Kids at Risk – Bali Project – Life Is Foundation

Background

Through many trips to Bali and different trainings, Sally and Tony have had a long-standing relationship with Kadek Siwa Ambara, founder of the Bali Happy Movement and the Taman Permata Hati Orphan Day Centre. [1]

Following the easing of COVID restrictions, they travelled to Bali once again in 2022 and became more highly aware of the ongoing struggle of many children there, particularly those who are challenged by disability and physical, psychological and emotional risk. While generally marginalised, their plight was even more evident in the destructive wake of the pandemic.

During this trip, Sally and Tony serendipitously met a number of at risk children, and one remarkable woman Ibu Putu Diantin, who had taken on their care despite having no formal support and reliant only on her small and uncertain income.

Despite the Orphan Day Centre itself struggling to support its own programs, the possibility of a program for children at higher risk, including at risk children and children with disabilities was raised.

In further conversations LIF decided to develop the Kids at Risk Bali Project and look to support Diantin and her work with these children.

It should be noted that Kadek had recently written a book in Indonesian and Sally and Tony assisted with its translation to English [2]. All the proceeds from the book have been dedicated to go to Diantin to support her work.

LIF also believed the ongoing synergy between LIF’s Programs, particularly the Live Well and Laugh Program and Kadeks work with Bali Happy Movement and the Orphanage lent itself to a productive and meaningful working relationship that would have the capacity to positively impact many lives.

Rationale

Consistent with the Life Is Foundations mission statement [3] the focus of the Kids at Risk Bali Program is upon minimising risk and creating well-being.

The World Health Organisation states:

Well-being is a positive state experienced by individuals and societies. Similar to health, it is a resource for daily life and is determined by social, economic and environmental conditions. Well-being encompasses quality of life and the ability of people and societies to contribute to the world with a sense of meaning and purpose [4]

WHO emphasises the importance of social, environmental and economic conditions in quality of life and the Kids at Risk Bali project is aimed at targeting and improving all three aspects.

WHO also notes that approximately 1.3 billion people (16% of the world’s population) experience significant disability and that “Health inequities arise from unfair conditions faced by persons with disabilities, including stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education and employment, and barriers faced in the health system itself”. [5]

Program and Support

Still in its infancy, the program is very ‘grassroots’ and developing according to situational need and available resources.

The current plan is to assist Diantin’s training, support a number of children and strengthen links with the Orphan Day Centre.

It should be noted that the Orphan Day Centre was initiated by Kadek after the untimely death of a friend, which left his friends widow and young children without income and poor long term prospects. Kadek’s friends children were some of the first to graduate, with education and training that ensured positive prospects for the future.

We also discovered that through other circuitous routes, the Rosanna Rotary Club (and Rotary International) had apparently been long involved, largely through the work of Mr. Peter Littles. While Peter is now retired, the Rotary support continues but is apparently reducing over time.

LIF was able to meet with Peter to discuss his (and Rotary’s) history of involvement as well as further ideas for the future.

It is noted that Peter and Rotary’s involvement has been both in direct sponsorship of children as well as the development of the Orphan Day Centre. Some sponsors continue to meet with children and to offer volunteer services at the Centre.

LIF believes this model has proved its worth over time and is implementing something similar – that is, financial support/sponsorship of children (and Diantin’s training) as well as offering direct opportunities to meet with sponsored children and volunteer at the Day Centre.

As stated, the program is still in its infancy and will grow according to needs/resources.

It is noted once more that it is grassroots and very ‘hands on’ for those who wish to be involved in such a manner.

For any further information about the program please contact us.