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450 students, 33 nationalities & 50 bamboo houses
John Hardy realized his vision by building the future-orientated Green School in Bali. It is impressive, not only the architecture, but also the concept behind it, is remarkable! Everyone would like to be a child again at Green School!
The “green” school is a non-profit, private and international school with a future-orientated concept, built sustainably from bamboo. Sustainability, conservation, education, community support and promoting the children’s individual talents, are the foremost priorities.
John Hardy, the Canadian jewelry designer, conservationist and visionary, first came to Bali in 1975 and together with the talented Balinese craftsmen he produced his famous jewelry. Here, he also met his future wife, Cynthia. Together they founded Green School in 2006.
When the time came for his children to go to school, there was no suitable school in the area, so he decided to build his own. Green School opened in 2008 with 90 students. Today there are 450 students from all over the world. Among them, there are also more than 30 Balinese students, that qualified for scholarships.
“I wanted to stay in Bali,” John Hardy told me, “and I didn’t have anywhere to send the kids.” -John Hardy
With the construction of the school, he also wanted to show people how to build sustainably with bamboo and at the same time motivate the local communities to live sustainably. Bamboo grows quickly and by using it as a building material, the exploitation of the rainforests can be reduced.
Green School Tour
There is so much to tell about Green School! But it is best is, to have a look for yourself on a Green School Tour! (Admission fee USD 14)
“You have to visit Green School Bali to truly experience the uniqueness of such an inspiring, educational and architectural vision come to life”
The water in Green School comes from the Ayung River and is cleaned in a water treatment plant. The people from the local community can also fetch water from here free of charge.
The pathways at Green School are more than just somewhat uneven, even though there are so many children running around, but there is a good reason behind that too!
“You have to be mindful, where you’re going” – John Hardy
Every day 500 students enjoy a fresh and healthy lunch. Almost 60% of the ingredients are cultivated in the Green School’s gardens. They grow the following: Rice (Nasi), Tomatoes (Tomat), Beans (Buncis), Sweet Potatoes (Ubi), Cucumbers (Timun), Potatoes (Kentang), Spinach (Bayam), Manioc (Singkong), Eggplant (Terong), Cabbage (kol), Jackfruit (Nangka) and pumpkin (Labu).
They get fresh eggs from their own chickens. The kids also learn entrepreneurial skills. They buy chickens with their savings, feed them and then sell the eggs at the local market.
The children are encouraged to be more curious, dedicated and passionate about the environment and in the fight to help save our planet.
To teach the community how to recycle, they are prompted to bring their garbage to the school. For 5 kg of garbage per month, their children can then attend free English lessons!
There is also plenty of fun. The mud pit is very popular with the children. “Mepantigan” is a form of Balinese martial arts. It also draws upon Balinese drama, fusing fighting with the performing arts.
Tanja, a former student at Green School, was our tour guide.
You can find many more interesting facts in the Green School Heartbook.
A community of learners making our world sustainable
There is a maximum of 17 students in a class with three teachers.
The students even have their own pool in the river!
The Cathedral is the most significant building on the school grounds and was built within six months. Anyone who donates more than $ 100 to the school, can even have their names inscribed in one of the bamboo canes.
John Hardy´s Dream
Interesting interview with John Hardy
Green School Bali
Jalan Raya Sibang Kaja, Banjar Saren
Abiansemal, Badung, Bali 80352, Indonesia
www.greenschool.org
“Greenest School on Earth” Award by U.S. Green Building Council – 2012
Aga Khan Award for Architecture – finalist 2010
We also visited the unique eco-boutique hotel Bambu Indah by John Hardy. Here you have the privilege of staying in the beautiful Bamboo tree houses and you can also book a Green School Tour.
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Please note: We funded our Green School Tour ourselves.
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