When I came across the email about the library project in Bali I knew it was for me and the timing worked out just perfectly! Before leaving Australia I received all the information I needed for being part of the work camp. We had a volunteer WhatsApp group so communicating was easy. We all met at the airport in Bali where our driver was waiting to take us to Sua Bali our home for the next two weeks.

Sua Bali is a beautiful tranquil compound among pretty gardens and Balinese style rooms. We had our first meeting in the communal kitchen and worked out our roster for the next few weeks.

When I first saw the library I could see that we had a lot of work ahead of us. It was a bit overwhelming at first as it was very disorganized. We managed to make a huge difference with cleaning the books, cataloging and filing the books in the new shelves that arrived especially for the project. There is still so much more work to do though. It needs another few months at least and it would be great to see more children’s books among the collection. The hope is to establish a space where children and adults can sit and read and enjoy all that the library has to offer.

The project itself was a blend of hands-on work and cultural immersion. We made a presentation to two different schools and one university. One school came to the library for a workshop which was very successful. We also went on many excursions which “Sani” our camp leader organised. Every day was a surprise! What made the experience special for me was the connection with the community and the other volunteers.

Overall, this volunteer experience was not only about giving but also about personal growth. I love to travel but volunteering also gives you a purpose and a chance to learn and be immersed in the local culture. I left Bali feeling enriched by this experience and would highly recommend volunteering to anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Huge thanks to everyone involved in the library project.

Sharon