A Journey of Learning and Connection: Dr. Anna Dall in YUM Kalimantan

Thanks to the wonderful support of the Australian Volunteers Program (AVP), Dr. Anna Dall arrived at YUM’s Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Central Kalimantan with more than just her experience as an educator — she brought curiosity, energy, and a deep belief in the power of learning together. Her 6-months assignment with YUM focused on increasing the capacity of YUM's English trainers in teaching English, improving their lesson planning skills as well as supporting all VTC teachers through updated practices and methodologies.

From day one, Ibu Anna (as she is known to the YUM staff) noticed something special.

“All trainers were so motivated to improve their English and teaching skills. They prepared for every class, engaged actively, and even practiced English outside class — watching movies and having dinner together, speaking only English!”

That eagerness to grow became the heartbeat of her time at YUM.

• Growth in Every Conversation

Ibu Anna designed one-on-one English sessions for each trainer, making sure lessons met their individual levels and needs. Alongside that, she led eight workshops exploring new teaching strategies, educational theories, and even the use of AI in education — some sessions co-led with experts from Australia.

Over time, subtle changes began to bloom.

“When I first arrived, the staff room buzzed in Indonesian. Soon, it was all in English — even motivational signs went up! It was wonderful to see their confidence grow.”

• Beyond the Classroom

Her enthusiasm soon spread beyond the VTC. Trainers from the Agroforestry team, the staff at the library and administration started asking to join her English sessions. What began as a focused assignment became a shared movement.

“We met twice a week in group classes full of laughter and teamwork. It became one of my highlights,” Ibu Anna recalled.

For her, the experience was deeply rewarding — not just for the progress made, but for the friendships built along the way.

• A Lasting Message

Before leaving, Ibu Anna shared heartfelt advice to help both the Kalimantan and Cipanas teams continue learning on their own:

• Immerse yourself in English every day — listen, read, speak, and even think in English.

• Watch movies, read articles, and listen to podcasts like BBC 6-Minute English.

• Keep an English journal, build phrases in context, and use tools like ChatGPT to write better.

• Most importantly: study a little every day. Consistency beats perfection.

“Three years of teacher training can’t be condensed into six months,” she said with a laugh. “But I hope they’ll keep going — and keep enjoying the journey.”

• Grateful Reflections

Ibu Anna’s time in Kalimantan left a deep impression — both on her and the YUM community.

“It was immensely rewarding and interesting in so many ways. I’m so grateful for the support I received from YUM’s Executive Director, Ibu Vanessa Reksodipoetro, and the wonderful team who made this experience unforgettable.”

Her story reminds us that growth is a shared journey — one conversation, one idea, and one act of encouragement at a time.