Balikpapan, July 6, 2025 – What if learning English could take you right into the habitat of sun bears and let you chat with the keepers? That’s exactly what students of the Access Scholarship Program experienced during their community service activity titled “A Day as Keeper” at the KWPLH (Environmental Education and Recreation Area) for sun bears in Balikpapan. 

This activity was part of the unique curriculum of the Access Scholarship Program, a U.S. Government-funded initiative that provides two years of free English learning for high school students from underprivileged families. The program is held in collaboration with the Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) as the local partner supporting on-site activities. 

On that bright Sunday, 40 Access students and 3 accompanying teachers were divided into eight small groups of five. They weren’t just there for a tour — they engaged in real, hands-on learning guided by the animal keepers, professionals responsible for the daily care of sun bears, dogs, and cats. 

Starting with a short briefing, a shared lunch, and a guided tour through the animal habitats, the students observed the keepers’ activities firsthand — from preparing food and distributing it across enclosures to watching the sun bears during feeding time. 

During the activity, students also interviewed the keepers. Through these conversations, they learned that being an animal keeper isn’t just about feeding animals, but also about understanding their individual personalities, monitoring their health, and creating a safe and comfortable living environment. 

“It was so exciting to see how the keepers work and to learn about the emotional bonds they build with the animals,” shared one student participant. 

This experience also served as an English language immersion opportunity, as all interactions, notes, and poster presentations were conducted in English. 

Before wrapping up the day, students took time to compile their insights and impressions into posters, which they would later present in class. The activity concluded with a group photo session, symbolizing the warm collaboration between the Access Program, the U.S. Embassy, KWPLH, and ITK. 

"A Day as Keeper" didn’t just bring students closer to animals — it also instilled empathy, teamwork, and a deep curiosity about the world around them. Through initiatives like this, ITK supports an educational experience that goes beyond academics to touch on social values and promote local eco-tourism. May this experience inspire a greater passion for learning and environmental care among these young learners.