Volunteer in Indonesia

What is the most effective form of volunteerism? How can individuals contribute to a cause in a meaningful way? Through my senior project I will be exploring these questions and working to discover what my impact as a volunteer will be though international, national and local service work.

My name is Riley Cesaria Layton. I’m a junior at Portland Waldorf High School(PWHS) and I am preparing for my senior project, an integral component of senior year curriculum. At PWHS the senior project is “a journey of discovery that offers students an opportunity to reflect and learn through an experience in an educational area of their choice”. Over the years I have participated in an extensive service learning curriculum including activities with: Oregon Food Bank, BINKIE, Johnson Creek Watershed, and Mill Park Elementary, among others. Through this broad spectrum of service work I have discovered my passion for working with disadvantaged children.

 Locally, I volunteer with public preschools in impoverished areas. Through this experience I have direct contact with the children, often first generation immigrants who also live in Portland. This first-hand experience allows me to witness the impact of my service work. Volunteerism on the local level will be the first of three different types of service I will be exploring. My national service will be with Girls Inc, an organization that works with girls’ empowerment. For the international portion of my senior project, I am hoping to spend three weeks in Ubud, Indonesia volunteering with young children through International Volunteer HQ , a reasonably priced  program based out of New Zealand. 


“Speaking English unlocks advancement opportunities for youth in Indonesia. Many of the villages and impoverished communities are overlooked, and as a result, Indonesian education is one area that needs attention.” Through community service, I will get to know the local people and have a rare peek into the everyday life of the Indonesian. The main focus of this trip is to work with the children and bring them their first introduction to English.

Over 35% of the population in Bali, Indonesia are living in poverty. Similar to Fiji, Bali is considered by many to be a popular tourist destination; however, wealth from tourism does not trickle down to the impoverished locals, creating a chasm between the poor and the wealthy. One way for the locals to cross that divide is by learning English as a tool towards gaining employment. Part of my volunteer work in Indonesia will be offering children their first introduction to English. While I will be providing a service for the youth in Indonesia I am fully expecting to learn from them and gain an introduction to their culture and a unique perspective into their daily life.  

The second component of the senior project is a research essay. My chosen topic is the white savior complex and I'll be delving into those nuances through research, observation, and interviews.  This topic informed by choice of International Volunteer HQ because they  use local resources and personnel. My essay will be posted on this site next April. 

I have been working on weekends at Kure , a juice bar, to help raise the funds for this service trip to Indonesia. I would greatly appreciate any donation that will bring me to my goal. Costs include: Program fee ($585) membership ($315)  airfare approximately ($1,800) and travel expenses.

My college plan is to study convergent journalism so I will use this opportunity to practice my skill and will be happy to share this amazing experience and introduction to a new culture with all of you. Thank you for reading and potentially supporting this adventure on which I’m hoping to embark.