Marriott Business Council Bali, in collaboration with Bali Children Foundation (BCF), celebrated a major milestone in its long-term commitment to education by visiting SDN 5 and SDN 6 Songan on 30 September 2025. With the support of 28 Marriott properties across the island, the partnership has been delivering ground breaking EdTech learning programs over the past several years, alongside English and STEAM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Humanities) classes, to four schools in Songan Village. The impact is evident. In just one year, literacy levels across the schools rose from 41 percent in 2024 to 73 percent in 2025, while numeracy jumped from 53 percent to 93 percent. These impressive achievements reflect not only improved academic outcomes but also a growing confidence among students who are discovering new possibilities through technology-enabled learning.
The collaboration between Marriott Business Council Bali and BCF began in 2017, focusing on school refurbishments in Songan Village supported by Marriott International’s Run To Give charity fund. Located within the Mount Batur caldera in Kintamani, Songan Village has long faced challenges in accessing quality education due to its remote location and limited resources. Over the years, the partnership has evolved to include advanced learning opportunities through EdTech, English, and STEAM-H programs, giving local children the tools, they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
This year, the program’s reach extended beyond Bali to Lombok, where BCF introduced EdTech programs in SDN 2 and SDN 4 Sigar Penjalin, a coastal village that faces its own challenges in delivering quality education to young learners. To ensure effective delivery, the team distributed more than 100 tablets complete with earphones and storage facilities, while also providing in-depth training for teachers. Despite long school holidays reducing class time between February and May, the results were nothing short of remarkable. At SDN 2 Sigar Penjalin, literacy levels increased from 29 percent at the July 2024 baseline to 65 percent by May 2025, while numeracy grew from 52 percent to 82 percent. At SDN 4 Sigar Penjalin, literacy rose from 14 percent to 69 percent, and numeracy from 42 percent to 85 percent in the same period. These achievements demonstrate the transformative power of sustained support, technology integration, and teacher facilitation in rural communities.
Hector Busto, General Manager of The St. Regis Bali Resort and Chairman of Marriott Business Council Indonesia, shared his reflections: “What began as a local collaboration in Songan in 2017 has grown into a nationwide movement of impact. Extending the EdTech program to Lombok shows our determination to scale opportunities and empower more communities across Indonesia. These success stories in Bali and Lombok are just the beginning of what we can achieve together when we combine Marriott International’s Serve360 vision with the dedication of local partners like Bali Children Foundation.”
To celebrate this milestone, Marriott International’s hotels and resorts in Bali curated engaging activities with the students on the day of the visit, including fun games, quizzes, educational sessions, and shared school lunches. These interactions highlight Marriott International’s commitment not only to advancing education but also to creating joyful and memorable experiences for the children.
I Wayan Raksa, General Manager of Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa and Co-chair of Marriott Business Council Bali, said, “What we see today is the very essence of Serve360, Marriott International’s commitment to doing good in every direction. Through collaboration with the Bali Children Foundation, we are not just providing devices or classes, we are helping children build skills, confidence, and hope for the future. The remarkable rise in literacy and numeracy proves that when businesses and communities work hand in hand, we can create lasting change.”
Margaret Barry, Founder of Bali Children Foundation, added, “The results in Songan and Lombok are a powerful reminder that education is the key to unlocking potential. With access to EdTech, English, and STEAM-H programs, these children are learning faster, dreaming bigger, and inspiring their communities. This is not simply about academics; it is about transforming lives and giving young learners the belief that they can achieve more than they ever imagined.”
The visit to Songan on 30 September 2025 was both a celebration of progress and a renewed commitment to the future. By uniting the resources of Marriott International’s 28 Bali properties with the expertise of BCF, the partnership continues to bridge education gaps, empower teachers, and create brighter opportunities for children in remote areas of Bali and Lombok. The success stories shared today are proof that long-term, purpose-driven collaboration can change the trajectory of entire communities.
