Beyond the Fields: A Young Storyteller Emerges from Bali’s Heartland

June 18, 2025

In a quiet Balinese village nestled among rice fields, a middle-schooler named John** was used to keeping to himself in the classroom, preferring to observe from the sidelines. After school, he helped his parents tend their farm, and when he joined the Kaura Community Learning Centre in Grade 6, he arrived shy and uncertain – especially around computers, which he had never used before. 

John’s** transformation began with the Kaura-Gen Digital Programme. Although he was initially intimidated by unfamiliar technology and English terminology, something sparked when he was introduced to Canva. “I’ve always loved drawing,” he shared, “but I never knew I could do it on a computer too. When we learned about Canva in computer class, I was so excited! Kak Bharata (Discova community staff) showed me how to use it, and I realised I could use my imagination to create so many different things.” 

John** channelled his creativity to create a digital storybook titled The Farmer and the Mouse, a tale inspired by his life among the rice paddies. The story carries a powerful message about balance in nature and the role every creature plays in maintaining harmonylessons drawn from his own experience growing up in a farming family. 

As his digital skills grew, so did his confidence. John** went from being a quiet learner to mentoring six of his classmates, becoming a role model in the process. “I felt confused while designing on Canva,” said his classmate Anna**, “but with John’s guidance, I was able to complete the design for my story.” Another student, Jake**, added, “I didn’t know how to copy and paste my text into the book design, so I asked John** for help. Instead of doing it for me, he patiently taught me every step. That helped me understand the process, and now I’m able to do it on my own.” 

What began as a digital literacy class became a transformative experience. John** is now eager for the next semester, often asking when classes will resume. For him, learning has become more than acquiring skills – it’s about discovering a new way to see the world and his place in it. 

**In line with our ChildSafe commitment, all children featured in this report are referred to using pseudonyms to protect their identities. All content is shared with care and consent, ensuring the dignity, privacy, and safety of every child involved. 

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