A stylized graphic of two people climbing a palm tree to reach coconuts.

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION

Sign Up!

bUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES, ONE MIND AT A TIME

Education is more than learning, it’s liberation. Through our Empowerment Through Education Program, we open doors for individuals to grow, lead, and shape their own futures. We believe that when people gain access to knowledge, they gain the power to transform not only their lives, but their communities and the world around them. Every lesson learned is a step toward confidence, independence, and lasting change.

ABOUT THE ETE PROGRAM

It all began with a simple but powerful idea: what if money and location didn’t have to determine a young person’s future? What if high-quality education could reach the students who need it most, no matter where they live? This is how the Empowerment Through Education (ETE) Program was born. 

In Indonesia, over one-third (35.68%) of students aged 16-18 drop out of school, that’s around 4.7 million young people each year. Of those, 76% cite economic hardship, and 67% say they simply can’t afford school fees.

That’s why ATOVA International set out to remove these barriors entirely. By bringing together experienced educators from host countries and young, passionate international volunteers, we deliver high-quality English education directly to rural communities, completely free of charge. No more financial barriors. No more geographic barriers, Just open access to transformative learning.

Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to use the English language as a bridge, a bridge to higher education, meaningful employment, and a future where every young person, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to thrive.

how we’re doing so far

Over the past 3 years, ATOVA International’s Empowerment Through Education (ETE) Program has transformed learning outcomes for more than 1,000 students across 13 rural communities in North Sumatra and Eastern Bali. By delivering high-quality, structured English Language instruction, ETE is bridging the education gap for students who previously had limited or no access to formal English learning.

Students in the program have achieved an average English exam improvement of more than 8.5 points over three years, double the progress of non-participating peers, demonstrating clear, measurable impact. Notably, 64% of regular participants are female, highlighting ATOVA’s success in promoting equitable education and empowering young women to pursue higher education and employment opportunities.

Through strong partnerships with local schools and universities, ETE not only improves students outcomes but also strengthens community capacity, ensuring lasting, sustainable change in rural education.

Read our full impact summary
A classroom filled with students taking notes, with students wearing blue and white shirts, and a graffiti mural on the wall in the background.

MEET THE TEAM!

A young woman wearing glasses and a hijab, crossing her arms, with a text overlay featuring her name, Ade Febriani H Tjg, and her role as a project intern at ETE.

ADE FEBRIANI

ROLE: Project Intern

TRIBE: Fieldbase II - Bali

BODY:

At ATOVA, we have a regular physical training routine that has made me more aware of the importance of exercising consistently. It also motivates me to stay active and take better care of my physical well-being. Through ATOVA, I’ve had the opportunity to hike mountains and try various water sports-activities that challenge and strengthen my body.

MIND:

Beyond the physical, my mind has also grown. Being in an international environment encourages me to communicate in English, deepen my language skills, and keep exploring new things. These experiences have broadened my perspective and helped me understand different ways of seeing the world.

SPIRIT:

Meeting Inspiring people in their fields has made me feel grateful and motivated. From them, I’ve learned the meaning of purpose and passion in life. Being part of ATOVA is one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had, and I’m truly grateful for the chance to grow and learn within this incredible community.

Thank you ATOVA!

A man with short, curly hair and a beard, wearing a yellow Hawaiian shirt with white, orange, and brown floral and paisley patterns, and a beaded necklace, smiling at the camera.

Thomas Budd

ROLE: Program Leader

TRIBE: Fieldbase II - Bali

BODY:

I enjoy walking in the park or at the beach while having a conversation.

MIND:

I like to learn about spirituality, philosophy, and metaphysics.

SPIRIT:

My passion is meditation, being in nature, and spiritual practices for purifying the spirit, mind and body.

PROGRAM REACH

FIELDBASE I - SUMATRA

Location: Tanah Karo

Communities Served: 10

Beneficiaries: >1000

Program Status: Complete

INDONESIA

Map of Indonesia with different regions highlighted in various shades of green and blue.

FIELDBASE II - BALI

Location: GIANYAR

Communities Served: 3

Beneficiaries: >400

Program Status: In Progress

student voices

  • Young girl standing outside a building with large glass windows, wearing a traditional patterned dress and smiling.

    "what made the experience even more exciting was that we were taught by both national and international trainers. It was my first time learning English directly from a native speaker."

    Ni Ketut Sustrisna Yani

  • A young woman in a school uniform with a black blazer, white shirt, and tie, posing against a red background.

    "Ever since the ETE program started, I’ve grown to enjoy studying English because the trainers teach in a way that is fun, friendly, and easy to understand. Thank you!"

    Cecilia Tri Nadya Natasya Putri

  • Smiling woman making a peace sign in front of a small outdoor stand with tropical plants and trees surrounding it.

    "Participating in the ATOVA program was a very valuable experience for me. I improved my English skills and became more confident when speaking in public."

    Luh Kadek Chitta Samkhya

  • A boy in a school uniform sitting on a small wooden stool in a classroom, holding a certificate and a black object, with wooden desks and a red stool behind him.

    "Since joining ATOVA’s English class, I’ve experienced a significant change, especially in my confidence and in the way I think in English."

    I Komang Adi Putra Wiranata

  • Young man with black curly hair taking a selfie outdoors in front of a waterfall and lush green foliage.

    "I'm very happy to join the activities with ATOVA from beginning to end. Here, we not only learn new lessons but also learn through fun games,which makes the experience more enjoyable!"

    I Gede Yudha Winantara

  • Young man with curly dark hair, glasses, wearing a red shirt and black jacket, carrying a brown backpack, taking a selfie indoors.

    "I was so excited when I heard there woudl be an English club at my school, and I immediately decided to join. There's so much fun in this club, and I truly enjoy being part of it."

    Putu Akalanka Putra Karnaedi

A Life-Changing Summer with ATOVA INTERNATIONAL

In summer 2025, Hannah joined ATOVA International as a Citizen Service (ACS) volunteer on our six week Charlie Cycle placement. During her time in Bali, she worked alongside local teachers, supported education programs, and became part of a vibrant community of Atovans dedicated to making a difference.

Hear from Hannah as she reflects on her experience, the impact of her work, and how the program helped her grow, both personally and professionally.

  • A group of students and two teachers in a classroom, making triangle shapes with their hands.

    program in action!

  • A woman with long hair, wearing a bright blue shirt and loose white pants, stands in front of a whiteboard in a classroom, reading from papers she holds. The classroom has a yellow wall with cultural decorations and a desk to her left. A student is seated at a desk to the left side of the image.

  • A classroom with three women and a student. One woman is writing on a whiteboard, another woman in blue is standing to the right, and the third woman is at the back holding a yellow plastic bag. The classroom has traditional decorations, windows letting in natural light, and a red and gold fabric border on the wall.

  • Students seated at wooden desks in a classroom, taking notes while a teacher instructs at the front. The classroom has a colorful mural on the back wall and windows letting in natural light.

  • Students sitting at desks in a classroom, attentively listening, with graffiti art on the yellow wall behind them, and large windows revealing greenery outside.

  • Students sitting in a classroom, engaged in writing and learning, with a teacher assisting at the front, and a colorful wall mural in the background.

  • Students in a classroom during class, with a colorful graffiti-style mural on the wall that reads 'Family of Aries'.

  • Classroom full of students sitting at wooden desks, with a colorful graffiti-style mural on the wall behind them that reads 'FAM 17 APL 1'. The students appear attentive and engaged, with some taking notes and others looking forward. Large windows provide natural light, and a teacher stands at the back of the room.

  • Students seated at desks in a classroom, listening attentively, with a 'Welcome to Our Class' banner on the wall, and windows allowing natural light.

  • A teacher or presenter speaking into a microphone in front of a classroom of students seated at long tables covered with colorful cloths. The students are paying attention, some with notebooks, in a classroom with large windows and wooden cabinets.

  • Students sitting at desks in a classroom with welcoming decorations on the wall.

  • Classroom with students in uniform seated at desks, listening attentively during a lesson or presentation, with windows and shelves in the background.

  • A classroom or meeting room with students in white uniforms facing a man standing at the front, holding a microphone and a small object, possibly giving a presentation. The room has three large windows with curtains, a whiteboard or screen, and framed photographs or certificates on the wall.

Group of four young people looking up in a dense jungle with lush green leaves.

VOLUNTEER

Three people standing on steps in front of a large, ornate dark temple with a pointed central spire and trees on either side, during daytime with a partly cloudy sky.

PARTNER

A classroom filled with students and a teacher standing in front of the class, smiling at the camera. The students are wearing blue uniforms and are positioned near desks, with windows on one side letting in natural light. The wall behind has the words 'BOGA CLASS' written on it.

DONATE