Childcare Companion

PMGY’s Childcare Programme gives volunteers the opportunity to work with and teach 4-9 year olds and give them an amazing head start before they begin formal schooling. Increased tourism in Bali has meant that those able to converse in English with foreigners have far more prospects than those that can’t. Education at this level will allow them to improve their future and that of their families.

This is a hugely rewarding experience and very enjoyable. We work with a kindergarten at a public school in Tabanan located within 15 minutes of the Volunteer House. There is usually around 15 children aged from 4-6 years old in the kindergarten. 

Balinese children are an absolute joy to teach and work with, their enthusiasm for learning is guaranteed to make you smile! Teaching this age group is not as structured as teaching older children, their language can be improved simply through play, just a few words or phrases will stand them in good stead for learning English in the future.

Although our volunteers work in the developing world, we always ensure our host locations are safe. Each program has been extensively researched and has passed our strict vetting process. Our UK team undergo an extensive routine when establishing our in-country infrastructures and we continue to monitor our safety procedures on a regular basis. Furthermore, we monitor the stability of our volunteer destinations on a daily basis. Through our constant contact with consulates and embassies and our reports from our overseas teams, we are able to ensure that our volunteers are never placed in unstable regions.

The PMGY team have visited and participated in every program we offer and verified them based on our own independent criteria. We carefully inspect every little detail of our set-up. From inspecting the living conditions, checking out the neighbourhoods you’ll be staying in, to tasting the food you’ll be eating – each and every program we establish has gone through a lengthy and rigorous vetting process. Risk assessments have been written for all areas in which PMGY operate and our experienced local coordinators are always on-hand to manage any emergencies that may occur. Our UK team are always on the road reviewing our risk management procedures in the field and monitoring local conditions.

In emergency situations we have the necessary protocols and equipment in place and we are able to evacuate our volunteers from potential dangers. Our local coordinators are trained to deal with emergency circumstances.

When you join PMGY we will send you a Volunteer Handbook. This document addresses a range of issues such as health, safety, visa issues etc. Furthermore, our UK team are only ever a phone call away should you wish to discuss any aspect of your upcoming program. When you arrive in-country, you’ll be given a comprehensive safety briefing during your orientation course by our local coordinators. We will go through everything from emergency procedures, how to use local transport and cultural differences. You’ll also be given the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card, something we strongly suggest, so you’re contactable at all times. We will provide you with a full list of the important contact numbers that you’ll need to know.

All our local teams are experienced development professionals who have years of experience in hosting international volunteers. They are our representatives on the ground and will assist you 24/7 throughout your stay. Whether you need to call home, travel at the weekend or require urgent assistance – they are there to support you.

While we cannot guarantee your volunteer experience to be 100% trouble free we have taken all the necessary precautions to make sure each program is as safe as possible.

What date should I arrive and leave?

You should arrive into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (airport code DPS) on the selected Sunday start date. Programmes start on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. You will be met at the airport by one of our local staff or an appointed driver who will be holding a named sign. They will take you to your accommodation where you will spend the rest of your day at leisure.

The program ends on the Saturday of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day.

The programme usually runs for around 90 minutes in the morning with the first half of the project centred around play activities with the children and the second half based in the kindergarten classroom supporting the local teacher with activities to keep the children engaged.

The most important thing is that you engage the children, get them excited about coming to kindergarten and learning new things. Your role is not limited to just teaching and volunteers are actively encouraged to get involved in other areas such as arts & crafts, physical education and helping local staff in their day-to-day role.

In the afternoon volunteers will have the chance to work at our after school government approved community programme with the younger children of the Tabanan community. This programme runs from 14:00-16:00 and volunteers will be expected to plan and prepare activities to engage in with the children.