or instructing/ leading sessions is ideal, and any experience of business, is also extremely helpfull, though not required.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
08:00
- 18:00
What's Included
We ask all of our volunteers to fundraise before coming out to Sumatra a minimum of £1000 GBP for the 8 weeks. Alternatively, some people choose to just pay this fee if they have no time to fundraise beforehand. We ask for a non-refundable deposit of £150 on booking your place in order to reserve your space and to cover registration costs. In addition to this, you will need to pay for the cost of your volunteer visa, which is £280 and lasts 60 days.
This fee covers:
· Accommodation - shared dorm room
· Lunchtime meals cooked by our hub chef Mon-Fri
· Transport to and from Medan airport to the Trust.
· Free Jungle FIIT exercise classes three times per week at the Trust Hub.
· Our staff will provide all of the training you need to teach our programs, and support you throughout your volunteering journey.
· An overnight, 2 day jungle trekking experience with experienced local guides
· Orientation challenges
· A workshop with a local business- e.g basket weaving, carving, fabric printing, soap making, cookery
· A phase review team building weekend
· Indonesian language lessons by our Indonesian Programme Coordinators
The Trust provides transport from the airport to Bukit Lawang and the return journey at the end of the cycle. However, if you choose to continue travelling after your placement this transport is not included in your programme fees. We are located around four hours drive from the nearest international airport (Kuala Namu International Airport) in Medan.
The rooms are three or four beds to a room. Each volunteer is given a key to their dorm, and the from door to the Trust. We have 4 bathrooms: 2 western style and 2 Indonesian style. We have free wifi at The Trust building.
Dorm Room
Lunch is included in your volunteer fees, and in the evenings we either eat out or we hold cooking nights at the Trust. At the weekends, most volunteers prefer to eat in the village or along the river at one of the guesthouses for dinner.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) in Kuala Namu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Indonesia.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Indonesia provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Indonesia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Indonesia.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
In 2023 we have 5 volunteer intakes during the year as follows:
Orangutan Cycle: Friday 6th January - Sunday 5th of March
Tiger Cycle: Friday 5th of May - Sunday 2nd July
Elephant Cycle: Friday 7th July - Sunday 3rd September
Leopard Cycle: Friday 8th September - Sunday 5th of November
Rhino Cycle: Friday 10th November - Sunday 17th December
The dates for 2024 are likely to be as follows but may change slightly depending on public holidays and events:
Orangutan Cycle: Friday 12th January - Sunday 10th of March
Tiger Cycle: Friday 19th of April - Sunday 16th June
Elephant Cycle: Friday 28th June - Sunday 25th August
Leopard Cycle: Friday 30th August - Sunday 27th October
Rhino Cycle: Friday 1st November - Sunday 15th December (6 weeks only)
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
8 - 8 weeks
Program fees
8 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,270
8 weeks
(max. stay)
$1,270
Average fees
$159
/week
The organization charges its fees in GBP. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
Bukit Lawang Trust
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Bukit Lawang Trust during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Bukit Lawang Trust cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Bukit Lawang Trust.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Sustainable Business Programme Facilitator
We deliver our free sessions in business skills to individuals from rural villages and support them to start or improve their own micro-enterprise.
$125/week
You might be also interested in
Escazu, Costa Rica
As part of our local animal shelter, you'll be responsible for a variety of activities such as feeding, maintenance and engaging with animals!
Quepos, Costa Rica
Volunteer and save turtles, make a difference and meet one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Join us in Pacific CR!
Tenerife, Spain
Contribute to critical whale & dolphin conservation initiatives in the beautiful subtropical island archipelago - Canary Islands.
Napoli, Italy
Help the refugee and migrant community to gain a foothold in Europe by supporting shelters, schools, health care and activities tailored to their long-term integration.
Bukit Lawang, Indonesia
A program designed to nurture a love and empathy for the natural environment and the endangered species we share it with.
404 Not Found
Why am I seeing this?
You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted.