Arden Project | Arden Academy

Education Social Enterprise

Arden Project

Quality education every family can afford, uplifting and empowering communities across Indonesia, one child at a time.

Our Story

From one living room to 1000 students

Arden Project began as a response to a simple problem and grew into a movement.

2020

It began during COVID

Arden Project began during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Tangsel, Indonesia. As schools shifted to online learning, many children in nearby communities struggled because families often had only one device to share. Without access to regular lessons, many were losing their learning routines. We opened our home and created small pod learning groups, providing children with a safe place to continue learning and stay engaged with their education.

2021

Free English classes at home

We ran free English language classes in our living room with 30 students and kept it going for a full year. As classes grew, we rented a larger space that allowed many more students to join.

2022

Official entity

We officially registered our Indonesian company.

2025

Expansion to Pondok Cabe

There was an increased demand in a nearby neighborhood and we opened a second learning center in Pondok Cabe. Classes started almost immediately and by 2026, the center is full and we have a waiting list of students.

2026

Expansion to Pondok Ranji

Having received a positive response from parents and students, Arden Project decided to open its third center.

2026+

One center, one year

Arden Project plans to open one center every year. We invite any community interested in having Arden Project programs in their area to collaborate with us.

Our Mission

Transformation from the inside out

We uplift and empower individuals and communities through education, transforming their core and inner self so they can live their best possible life.

Material Wellbeing

Education creates opportunities for individuals to build meaningful livelihoods, achieve economic independence, and improve their quality of life. By developing their abilities and applying them in service to society, individuals are empowered to flourish both personally and materially.

Personal Agency

Education empowers individuals to recognise their own potential, think independently, and take responsibility for their growth. With confidence, resilience, and purpose, they become active participants in shaping their own lives and creating positive change around them.

Service to Community

Education nurtures a spirit of service that inspires individuals to use their knowledge, talents, and abilities for the well-being of others. We believe that by uplifting our communities, we strengthen our own lives and contribute to a more compassionate and prosperous society.

Financial Sustainability

Sustainable by design

Arden Academy was built on the belief that lasting impact requires sustainable solutions. Rather than relying solely on donations, we operate a social enterprise model where affordable programme fees support our operations, enabling us to deliver high-quality education while expanding access to underserved communities.

Affordable education → Sustainable operations → Greater impact

Image: students and parents at the center

Leadership & Team

A family on a mission

Farshah Marsden, Founder and Executive Director

Photo: Farshah Marsden

Nur Hafishah Marsden (Farshah)

Founder & Executive Director

20 years in international development. Originally from Singapore, Farshah graduated from National University of Singapore (History & European Studies). She holds a Masters Degree from SOLS NGO University Timor-Leste (Language and International Development) and is currently pursuing her postgraduate studies in Business Management with Singapore University of Social Sciences. A mother of 4, raised with the help of a whole village.

Photo: Founding Patron

George Marsden

Founding Patron

16 years in the development field, working across corporate projects and rural community programs. Holds an economics degree from Newcastle University UK, a Masters Degree from SOLS NGO University Timor-Leste (Language and International Development), and a Masters Degree in Education from University of Buckingham UK.

Teachers & Volunteers

The Arden Team

Photo: Aulia Maharani

Aulia Maharani, S.Pd

Senior Teacher

Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta, Bachelor of English Education

Islamic Teacher, TPA Baitul Ula (2017–2018)
Private English Teacher (2017–2023)
English & Math Tutor, Bimbel Sinau (2018–2019)
English Teacher, Arden Project (2022–Present)

Photo: Florencia Putri Isabella

Florencia Putri Isabella

Teacher

Universitas Pamulang, Bachelor of English Literature (in progress)

English Teacher, Arden Project (2024–Present)

Photo: Nur Afifah Nadhirah

Nur Afifah Nadhirah, S.S

Center Coordinator

Universitas Pamulang, Bachelor of English Literature

English Teacher, Almanar Azhari Elementary & Junior High (2022–2026)
Private English Teacher (2023–2025)
English Teacher, Almanar Azhari Senior High (2025–2026)
English Teacher, Arden Project (2025–Present)

Photo: Setia Mekar Gorat

Setia Mekar Gorat, S.S

Center Coordinator

Universitas Pamulang, Bachelor of English Literature

Sunday School Teacher, GSJA Muara Bolak (2016–2020)
English Tutor, Bimba Bintang Junior (Jan–Apr 2025)
English Teacher, Arden Project (Feb 2025–Present)

Photo: Tiara Sarah Saraswati

Tiara Sarah Saraswati, S.Pd

Teacher

Sebelas Maret University, Bachelor of English Education

English Teacher, Senior High School 1 Surakarta (Sep–Nov 2024)
English Teacher, Arden Project (Jul 2026–Present)

Our Learning Programmes

Developing confident learners, principled and compassionate leaders, and future changemakers.

English as a Second Language

Building Confident English Communicators

Our English programme develops confident communicators through a structured progression from Foundation to Advanced levels. Students build strong listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while developing the confidence to communicate effectively in both academic and everyday settings.

Foundation: simple vocabulary and short sentences
Basic: English grammar and compound sentences, English language literacy
Intermediate: conversation and presentation, picture presentation
Advanced: advanced comprehension and presentation

Mathematics

Building Strong Mathematical Thinkers

Our Mathematics programme follows the internationally recognised Singapore Mathematics approach, using the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) methodology to develop deep conceptual understanding before introducing abstract mathematical concepts. By progressing from hands-on learning to visual representations and finally symbolic thinking, students develop strong reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills that prepare them for lifelong success.

Empowerment in Action

Developing Character, Leadership and Purpose

Empowerment in Action is Arden Project's personal development programme. Through meaningful discussions, collaborative projects, and service-learning experiences, students develop resilience, leadership, empathy, and a spirit of service. The programme empowers young people to become confident individuals who contribute positively to their families, schools, and communities.

Literacy

Creating Confident Readers and Lifelong Learners

Delivered in partnership with Dignity Education, our Literacy programme develops strong reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. By nurturing a lifelong love of reading, students build the confidence and independence needed to succeed across every area of learning.

Events & Activities