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The Sanubari is a resort in Sumba where our dedication lies beyond providing an unforgettable Sumba getaway experience for our guests. We actively support the local Sumbanese communities, promoting education, empowerment, and cultural preservation.

One of our most important and fulfilling projects is our partnership with English Goes to Kampung (EGK), a non-profit run by the Sumbanese entrepreneur Asty Kulla. Through this partnership, we foster education and assist in the livelihoods of the young children of Sumba, arming them with the proper education and life skills for a better future.

Why This Matters: What You’ll Take Away from This Journey

• The Power of Education in Sumba: Discover how English Goes to Kampung (EGK) is transforming lives by providing Sumbanese children with English and life skills education.
• How The Sanubari Makes a Difference: Learn about our commitment to funding teachers, supporting cultural preservation, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the local community.
• Immersive Cultural Experiences: See how guests at The Sanubari can engage in cultural experiences, village tours, and activities that celebrate Sumba’s rich traditions.
• Ways You Can Get Involved: From volunteering and donating to simply choosing to stay with us, find out how you can directly contribute to our charitable efforts.

The Power of Education in Sumba

Raw, natural beauty—expansive beaches and rich cultural traditions—is what Sumba Island is known for. For many children living in rural areas, access to school still presents a major obstacle. Lack of resources and inadequate teacher count are common challenges found all throughout the island. Giving their children regular learning opportunities is a difficult chore for many households.

English Goes to Kampung, run by Asty Kulla, teaches approximately 3,000 children in the local community, focusing on English language education and life skills. At The Sanubari, we have the privilege as well as the obligation to support projects like EGK.

Our Commitment: How The Sanubari Supports EGK

Through various initiatives, we have committed ourselves to creating meaningful and sustainable contributions to EGK’s work in the following ways:

Providing Financial Stability for Teachers

One of the hurdles for educational programmes in rural areas like Sumba is ensuring a reliable workforce of committed teachers. At The Sanubari, we contribute by providing monthly salaries for EGK’s permanent teachers. By ensuring their financial stability, we relieve them of monetary concerns, allowing them to focus entirely on educating children and expanding EGK’s outreach.

Creating Cultural and Educational Experiences for Guests

Cultural learning is a two-way street. When our guests connect with the local community and immerse themselves in the experiences, both sides benefit. Our collaboration with Asty Kulla has led to the creation of crafted cultural experiences that capture the essence of Sumbanese life. Some of the activities we host include:

• The Ikat Tour, where guests visit a village to witness the intricate, traditional weaving process that produces stunning sarongs and textiles.
• Village Tours, offering an authentic glimpse into Sumbanese traditions, rituals, and their way of life.
• Immersive Ikat and dye class, separate classes where guests are welcome to learn firsthand the process of Ikat and dyeing, guided by local artisans.
• Pottery class, an interactive class for guests who are keen to get their hands on sculpting souvenirs using clays made from the soils of Sumba.

These experiences not only enrich our guests' understanding of Sumbanese culture but also contribute to sustaining the locals involved.

Why English Education Matters in Sumba

For many children growing up in Sumba, English education represents a lifeline to opportunities. English is not just a language here—it is a valuable skill that paves the way for future success. The importance of teaching English in Sumba can be seen in several critical ways:

Greater Employment Opportunities

Proficiency in English has become increasingly vital for securing jobs within Indonesia’s tourism sector, especially in regions like Sumba that are steadily becoming the global travel destinations. From working as tour guides to hospitality roles in resorts, English allows young Sumbanese individuals to pursue careers that contribute to their economic independence.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

Learning English instils confidence in young individuals. It equips them with the ability to communicate, collaborate, and explore opportunities far beyond the borders of Sumba.

Preserving and Showcasing Culture

By learning English, local guides and artisans are empowered to share their heritage and customs with global tourists. This ensures not only the preservation of Sumba’s unique culture but also its celebration internationally.

A Transformative Experience for Our Guests

At The Sanubari, we encourage our guests to immerse themselves in Sumba in ways that reach beyond relaxation.

Participate in English Goes to Kampung: Make a Difference in Local Communities

Participate in the English Goes to Kampung program to help local children improve their English skills so that they can progress as individuals, and maximize the potential of the beautiful island of Sumba. This program offers a rare opportunity to interact with children, exchange knowledge, and significantly impact their future and education. Your time and expertise will help close the gap in English learning resources, thereby increasing self-confidence and communication skills in the community. 

Whether your passion is English language acquisition, teaching, or simply being change-oriented, your participation will have a long-lasting effect on the community as a whole as well as individual students.

Visit villages to experience first-hand the lifestyle and values of Sumbanese culture. 

Discover the rich legacy of Sumbanese communities, where every day activity reveals deeply rooted customs. From the design of the famous peaked-roof homes to the gestures  of the residents, these villages provide a window into a way of life that has stayed essentially unaltered for decades.

Take part in classes led by local artisans, learning crafts that have been nurtured for centuries.

Participating in a cultural class guided by a local can help you appreciate the art and skills that underlie these Sumbanese crafts. The classes not only teach the art but also connect you with the history and cultural background of each focus, enhancing your experience and appreciation towards Sumba’s rich culture.

How You Can Get Involved

There are various ways to support English Goes to Kampung’s essential work and deepen your connection with Sumba:

Stay With Us: Every reservation made at The Sanubari helps fund our CSR efforts, ensuring EGK can continue shaping young lives through education. 

Volunteer Your Time: Spend time with the students or local kids during your visit to Sumba if you’re passionate about teaching or wish to make a difference. 

Engage in Cultural Experiences: Participate in tours or classes to contribute directly to the artisans who lead them. 

Spread the Word: Sharing EGK’s story with others amplifies its reach and ensures more people can contribute to its mission. 

Donate or Sponsor a Teacher: Financial contributions help cover teacher salaries or essential materials, directly influencing a child’s future.

A Resort with a Purpose

The Sanubari is a resort in Sumba that aims to contribute and give back. One of the many ways we accomplish this is through our program with English Goes to Kampung. We want to make a lasting impact through education, cultural preservation, and dedication to community well-being. 

We encourage you to help make this happen. Experience Resort in Sumba at its most natural, where travels have meaning and responsibility, and you get the chance to give back to the locals while relaxing under the Sumba sun. Plan your visit to The Sanubari now, and contribute to a better future for the locals of Sumba.

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