'How many multiple choice tests actually changed your life?'

Kyle King

Opus Experiential Learning

Like so many others at Green School, I have been fortunate to discover passion driven and meaningful roles and, for me, none has been more rewarding than the Bio Bus. It has truly been my prize work as an educator and leader. From the twinkle in the eye of our 2015 graduating class to now, the largest biodiesel transportation operation in Southeast Asia, the Bio Bus is a true case of meeting the 21st century learning outcomes and solving systemic transportation issues. It has been a career gift, that no amount of university course work could equal. From founding teacher to executive director, as the program has rapidly grown over the past seven years from one bus to 8 buses, 2 cars and 1 motorcycle and the mobilization of a whole community learning about renewables and taking action to live more sustainably.

Skills and Values

Think Creatively

In 2017, Bio Bus started an exploration into biodiesel motorbikes. I excitedly became the principal investor and oversaw the project from start to finish in collaboration with a local mechanic and students. We succeeded in building the only biodiesel motorcycle in SE Asia. The spirit of Bio Bus is to think forward and differently about transportation. We have also recently been experimenting with making our ethanol fuel from food waste.

Activate

In 2016 Government officials help us open the first biodiesel public access pump station - democratizing biodiesel and challenging the oil monopolies. I have worked with the government and media to expand the reach of our message and affect policies related to climate change. I have attended the Conference of Parties among other international events that have significant influence on the future of education and energy.

Be Aware

As a community which that perpetually strives towards sustainability, it is a paramount goal, and responsibility to know one's position in the world. The very inception of Bio Bus was a direct response to an awareness of the transportation problem that Green School faced. I was a catalyst in getting this program going as I have always strived to reduce my transportation footprint.

Think Critically

The future of transportation is not written nor has the solution to fossil fuels been determined. In leading Bio Bus, I encourage the organization to think deeply, consciously and analytically about options and implications on the environment, economy and people. I have used the "Sustainability Compass Model" as the primary tool for facilitating the learning and other decision-making models to manage the enterprise.

Community

Bio Bus provides over 3,500 rides to students, parents, teachers and community members, but engagement goes beyond simple transportation for point A to point B. Students learn about the biodiesel chemistry and enterprise in the classrooom and conduct annual transportation carpool audits. Vehicle owners have the option of filling up with us to use biodiesel. And everyone can "serve and collect" with our grease police program. In my chief role, it has been a goal to find as many ways as possible to engage the community in the enterprise. (The photo is my daughter Paz making filling up a bio bus from our new pump station)

Collaborate

The “Grease Police” is a branch of the Bio Bus founded by a group of students. The Grease Police patrol the streets of Bali collecting used cooking oil from local warungs and restaurants in exchange for our homemade Bio Soap. This program helps preserve the environment and the health of Bali and provides our partner, Lengis Hijau, with a supply of used cooking oil to be converted into biodiesel. Over the years I have helped to facilitate the growth of this program to secure over 1,000 of cooking oil donated per month.

Think in Systems

In 2017, in response to growing popularity of our commuting service, we created our own booking application that improved sign up, route and payment efficiency. I was very proud bringing this into the classroom to involve our students in the design and programming aspects. We set up a partnership with The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong.

Communicate

We have In 2016, Grade 12 students Kyla and Maxwell shared the Bio Bus Social Enterprise Model on the TEDx stage. Since then we have had countless opportunities to do workshops and presentations to promote our dynamic education model and promote clean renewable energy. Recently, I have been making international appearances including doing a workshop at the "Future Education Towards the Intelligence Age" in Chongqing, China and the HundrED Innovation Summit in Helsinki, Finland.

Solve Problems

Problem Solving is at the heart of the Bio Bus program. Bringing the real world into the classroom is the opportunity to tap new fresh ideas and for kids to be validated as contributors. From the beginning we have looked at challenges, problems, issues as opportunities to rise up and make a difference, break conventional thinking, norms and molds. The Bio Bus has left me with a great sensation of accomplishment. We have pursued solving problems all the way down the supply chain. (This is a photo of my son, Rio atop of huge used cooking oil collection effort)

Integrity

A Bio Bus student made this caricature for me years ago. I can appreciate this portrayal as I see the right thing for the environment and keeping promises to mother earth is a superhero quality. I strive to live this, rise up and speak out for the Bio Bus causes and climate justice. I am in a position of leadership and influence and consequently have to ask myself regularly how am I role-modeling, supporting, and catalyzing positive change.

Responsibility

From the start-up days, through the management and growth of the phase, to where I am now, the handing over process the bio bus social enterprise, has required an incredible amount of responsibility. I learned that ownership absolutely critical and long term success requires confidence, following through on instincts and building a team through creating a positive culture and shared vision. The job is energizing and meticulous in nature.

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