Marriott Bali and BCF Advance Education in Bali and Lombok

The Marriott Business Council Bali, in collaboration with the Bali Children Foundation (BCF), has celebrated a major milestone in its long-term commitment to education by visiting SDN 5 and SDN 6 Songan. 

With the support of 28 Marriott properties across the island, the partnership has been delivering groundbreaking EdTech learning programmes over the past several years, alongside English and STEAM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Humanities) classes, to four schools in Songan Village.

The impact is undeniable. In just one year, literacy levels across the schools rose from 41 per cent in 2024 to 73 per cent in 2025, while numeracy increased from 53 per cent to 93 per cent. These impressive achievements reflect not only improved academic outcomes but also growing confidence among students who are discovering new possibilities through technology-enabled learning.

The collaboration between the Marriott Business Council Bali and BCF began in 2017, focusing on school refurbishments in Songan Village, supported by Marriott International’s Run To Give charity fund. Nestled within the Mount Batur caldera in Kintamani, Songan Village has long faced challenges in accessing quality education due to its remote location and limited resources. Over the years, the partnership has evolved to include advanced learning opportunities through EdTech, English, and STEAM-H programmes—equipping local children with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Kids learn numeric and literacy via EdTech program at SDN 5 Songan

This year, the programme’s reach extended beyond Bali to Lombok, where BCF introduced EdTech initiatives in SDN 2 and SDN 4 Sigar Penjalin, a coastal village that faces its own challenges in providing quality education for young learners. To ensure effective delivery, the team distributed more than 100 tablets, complete with earphones and storage facilities, while also providing in-depth training for teachers.

Despite long school holidays reducing class time between February and May, the results were nothing short of remarkable. At SDN 2 Sigar Penjalin, literacy levels increased from 29 per cent at the July 2024 baseline to 65 per cent by May 2025, while numeracy grew from 52 per cent to 82 per cent. At SDN 4 Sigar Penjalin, literacy rose from 14 per cent to 69 per cent, and numeracy from 42 per cent to 85 per cent in the same period. These achievements demonstrate the transformative power of sustained support, technology integration, and teacher empowerment in rural communities.

Mr. Hector Busto with students of SDN 6 Songan

Héctor Busto, General Manager of The St. Regis Bali Resort and Chairman of the Marriott Business Council Indonesia, shared his reflections:

“What began as a local collaboration in Songan in 2017 has grown into a nationwide movement of impact. Extending the EdTech programme to Lombok shows our determination to scale opportunities and empower more communities across Indonesia. These success stories in Bali and Lombok are just the beginning of what we can achieve together when we combine Marriott International’s Serve360 vision with the dedication of local partners like the Bali Children Foundation.”

To mark this milestone, Marriott International’s hotels and resorts in Bali organised engaging activities with the students on the day of the visit, including fun games, quizzes, educational sessions, and shared school lunches. These interactions highlight Marriott International’s commitment not only to advancing education but also to creating joyful and memorable experiences for children.

English Class at SDN 6 Songan

I Wayan Raksa, General Manager of Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa and Co-chair of the Marriott Business Council Bali, said:

“What we see today is the very essence of Serve360—Marriott International’s commitment to doing good in every direction. Through our collaboration with the Bali Children Foundation, we are not just providing devices or classes; we are helping children build skills, confidence, and hope for the future. The remarkable rise in literacy and numeracy proves that when businesses and communities work hand in hand, we can create lasting change.”

Margaret Barry, Founder of the Bali Children Foundation, added:

“The results in Songan and Lombok are a powerful reminder that education is the key to unlocking potential. With access to EdTech, English, and STEAM-H programmes, these children are learning faster, dreaming bigger, and inspiring their communities. This is not simply about academics; it is about transforming lives and giving young learners the belief that they can achieve more than they ever imagined.”

The visit to Songan on 30 September 2025 was both a celebration of progress and a renewed commitment to the future. By uniting the resources of Marriott International’s 28 Bali properties with the expertise of BCF, the partnership continues to bridge education gaps, empower teachers, and create brighter opportunities for children in remote areas of Bali and Lombok.

The success stories shared today are proof that long-term, purpose-driven collaboration can transform the trajectory of entire communities.

To learn more about Marriott International’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, please visit www.serve360.marriott.com.

Source: indonesiaexpat.id “Marriott Bali and BCF Advance Education in Bali and Lombok”, October 2025