Who we are
Learning for Life Bali is a non-profit organization that has been serving the northern region of Bali for over 20 years.
Our work is articulated in close partnership with the local Balinese foundation Bali Gemah Ripah (Harmony and Perspective). Together, both foundations are responsible for fundraising, managing fundraising proceeds and running the school.
In the wake of our founders' passing, a Board was established to ensure the continued operation of the Foundation, focusing on key areas such as fundraising, marketing, and raising awareness to sustain our mission and support the local community.
Learning for Life Bali Founders
Frank van Akkeren
May 19, 1942 – April 4, 2022
I was born in Indonesia and grew up there until I was sixteen. Then I came to the Netherlands to finish high school and study medicine. After my marriage to Marga, I followed the Tropical Course and we left for Kenya. We worked there for five years. When I returned to the Netherlands, I worked in psychiatry for another year and then established myself as a general practitioner in Amsterdam-Noord.
After a holiday trip to my native country, we ended up in Pacung by chance. A number of children crossed our path and that is how we became involved in the village and teaching. We noticed that there was little material at the schools and that the children were very eager to learn. A group of children gathered with us twice a week to learn more, sing and play together. From that the after-school project grew. I discovered that it is very nice and rewarding to teach. This gave our presence there a lot of pleasure. It grew and grew and our plans grew with it. Young teachers who felt that the formal way of teaching was not satisfying for them, asked if they could help and learn. I look back on a very fruitful and pleasant period in which Marga and I did meaningful work together. My dream is of course that this work can continue for a long time.
Marga van Akkeren-Brink
May 19, 1942
I spent my youth in Amersfoort. After a number of 'crafts and accidents' I found my passion for teaching. I followed my training at what was then called 'De Vormschool voor Kleuterleidersters'. Applying what you learned straight away - that was my way. When I lived with Frank in Amsterdam, I worked for years at a primary school in the Jordaan. There I enjoyed teaching toddlers and after an application course also teaching all groups. In Pacung I discovered how nice it was to develop teaching materials myself. I also passed that on to our teachers.
It gives me satisfaction when every child can understand in their own way what needs to be understood. I also think back with great pleasure to the English lessons and the coaching conversations with older children. Parents and families were always welcome and I also have fond memories of the conversations with them about the development of their children. It was great to do this meaningful and joyful work. Together we helped people take the first steps. Of course, my dream for the future is that this meaningful and joyful work will continue.
Learning for Life Bali Management Team
Daan Thijssen
LFLB Board Member
Independent entrepreneur and working in various interim management positions. Daan has previously worked in various positions and companies as Safety Manager. He fulfills the role of chairman within the Foundation.
Arno Ruijzenaars
LFLB Board Member
Independent entrepreneur and owner of various mainly creative companies: Arno is a general board member and is also mainly involved in the marketing and fundraising of the foundation.
Ella van 't Hof
LFLB Board Member
Independent writer/researcher, former college lecturer in Social Work: In addition to being a Board Member, Ella is our contact person for the foundation in Bali and is committed to fundraising.
Stytia de Leeuw
LFLB Board Member
Senior education advisor with years of experience in higher and secondary education as a teacher, team leader, program manager and director. As a board member, I would like to commit myself to the continuity of the education center in Pacung and help with the recruitment of funds and donors.
Mathijs de Roos
LFLB Treasurer and Secretary
Financial Controller at VANMOKUM and owner of the administration office Rova.
Teresa Horta e Costa
LFLB Ambassador
Holistic Life Coach and Hospitality Entrepreneur. Teresa has joined the foundation while living in Bali with her family, she’s involved in Fundraising and Marketing.
René Dijs
LFLB Ambassador
Member of Wings of Support and now a happy and proud ambassador of LFLB. Committed to enthusing people to support this beautiful educational project.
Learning for Life Bali School Team
Our team is made up of passionate individuals. All the teachers work together sharing experiences, methods, and what is best for each children at the school.
They practice what they preach: learning together, creating lesson materials, writing textbooks, making videos, discussing current affairs, providing feedback, and working on personal and professional growth. They're positive, aware of their talents, and take responsibility for their roles.
Lu Purniawati
Kindergarten Teacher
After my graduation, I became interested in teaching at this school because I knew it was just “different”. I was like being pulled by two hands that embraced me. Marga and Frank are my inspiration since I was in senior high school. They accepted me as I am and trained me a lot to be a real teacher.
Nyoman Adriani
Kindergarten Teacher
I like this school because of its methods and the way it handles the children. I hope this school will keep on helping to facilitate a better way of learning for parents and children.
Nengah Mini
Kindergarten Teacher
At the school, children learn happily. I have also learnt many things, such as flip-thinking, telling by asking questions, role-playing, storytelling, singing, and guessing. We always use real things to facilitate the learning. This is very special to me.
Gede Pena Setiawan
Elementary and Junior High Teacher
This school is very special to me personally because, besides its existence, which is already very exceptional, it provides space for each teacher to grow, develop and be innovative as well as creative.
Putu Angga N. Wijaya
Elementary and Junior High Teacher
Learning with children is always inspiring to me. Plenty ideas of games, activities and stories that make the children happy is the true happiness motivating me. And this school is the place where I can do it.
Putu Juliasih
Elementary and Junior High Teacher
I love the school because I can be an all-around teacher here. The school has given me a chance to be creative with students and it’s where I grew as a teacher as well.
Non-profit disclamer
Learning for Life Bali is a registered foundation in the Netherlands and Indonesia under the numbers
Netherlands - ANBI 18218
Indonesia - NO34110723
General inquiries & Press please reach out to
Ella van ‘t Hof // ella@learningforlifebali.com