THE ODYSSEY EFFECT :: THE BEAUTY OF WHAT WE DO
As a committed contributor to a Global Culture of Sustainability, we understand the need to equip and inspire a diverse range of young people and educators. That’s why we take a multi-pronged approach to sustainability and work simultaneously to contribute to both social and environmental service projects, as well as by delivering world-class Learning Adventures for our clients.
Schools with whom we work are equipping and inspiring a new generation global citizens. Through environmental education, leadership training, cross-cultural dialogue and dynamic service initiatives these students emerge with essential life skills and become effective stewards of the natural world.
But there’s more! Because for every fee-paying school client that we accommodate, an opportunity arises for local service and conservation. Wherever possible we include local schools and communities, which in turn extends the benefit of our programs far beyond the experience of visiting school.
Conservation and environmental education in West Bali National Park
The Odyssey Institute is committed to the delivery of either at-cost or free environmental education to middle- and low-income schools surrounding West Bali National Park. Our partners in developing and delivering these environmental education initiatives are Friends of Menjangan – a local, grass-roots organization created by the Biosphere Foundation – and Bali’s legendary NGO IDEP, who have developed a dynamic and sophisticated approach to sustainable development.
The Odyssey Institute supports IDEP’s fully-accredited Learn Scapes Program, which teaches Indonesian high school teachers how to teach environmental education. For more details of IDEP’s amazing educational resources see our media page. Please contact the IDEP Foundation directly for more information about their work.
Collaboration with established NGOs leads to numerous other benefits for them, such as:
- - increased international exposure
- - financial contributions for the provision of courses/workshops/activities (for visiting schools)
- - financial contributions towards the development of new service initiatives
- - additional volunteers to assist with projects (students!)
Recycling
One important pipeline project is a partnership with Eco-Bali, with whom a new recycling program for West Bali is currently being created.
Design solutions
In addition, the Odyssey Institute is working on a number of design initiatives using renewable building materials and recycled trash. One such project is the development of the technology to create house bricks from non-recyclable plastic collected from the beaches and mangroves of West Bali National Park. These bricks will be used to help build elements of the Tropical Ecology Adventure Center (TEAC).
New employment opportunities
The Odyssey Institute will create new employment and training opportunities that support local economies and increase capacity in the fields of conservation, experiential education, environmental science, wilderness adventure and youth leadership development.
Tolerance, compassion and understanding
Wilderness adventures and cultural studies programs involve celebrating cultural and bio-diversity and are an effective tool for teaching tolerance, compassion and effective communication skills – for both the visiting youth group and the host community.
Please contact us should you wish to support our projects and partnerships in and around West Bali National Park.
