With low education rates for adults, providing effective support for their children’s learning becomes a significant challenge. Based on a 2024 Suwandi Foundation community survey taken by Yayasan LMU families, the highest level of education for over 50% of parents is at or below primary school level.

The combination of a lack of transportation, the remote locations of villages, and the hidden school costs of up to $40 USD per month, makes it challenging for students to attend classes regularly and pushes many students to choose work over school. These factors lead to low literacy rates and high dropout rates particularly pronounced in the Karangasem Regency (home of Yayasan LMU), where over 50% of the region’s students perform far below the country’s proficiency standards.

With over 70% of Bali’s economy dependent on tourism, students are directed toward tourism careers from a young age. By middle school, they are encouraged to pursue tourism-related roles, often opting for vocational high schools that focus on jobs like housekeeping and waitressing. This narrow focus limits their exposure to diverse fields and career options, restricting their opportunities to explore broader interests and aspirations.

A survey of high school teachers in Bali found unanimous agreement on the critical importance of English for job market success, stating that alumni with stronger English skills achieve better employment outcomes. However, the same study found that only 5% of teachers rated the current English curriculum as “very effective” in preparing students for future careers.