About
HISTORY
In 2004 a 6 year-old orphan, Toha was found extremely ill in one of Bali’s 38 orphanages. Cowering in a small room, Toha’s body was completely covered in weeping, bleeding sores and scabies. Toha would take a few steps then fall down. Too weak to even stand. The orphanage had no money for medical treatment and insufficient staff to give Toha any special care. Representatives from Carry For Kids took Toha from hospital to hospital seeking treatment but to no avail. The hospitals were overcrowded and unable to accept any more patients. Finally a private hospital was located for treatment but could not provide a bed. Carry For Kids then took care of Toha for 3 months until he was able to recover and returned to his original orphanage. There is no question Toha would have died had he not been found. Toha’s infections were acute and he was extremely traumatized.
PROJECT
Carry For Kids Inc. was therefore inspired to establish a centre for children such as Toha. A place which could provide quality medical care and love. Bali Kids opened in April 2005 with the help of Yayuk Kanti. Yayuk is a wonderful woman who has helped so many children in Bali and Bali Kids would not of succeeded without her valuable contribution. Yayuk stayed with Bali Kids until mid-2009 when it came time to focus on her own family. The project provides a clean, safe environment for orphans requiring special care. The centre is open to any children registered in Bali’s orphanages who need medical attention. Children from the local village who’s family hold a ‘poor family card’ can also receive free treatment and care. Children needing to be hospitalised are provided pre and postoperative care at the centre. Short and long term accommodation is available. In 2007 the clinic was named after Eran Svigos an Australian businesswoman and jewellery designer. Eran was a regular visitor to Bali Kids and loved our children as they loved her. Eran sadly passed away, aged 34 years, in August 2007.
Hospital appointments, preparations and funding for surgery are provided by Bali Kids. Bali Kids is non-religious and accepts children from all orphanages on the island. The children’s culture and background is always respected. The Foundation Committee is headed by Stuart Smith who is a well respected Australian business man in Bali. Stuart is passionate about helping the children of Bali and a major asset to the Foundation. The remaining committee is made up of highly respected and skilled Balinese people. Dharma Putra is the Coordinator for the project and Nyoman Suartini the Medical Coordinator. Dr. Rismayanti heads the medical team for Bali Kids. Key members such as Trudy Mentink from Holland’s Bali Bundar organisation, Robert Hincherick from the USA, Peter Janson and Nash from Prince Edward Island Canada, Kathy Orfanos, Vanessa Lowe, John & Keryn Begg, all from Australia and organizations such as The Carolia Foundation, Rotary, Variety, Gloria Jeans Coffee Kuta Square, Kartika Plaza Resort, Ahimsa Villas, Destination Asia, Oakley and Indonesian Pro Surf have been a great support for the project. Individuals from Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Holland, Indonesia and the USA contribute enormously to the centre. The mobile medical service operates 4 days per week and travels throughout Bali on a roster system. On average approximately 600 children are treated each month.
Our team educates Directors and staff of orphanages in preventative measures regarding hygiene, health and diet. This is supported by a book (Memulai Hidup Sehat) given to the staff and children following an informative lecture by our team. Bali Kids also visits local schools to provide this important information. Due the preventative work carried out our cases of scabies, other infectious conditions and health problems have greatly declined and general health improved. Our medical team has forged a strong relationship with the orphanages and the children are more forthcoming with personal health issues.
ORPHANS BACKGROUNDS
We are often asked why does Bali have so many orphanages? Firstly there is no social welfare system. Women who lose their husbands are often uneducated and illiterate. Unable to find employment and support their children they are forced to place them in an orphanage. If a woman is divorced she will look for a new husband. It is unlikely the new husband will accept the children from his new wife’s previous marriage and the children will be placed in an orphanage. Children born out of wedlock bring shame to the family and are usually taken to the orphanage by a grandparent or aunt. Other children lose one or both parents in road accidents or due to ill health. HIV/AIDS will result in an increase of orphans in Bali over the next few years. It is becoming a major reason behind children losing their parents. Bali Kids has 20 children in full time care from such backgrounds.
THE FUTURE
One additional vehicle was donated in 2009 to enable Bali Kids to service the orphanages more efficiently. 18 ara of land has been recently purchased with a view to build a new purpose built centre by 2011. The centre to include a dental surgery to be operated by the Australian dental charity ‘Senyum’ and volunteer dentists from Australia and Holland. The centre to accommodate 30 children in full time care and room for up to 30 children from outside orphanages requiring medical care. The centres are currently in separate locations which is not ideal. The children are provided computer, English, mathematics at the orphanage and other subjects. Older children vocational training opportunities. Currently two children are studying in Australia on scholarships which are supported by their respective schools, sponsors and Carry For Kids Inc.
The projects long term plan is to offer orphans scholarships to study dentistry, medicine, nursing, accounting and computer studies… The scholarship program will commence when funding becomes available. The project will continue to focus on education and prevention in relation to health and social issues for the orphans. Bali Kids will provide holistic care for the children and accept children from any religious background. Bali Kids encourages the children to embrace their culture and the religion of their choice.
