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We are the BUKIT LAWANG TRUST We are a grassroots Education & Conservation charity based in r ural North Sumatra, Indonesia. Indonesian Volunteer Programme International Volunteers Read our newsletter here Our Mission To facilitate an economically and environmentally sustainable balance between human activity and severely endangered natural ecosystems through the implementation of a range of community-led development programmes. We deliver high quality, free education to communities which are run by our local team and supported by volunteers. Our programmes include: ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Our programmes help to build stronger, more resilient communities while supporting efforts to protect severely endangered ecosystems. Conservation Eco Farming Sustainable Business Kindergarten Womens Group English Language Exercises Classes Help us to deliver free education to hundreds people living in rural North Sumatra and support the Trust in continuing its environmental conservation efforts. Volunteer with us or make a donation. How you can volunteer with the Bukit Lawang Trust Tell me more! Volunteer in the UK Check out our range of volunteer opportunities in the UK, from managing and coordinating volunteers and large scale events to creating content on your laptop at home, we've got something for everyone! Contact us to find our more info. More Info Come to live and work with us in Sumatra! This is a once in in life time experience and you'll help us to deliver our work and support the communities we work with. Click for more information about the programmes we offer, how to apply and what's included. More Info Volunteer in Sumatra Got a degree in Environmental Conservation, Sustainable Development, International Development or something similar? ​ Put your knowledge and skills to use as one of our Expert Advisors. ​ The Bukit Lawang Trust board of advisors guide us in everything we do. Working alongside the board of Trustees and the Operations team, as an advisor you would have significant input into our delivery, operations and international portfolio. More Info Become an Expert Advisor Our Impact Partnerships for the Goals 20 years of service in over 10 rural communities The Bukit Lawang Trust currently partners with 22 different environmental conservation charities and initiatives around the world. Over 332,800 volunteer hours! Since 2003 the Bukit Lawang Trust has served the people of North Sumatra in a wide range of humanitarian aid, sustainable development, environmental conservation, education and natural resource management programs! With 20 years running including environmental conservation and sustainable development programs in North Sumatra our volunteers have definitely put in the time! What makes the Trust special? United Nations SDGs: Since 2019 we've committed to working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in all of our programs. Making sure that our work is wanted, needed and sustainable. ​ Offsetting Carbon Emissions: From 2021 we are committing to planting one tree for every single volunteer that joins us, as well as offsetting our volunteers flights by supporting a local tree nursery. ​ ​ Ecological Farming: We've teamed up with the wonderful people at Erna's Eco-farm and PPLH Bohorok to promote environmentally friendly farming practices to help protect the severely endangered Leuser Ecosystem in North Sumatra. ​ Conservation Education: Environmental Conservation is at the heart of everything we do, that's why every single program we deliver, regardless of subject or topic, includes education about protecting the natural environment and reducing our impact on climate change. ​ Hit the button below to see more of the vital conservation work our dedicated team are working on right now in Sumatra! Find out about our work! Get Involved Find a Program Make an impact, your way! With our wide range of environmental conservation, Education and Sustainable Development Programs we've got something for everyone! Be the Change. Sign up today! Lets go! Take Action Partner With Us We are always eager to work together with other organisations, NGOs and Societies. Email us to see how we can work together! info@bukitlawangtrust.org Partner With Us Support Us Click the donate link at the bottom of the page or check out other ways you can help by clicking the button below! Support Us Support Us Sign up for our newsletter! Enter your email address Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! The Trust Times Newsletter Our Partners

Bukit Lawang Trust Vacancies Be the change you want to see Join the team Join the team 1/6 At the Bukit Lawang Trust we value a diverse, locally led workforce and welcome applications from all sectors and all countries around the world. We offer an exciting, challenging and dynamic workplace for our staff to grow and develop their skills. We work towards sustainable development & environmental conservation by inspiring and educating young people and take action using local initiatives. We encourage staff development and learning and aim for internal career progression. Our international team of dedicated and passionate conservationists makes the Bukit Lawang Trust an incredibly exciting place to work. Interested in joining, check out our current vacancies below. Vacancies We currently have no full time vacancies for members of staff, but if you are interested in volunteering with us, check out the link below! Volunteer with us

Welcome Bukit Lawang Trust Alumni! The journey doesn't end here! We pride ourselves in being a grassroots charity, and we see our volunteers as our family! That's why our placements don't end when you leave Indonesia! Not an alumni? Not to worry! follow us on our Facebook & Instagram on the links below to keep up to date on everything were doing out in North Sumatra! and to hear about exciting new opportunities! ​ Be sure to check out our volunteer programs our blogs and our Brand New digital placements on the links below! Facebook Instagram Programs Blogs Digital Roles Our Story ALUMNI EXCLUSIVE! Coming Soon! Because we're a big family here at the Bukit Lawang Trust, our volunteers do eventually leave us .. booo! but we never leave them! Our BRAND NEW EXCLUSIVE Alumni page provides a place to share stories, revisit memories and access exclusive content from our team on the ground. Including our brand new 'Jungle Cam' catch up with ex colleagues and students in scheduled group video calls and support current volunteers plan and organise their Help @ Home projects! Help @ home Here at the Bukit Lawang Trust, we believe in doing good, not because it looks good, or because we want reward. But because it's the right thing to do. ​ The Corona Virus pandemic has shown us that no matter where you are from in the world, things can change very quickly, and you never know when you will need help. ​ That's what Help @ Home is all about. ​ From January 2020, everyone who volunteers with the Bukit Lawang Trust on any of our placements or internships will take part in our Help @ Home movement at the end of the program. ​ HELP @ HOME: The Help @ Home project is all about carrying on the good work that you have been doing throughout your placement with us after you return home. ​ First identify a problem or issue in our home community, and then using everything you learnt in your placement, and with the support of an extensive Alumni Network and support staff at the Trust, come up with a way to help or solve the problem. This is Help @ Home. ​ HELP FROM HOME: We appreciate that some of our volunteers have busy lives outside of their time with us, and that's fine! Another option for volunteers is to do a Help From Home project to raise awareness and funds for the Bukit Lawang Trust. ​ This could be in the form of a Sponsored car wash, a Pub Quiz or an online fundraiser. ​ Whichever you decide to do, we will be here to support you every step of the way! ​ ​ #Help@Home

Volunteer at Home! Digital Opportunities As one of our digital nomads you will be on the front line of climate activism. Your role will require you to put your people skills, your organisation skills and your social media skills to the test! ​ Digital Nomad Location: Remote ​ Salary: Volunteer ​ ​ As one of our digital nomads you will be on the front line of climate activism. Your role will require you to put your people skills, your organisation skills and your social media skills to the test! ​ In this exciting new role you will inspire and inform the next generation of volunteers, organising fundraisers, information and social events, as well as sharing, launching and growing social movements and campaigns online. ​ This brand new role is both challenging and rewarding and will give you lots of valuable experience in organisation, social media management, social activism and climate activism. ​ Join our team of Digital nomads today! and help spread the word about our movement and our fight to protect our shared home... Earth. ​ Benefits include; Comprehensive training and support throughout placement. 10% discounted fundraising target for all placements in North Sumatra, Opportunities for career development within the organisation & a professional reference letter and Certificate at the end of your time with us! ​ ​ Want to know more? Email us at info@bukitlawangtrust.org or live chat with us on the button at the bottom of your screen! Ready to apply? To apply email us your CV and a brief motivations letter to info@bukitlawangtrust.org before the closing date. Expert Advisor Location: Remote ​ Salary: Volunteer We are currently looking for experienced graduates in the fields of environmental conservation & international development to join our growing team as an Expert Adviser ​ The Expert adviser is responsible for guiding and supporting the Board of Trustees in strategic planning and decision making, as well as directly supporting the director of operations in ensuring that all of the Trusts operations are in line with current best practices. Additionally the EA is responsible for aligning the Trusts programs and initiatives with the UN decade for sustainable development and the 17 sustainable development goals. ​ Benefits include; Working alongside a team of professionals in the field of environmental conservation and sustainable development. 10% reduction in fundraising target for all placements in Indonesia. Career progression opportunities. Professional reference letter and Certificate at the end of your tenure, should you choose to leave. Want to know more? Email us at info@bukitlawangtrust.org or live chat with us on the button at the bottom of your screen! Ready to apply? To apply email us your CV and a brief motivations letter to info@bukitlawangtrust.org before the closing date. APPLY NOW APPLY NOW Got a Question? No worries! We love to hear from you! You can email us at info@bukitlawangtrust.org or chat with us live by clicking the chat icon in the bottom right of your screen. To Apply - Email your CV & Cover Letter to us at info@bukitlawangtrust.org Remember to put the job title of the role you are applying for in the Subject.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher One of our most popular placements. The ESL Teacher placement gives volunteers an opportunity to hone their teaching skills and gain valuable experience that will help with future employment, all whilst exploring one of the last true wildernesses on Earth. On this placement, you will make a huge impact on the lives of children in North Sumatra by providing them with high-quality education in the English Language completely FREE! Placement Overview Travel to the very edge of the wilderness to our Hub in Bukit Lawang. Situated on the edge of the Endangered Leuser Ecosystem which is the last place on Earth where you can find Elephants, Tigers, Rhinos, Bears and Orangutans living together in the wild! You will contribute towards our program objectives of giving all of our students equal access to English language learning and work to deliver a comprehensive ESL curriculum to students from up to 10 different rural communities across North Sumatra. You will spend most of your time at our community centre in Bukit Lawang delivering English classes to a wide range of classes of varying ages and abilities, including an adult class, advanced class and role specific classes! Your Impact During the course of your placement as one of our English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers, you will be delivering a comprehensive curriculum built around the University of Cambridge ESL curriculum. You will be providing FREE education to hundreds of students who otherwise may not have access to get themselves.Our ESL program has been designed from day 1 alongside the communities we serve to ensure that our program is needed and wanted by the local people. What's more all of our programs have been built upon the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. During your time on this program you will be contributing and working towards these goals. Placement Highlights Here at the Bukit Lawang Trust we don't teach, we facilitate. We believe that children should be trusted and empowered with the opportunities to learn on their own terms and this ethos extends to our ESL teachers too! As an ESL teacher at the Bukit Lawang Trust you will team up with one of our local Indonesian staff to deliver a comprehensive ESL curriculum completely in your own way. You will design lessons, activities and learning journeys to help nurture and inspire education. Our ESL program is an outstanding stepping stone for a career in education and we pride ourselves in our bespoke staff training and support. As a volunteer on the ESL program you will receive comprehensive training at the beginning of your placement & 1 to 1 support from our experienced management team, throughout your placement! Alongside your work as an ESL teacher, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a range of traditional workshops including organic soap making, bamboo weaving, tree planting, Eco brick making and traditional Indonesian cooking classes! "The Trust has given me a whole new family!" Rosemary Plummer, ESL Volunteer Our community centre is situated in the small community of Gotong Royong near Bukit Lawang, on the very edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park. One of the most severely endangered tropical ecosystems on the planet & a UNESCO world heritage site. The Leuser Ecosystem is the last place on Earth where one can find Orangutans, Tigers, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Clouded Leopards & Sun Bears living together in the wild. E very one of our placements includes a 2 day expedition into the Tropical Jungle! "I can honestly say it was the best time of my life!" Emma Johann, ESL Volunteer United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Dates & Placements 2023 Orangutan Cycle: Friday 6th January - Sunday 5th of March ​ Tiger Cycle: Friday 5th of May - Sunday 2nd July ​ Elephant Cycle: Friday 7th July - Sunday 3rd September ​ Leopard Cycle: Friday 8th September - Sunday 5th of November ​ Rhino Cycle: Friday 10th November - Sunday 17th December ​ ​ Duration - 8 Weeks Volunteering Fundraising target - £1000 ​ ​ We still have spaces this summer (2024 ) for volunteers! If you'd be interested in joining us this year, but you cannot completely commit to the dates on one of the above cycles, please apply anyway and we can discuss a time period that would work for you. Got a Question? We would love to hear from you! You can email us at info@bukitlawangtrust.org APPLY NOW

The Gunung Leuser Ecosystem The only place left on earth where tigers, elephants, orangutans, and rhinos live together in the wild: the Leuser Ecosystem World Heritage Site on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The Leuser Ecosystem spans 2.6 million hectares (6 million acres). Its diverse landscape includes lowland and montane rainforests, nine rivers, three lakes, and over 185,000 hectares of carbon-rich peatlands. One of the last remaining intact rainforests in all of Indonesia, it is a crucial source of clean drinking water and agricultural livelihoods for over four million people. Palm Oil: The Facts The Palm Oil industry is one of the most devastatingly destructive and harmful industries on the planet. This 96 Billion Dollar a year industry is largely responsible for the widespread destruction of the Earth's tropical ecosystems, and the Leuser Ecosystem in North Sumatra is no exception to this. In fact, around 2 and a half million acres of Indonesian rainforest is cleared for the development and growth of this harmful monoculture. This has led to the near extinction of a wide range of incredible species of animal including the Sumatran Orangutan, Tiger, Elephant, Rhino, Clouded Leopard and sun bears to name a few. ​ However this does not need to be the case. In fact Palm oil has the potential to be very environmentally friendly if it is grown sustainably. This is because it requires far less space to meet our needs than alternatives such as coconut, olive, sunflower, and maize. On the same area of land, oil palm produces twice as much oil as coconut and over thirty times as much as maize! You have the power! If you want to make more informed choices when you go shopping, click the logos below Want to know more about palm oil? Click the links to find out more!

Indonesian Volunteer Programme Are you from Indonesia? Would you like to volunteer with the Trust? We've launched a new programme specifically for volunteers from Indonesia. Whether you are local to Bukit Lawang or live in another part of the country, we want you to apply! Apply Now Requirements Dates Inclusions We are recruiting for one of four programmes, Youth Ranger (conservation), Eco Farming, Sustainable Business and Kindergarten Support. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in the field of education or charity work, specifically for those people interested in conservation, the environment and community development. The full details of the volunteer placement and everything that is included are listed below. However if you would like more information, please send an email to Info@BukitawangTrust.org . When is the volunteer placement? We are currently recruiting for the following upcoming Cycles. Elephant Cycle - June 21st - August 16th ​ Leopard Cycle - August 23rd - October 18th ​ Rhino Cycle - October 25th - December 13th Dates What are the requirements? You must have conversational level English. You do not need to speak perfectly, but we are an international team, so it’s important you feel confident to speak to non-indonesian staff and volunteers. You must care about access to education for all people. We teach children and adults in areas where access to education is often limited. ​ You must care about conservation and sustainable development. The Trust's values and objectives are rooted in these issues. All our programmes exist because we are focused on these causes. You must care about investing and supporting our local community in and around Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra. You must have a willingness and desire to support with general projects and tasks at the Trust since you won't always be working on your chosen programme. You must always be ready to get involved, to help and to have a can do attitude. Requirements Eco Farming You must have an interest in 'eco', sustainable or organic farming or want to learn about it. You must be happy to do physical work outside, sometimes in the heat. And for early morning starts too! Experience is not essential, but it's great if you have some. Knowledge about farming gained through a degree or something similar is also welcomed, but not essential. And if you have experience working with kids this it will also be helpful. Sustainable Business If you have experience teaching adults that's great but not essential. But you must be interested in helping to teach. You have to be a good communicator. You have to be interested in helping people grow and develop their businesses. If you have experience running a small business, and can share your expertise, that's also great but not essential. Youth Ranger A passion for conservation and caring for our natural environment is essential. Experience teaching or working with kids will be helpful but is not required. But you must be good with kids and happy to work with them. If you have experience working in fields related to the environmental that is very welcome. For example in animal conservation or jungle guiding. TK Experience working with kids at work or in your personal life, at home or in your wider family. You must be interested in helping kids learn and grow. You must show a willingness to sing, to play, to be silly and generally energetic with the kids. Flexibility and willingness to adapt as we continually develop the programme to best suit the kids needs. You must be willing to support on other programmes at the Trust as TK only runs for 2 hours a day. Transportation to the Trust. If you are coming from another part of Indonesia, your flight to Medan is covered in the package. We will also arrange a car for you from Medan to Bukit Lawang. ​ A certificate of completion at the end of your course and reference for future employment. ​ Accommodation in a shared dormitory at the Trust building. ​ Cooked lunches Monday to Friday. Breakfast essentials provided at all times, and expenses given for dinners and food at the weekend. ​ One English Lessons per week and the chance to work in an international team when English is the main language. ​ Relevant training for your specific program. For example, if you are teaching kids, we will provide classroom and teacher training. ​ A two day jungle trek in the Gunung Leuser National Park. One of only two places in the world to see wild orangutans. ​ Optional fitness classes during the week. ​ A team building weekend away from the Trust. ​ A local craft workshop, either - wood carving, eco-soap making, eco-printing, bamboo weaving, cookery class, Batik design and more. What is included? included contact Apply Here Volunteer with the Bukit Lawang Trust First name Last name Email Phone Where in Indonesia are you from? Which Programme Choose an option Which Cycle? Choose an option How did you hear about us? What has attracted you to the Bukit Lawang Trust and why would you be a good fit? Submit Now Thank you! We'll be in touch. Apply Here

Meet the Team We are a diverse team made up of Indonesian and international staff members, each with their own unique skills and talents that keep the charity running smoothly every day. Rebecca Coley In 2003 Rebecca founded the Bukit Lawang Trust as an emergency aid station. In response to a disastrous flood that destroyed much of the community. Now almost 18 years on, she overseas the Trusts global growth strategy, manages donor and grant acquisition & is responsible for the Trusts vision and ethos. Melanie Fay Melanie used to work for the UK railways, before leaving in Spring 2022 to go travelling. During this time period she volunteered as a teacher across Asia and loved working with international groups of children and adults, believing that education is the most valuable asset we can give to each other. She is also a coach and has always enjoyed helping others to achieve their goals. As Operations Manager, Melanie runs our community hub in North Sumatra and makes the on the ground decisions. She oversees all the day to day management and works closely with our trustees, donors and partners. She is also our hub Yoga teacher! Jesse Silvera Jesse worked for charities in the UK before leaving to go travelling. One of the charities helped refugees and asylum seekers to become chefs and in the other, he helped migrants to obtain their UK citizenship. Jesse has been a volunteer in many projects himself, including English teaching, and so really understands the volunteer experience! He manages volunteer recruitment and coordinates all volunteers throughout their journey with us. He is also a brilliant cook and Jungle Fit instructor! ​ Yessie Cinthya Yessie is our newest Programme Coordinator and prior to joining Trust, she worked as a Teacher and Community Engagement Facilitator in remote areas of Indonesia, such as South Nias, West Papua, and Mentawai Island. She is passionate about education and community development. Today Yessie works to provide outstanding teaching and facilitation for the English Second Language (ESL) Program with quality learning for children and adults in the communities we serve. Lailatussifa Sifa was actually a member of the Trust as a high school student! She then went on to study Public Health at the University of North Sumatra. As Program Coordinator at the Bukit Lawang Trust, Sifa works alongside our Program Managers to facilitate the delivery of our English teaching and business programmes. Sifa works closely with our project partners on the ground to deliver outstanding teaching and facilitate high quality learning for children and adults in the communities we serve. Additionally, Sifa helps to train and guide our volunteers through their placements with us. ​ Berlia Yolana Yola is our FM and is in charge of organising and running many of the day to day operations at the hub and managing the building. She is also in charge of Community Engagement and leads on developing the Trusts relationships with local NGO and other partners in and around Bukit Lawang. ​ Yola is a Bachelor of Education, majoring in English. She really enjoys teaching students as they have a passion for studying even though living in a rural area. She loves arts and culture, and the BLT helps her discover more about them. In particular, Obrolan Wanita (Women’s Chat) has taught her knowledge and she’s shared lots with the women. She believes everyone deserves to have access to the same education so that they can learn about and see more of the world that we share. Dea Ananda Dea studied in medical school as well as learning German in her spare time before shifting over to working in the field of education. Dea gained valuable work experience as one of the Trust’s Kindergarten Teachers and is now one of our Programme Coordinators. She is responsible for delivering high quality sessions in the communities we serve so can often be found river crossing at the eco-farm and on jungle treks! Additionally, Dea helps to train and guide our volunteers through their placements with us. ​ Agnesia Yolanda Agnes is Programme Coordinator for arranging Youth Ranger Program at Bukit Lawang Trust. Prior to that, she was an Education Improvement Facilitator in a remote area of Indonesia. She graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Sam Ratulangi with summa cum laude GPA (3.95/4.00) and was awarded as Gold Medalist in National Student Scientific Week by the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education in 2020. Aside from work, Agnes is passionate about empowerment, sustainability, and mental well-being. In her spare time, she loves to practise mindfulness and spread impact through actively volunteering and being a speaker in youth-related activities. For her, Joining Trust is a personal journey to grow and learn more about conservation. Rasimah The vast majority of Rasimah's work experience has been based around delivering education to children of all ages. Rasimah has also worked to adapt educational curriculum through the implementation of conservation attitudes and the ideals of equality and independence into pre primary education. ​Rasimah is responsible for supporting the other kindergarten teachers in the delivery of the Indonesian 'Saya Suka Membaca' curriculum. She is also responsible for preparing our 'Roses Class' students for starting the Indonesian curriculum with 'Roses Class' through the delivery of a 'Learning through play' pedagogy and running crafts and activity sessions alongside our other 'Roses Class' teacher Ida. ​ ​ Butet Halimah Butet has been working as a Kindergarten Teacher for the Bukit Lawang Trust for the past 8 years. She works with Selvia in our Lions Class and also delivers weekly fitness classes for all of the Kindergarten Students and Parents to take part! ​ Butet is responsible for delivering the Indonesian 'Saya Suka Membaca' kindergarten curriculum to our Lions class alongside our three other Kindergarten Teachers. She is also responsible for assisting in the delivery of the Education Program alongside education volunteers. ​ ​ 'Ida' Apridayani Ida has been working as a Kindergarten teacher for the Bukit Lawang Trust for the past 8 years. She works with our Roses Class and also delivers craft and circus sessions for the Kindergarten students. ​ Ida is responsible for supporting the other kindergarten teachers in the delivery of the Indonesian 'Saya Suka Membaca' kindergarten curriculum. She is also responsible for preparing our 'Roses Class' students for starting the Indonesian curriculum through the delivery of a 'learning through play' pedagogy and running crafts and activity sessions alongside our other 'Roses Class' teacher Rasimah. ​ ​ Selvia Putri Selvia joined the Trust in 2022, making her our newest kindergarten teacher. She is responsible along with the other teachers for the delivery of the Indonesian ‘Saya Suka Membaca’ curriculum. Selvia also helps organise transport for the kindergarten trips and loves taking them out to explore outside of Gotong Royong. Wati Sekar Wati is one of our most senior team members, having been part of our family for over 10 years. Wati looks after the school building and the grounds as well as looking after all of us! Wati is responsible for cleaning and site maintenance, She also assists with cooking and preparing class materials and events for the Bukit Lawang Trust. ​ Wati Wati looks after the staff team providing excellent Indonesian and international meals every day for the volunteers and staff. She also looks after the many tropical plants in the Trust watering and caring for them daily and assists our Hub Caretaker with the cleaning of the Trust. Agus Damanik Agus is a Programme Coordinator for arranging Ecofarming Program at Bukit Lawang Trust. Prior to that, he worked as in administration for an NGO and as a laboratory assistant for a few different places. He graduated from the Faculty Mathematic and Sciences from Bogor Agricultural University. Aside from work, Agus is passionate about volunteership especially about free knowledge and information. Olya Olya became passionate about education at 15 and has worked in various related settings - running summer camps, ski instructing, working in a nursery, helping struggling children learn how to read – and so much more! After completing her studies to become a teacher, she decided to leave Canada to travel and teach English around the world. Prior to joining the Trust Olya spent two years in Austria and Germany but decided it was time to explore Asia and see what she could contribute in other parts of the world. ​ As Education Manager, Olya is responsible for the development and delivery of the ESL and YR programmes. Apply Today We are looking for passionate, and hard working conservationists with a interest in conservation and a determination to make the world a better place! If that sounds like you then hit the button below to see our amazing opportunities! Join the Team!

Frequently Asked Questions Got questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to find your answer. How much does it cost? Our Volunteer Placements are full of exciting activities and training too. We ask volunteers coming for a full cycle to raise a minimum of £1000 or equivalent in a different currency before coming out to Sumatra. This money helps to keep our programs running on the ground and allows us to continue to protect the severely endangered Leuser Ecosystem and the magnificent animal species that call it home! What additional expenses should I expect? Whilst your placement fees cover a lot, you will need to arrange your own flights, pay for visa costs and personal travel Insurance. Volunteer Visa costs are typically around £180 and we manage the process for you using an agent in Indonesia. While you're here you'll need many for food when eating out in the local guest houses and some money for transport if you want to get around using becaks (like tuk-tuks). Can I choose the dates I want to volunteer? Our placement dates are fixed, however we offer a wide range of placement opportunities and up to 5 different cycles to choose from each year. We also offer full flexibility with your bookings. With free cancellation and rescheduling until 30 days before your arranged placement start date. What's the acommodation like? During your placement you will be staying at our Hub in the village of Gotong Royong near Bukit Lawang, in North Sumatra Indonesia. You will be staying in one of our two single sex volunteer dorm rooms, which are fitted with bunk beds and single beds, with maximum occupancy of three people per room. You will likely be sharing your room with volunteers on other programs so you will get to meet lots of lovely people during your stay. You can find a full description of the volunteer accommodation on any of the program pages by selecting a program from our 'Get Involved' section. Do I need a VISA & whats the application process? To legally volunteer in Indonesia, you will need a 60 day Volunteer Visa. After you have been accepted onto your chosen placement and you have sent us your fundraising money our Volunteer Coordinator will guide you through the visa application process and provide you with visa sponsorship. Do I need to be a qualified teacher to volunteer with the Trust? In short... no. Here at the Trust we value experience equally to qualification as we understand that not everyone has equal access to qualifications. That's why we accept applicants with relevant experience, Qualifications or both. We also provide Comprehensive in country training for all of our volunteers when they arrive at the start of the placement, so no need to worry if its been a while since you've taught a class. You can find a detailed requirements section on each of the program pages for more info. How long will it take to get there? Naturally, this depends on where you are coming from. However, typically flights from most European countries range from 14 - 21 hours. This may also depend upon your layovers, stops and departure airport. Once you arrive at Medan airport there will be a 4 hour drive that we will arrange for you to get to Bukit Lawang. Do you have WIFI? Yes! we have WIFI at our Hub in Bukit Lawang. There is also WIFI available at many of the guest houses and restaurants around the village, so you won't have any trouble staying connected. What is the current information regarding COVID-19 We are constantly updating our COVID-19 information to keep you informed. Make sure you check the Corona Virus updates section on the home page for up to date information. Prior to joining us in Indonesia you will need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and share your vaccination certificate with us. Additionally during your placement we have many procedures in place to keep you safe, These are continually changing in response to the most up to date information from the WHO and the Indonesian Government. What kind of time commitment should I expect? All of our volunteers typically work 08:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday but with some later starts and the odd late finish. You will have weekends free to go out and explore! However we have arranged some activities for your weekends that are so amazing we know you won't mind giving up your weekend for. Including a 2 day expedition into the Tropical Rainforest, tubing, craft workshops and more! Can I pay the fundraising target myself? Yes! A lot of applicants are working full time in the lead up to their placement with us and don't have time to organise a fundraising event. If this sounds like you then don't worry, you can also pay the fundraising target yourself to save your placement! Can I continue travelling in Asia after the placement finishes? Yes! Lots of our volunteers catch the travel bug after their time with us in Indonesia and go on to travel all over South East Asia. If this applies to you, let your Programme Manager know before the end of your placement. You may need to leave Indonesia in order to return under a Tourist Visa on arrival. You can do this by taking a short flight to Penang in Malaysia or Kuala Lumpur then returning. Can't find what you're looking for? Not a problem! Email us at info@bukitlawangtrust.org or chat with us live using the chat icon in the bottom right of your screen. ​ We're always happy to hear from you, and one of our dedicated team of team will respond as quickly as possible.

Youth Ranger Instructor Take the lead on our pioneering environmental conservation program. The Guardians of the Forest Youth Ranger Program! Help enable young and old to come together and make a positive difference. Work with the local people in North Sumatra to take on ownership and responsibility for the natural environment and the animal species that share it with us! APPLY NOW Placement Overview This program takes Youth Rangers through a range of workshops and interactive activities including sessions such as tree planting, forest clean up, community composting, community recycling, river crossing, Youth Rangers patrol duties and a range of ‘for environmental change’ sessions. These workshops are delivered both at the Trust and at our target communities in Batu Rongring, Batu Katak, Bukit Lawang, KenditrLanbau and Bohorok. The program gives our Youth Rangers opportunities to learn about what is happening in and around the Tropical Leuser Ecosystem here in North Sumatra, its major threats and ways to protect it. Your Impact As a Youth Ranger Instructor you will be on the front line of environmental conservation. You will take the lead in training the next generation of Jungle Rangers to protect severely endangered species of animal such as the Sumatran Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Orangutan & Sun Bears. Teach your students the basics of navigation, silent communication, animal recognition and tracking, flora and fauna species and much more! Be a part of a global movement that is changing the way we see endangered species and habitats for generations to come! Placement Highlights Here at the Bukit Lawang Trust we believe that education is the first step towards inspiring and nurturing large scale climate action. Those that do not know about climate change cannot fight against it. This is why we teamed up with the amazing people at Darwin Animal Doctors to create this pioneering environmental conservation programme that directly targets future generations of conservationists! Join the program that has had global success and join our dedicated team of conservationists and volunteers working on the thin green line to protect endangered species of animal and the ecosystems they call home! Our YR programme is an outstanding stepping stone for a career in environmental conservation. We pride ourselves in our bespoke staff training and support. As a volunteer on the YR program you will receive comprehensive training at the beginning of your placement & 1 to 1 support from our experienced management team, throughout your placement! "5 stars out of 5 stars!" Nuria Golter, Conservation Volunteer Our community centre is situated in the small community of Gotong Royong near Bukit Lawang, on the very edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park. One of the most severely endangered tropical ecosystems on the planet & a UNESCO world heritage site. The Leuser Ecosystem is the last place on Earth where one can find Orangutans, Tigers, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Clouded Leopards & Sun Bears living together in the wild. E very one of our placements includes a 2 day expedition into the Tropical Jungle! Alongside your work as a Youth Ranger, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a range of traditional workshops including organic soap making, bamboo weaving, tree planting, Eco brick making and traditional Indonesian cooking classes! "Being Able to volunteer with the Bukit Lawang Trust was the experience of a lifetime! Tony Damico, Conservation Volunteer United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Dates & Placements 2023 Orangutan Cycle: Friday 6th January - Sunday 5th of March ​ Tiger Cycle: Friday 5th of May - Sunday 2nd July ​ Elephant Cycle: Friday 7th July - Sunday 3rd September ​ Leopard Cycle: Friday 8th September - Sunday 5th of November ​ Rhino Cycle: Friday 10th November - Sunday 17th December ​ ​ Duration - 8 Weeks Volunteering Fundraising target - £1000 ​ ​ We still have spaces this summer (2023) for volunteers! If you'd be interested in joining us this year, but you cannot completely commit to the dates on one of the above cycles, please apply anyway and we can discuss a time period that would work for you. Got a Question? We would love to hear from you! You can email us at info@bukitlawangtrust.org ​ APPLY NOW

The Trust Times Your monthly update from our community hub in North Sumatra Read our February Newsletter Read our past editions here December November

Sustainable Palm Oil Shopping List The Palm Oil industry is one of the most devastatingly destructive and harmful industries on the planet. This 96 Billion Dollar a year industry is largely responsible for the widespread destruction of the Earth's tropical ecosystems, and the Leuser Ecosystem in North Sumatra is no exception to this. In fact, around 2 and a half million acres of Indonesian rainforest is cleared for the development and growth of this harmful monoculture. This has led to the near extinction of a wide range of incredible species of animal including the Sumatran Orangutan, Tiger, Elephant, Rhino, Clouded Leopard and sun bears to name a few. ​ However this does not need to be the case. In fact Palm oil has the potential to be very environmentally friendly if it is grown sustainably. This is because it requires far less space to meet our needs than alternatives such as coconut, olive, sunflower, and maize. On the same area of land, oil palm produces twice as much oil as coconut and over thirty times as much as maize! You have the power! We need you to use your purchasing power as a consumer to help ensure that unsustainable palm oil is no longer financially viable, thus forcing palm oil producers to use only sustainable sources. But how do i know if palm oil is sustainable or not? I don't have time to google every product I buy! ​ Well, we have the answer! according to a 2018 report of progress from the Roundtable on sustainable palm oil as well as information gathered from the Rainforest Action Network, Chester Zoo and the WWF, the brands featured below on our shopping list source 100% of the palm oil used by their products sold in the UK from sustainable sources! So you can rest easy, knowing your food shop isn't contributing to environmental devastation on the other side of the world. ​ If you feel that there are any errors or additions in this shopping list, we want to know! please get in touch with us by emailing us at info@bukitlawangtrust.org . ​ COMING SOON - 100% Palm Oil FREE shopping list ​ Sustainable Shopping List Biscuits Bread Cakes & Baking Cereals Chocolate & Sweets Dairy & Spreads Desserts Energy Bars Meat, Seafood & Substitutes Pet Food Pizzas Pies & Pastries Rice, Pasta, Noodles, Grains & Pulses Sauces, Stock & Seasoning Savoury Snacks To find out more, check out our sources by clicking the logos below! ​