Yayasan Widya Guna Volunteer Day
Our day volunteering at Yayasan Widya Guna left an indelible mark on our hearts. Beginning from the inspiring story of Ketut – an “ordinary” man who along with this beloved wife Wayan – decided to help children with developmental and physical disabilities. This quickly grew until there were 15 children with special needs living in their home. They decided to take a small step and get a place to help the children – and it has blossomed into a beautiful school where they serve 100 children every day. From resourceful cost-saving projects (like using the cow manure to create methane gas used for cooking) to the projects they create in the classroom, to new physio-therapies they are evolving with love and compassion.
Our day there was spent in service to the children and the school. Some of the group helped to prepare their meals, some helped in the classroom, some helped around the school, some helped deliver the physical therapy. We all ate at the sweet cafe where the residents, specially trained, served us with smiles in their adorable uniforms. JessE taught the teachers new things. We danced along with their welcome dance and heart fully received their “thank you” song before we left. We all were touched deeply by the sweet souls of the children and the hearts of the dedicated volunteers.
We laughed. We cried. We felt deep, deep gratitude for how remarkable our own lives truly are, how grateful we are to be in a position to help.
So, thank you to YOU – who helped to make it possible. You helped us to buy supplies that the school needed. You reminded us what true generosity looks like. You allowed us to carry this embodiment of love to shower on the children in the school.
Also – a major (!) THANK YOU for the generous donation we were able to provide BAWA. – where we were able to help such an incredible organization, and hundreds of needy animals, at a time they need it the most. Last year alone they served over 4000 cats and dogs for sterilization, almost 10,000 rabies vaccinations, over 5000 visits and assists in small mountain communities, 2000+ Hotline cases, over 300 sweet souls admitted to clinics and shelters and outreach education to over 60,000 children reached with education.
Here are some photos from the volunteer day:
While we didn’t have the pleasure of volunteering with BAWA we lovingly provided them with your generous donations. Here is some of the work they have done!
Charities We Support
When we travel with groups for Personal Expansion – we always support deserving local organizations and we spend time volunteering as a way of demonstrating our compassionate appreciation for those making a difference to vulnerable populations. This year we will be supporting TWO very worthy organizations supporting children with disabilities, orphans who need support, and an exceptional animal welfare charity. Yayasan Widya Guna & BAWA (Bali Animal Welfare Association)
YAYASAN WIDYA GUNA
The Yayasan serves as a sanctuary for Balinese children facing challenging circumstances, providing education, shelter, and nourishment to those in need. Their mission supports underprivileged children, including orphans, those with disabilities, and street children, ensuring access to quality education and fostering independence. By offering a safe haven and essential resources, the Yayasan empowers children to embark on a promising future. We will be spending a day in the classes for children with disabilities and supporting them by eating in their cafe teaching valuable skills to this vulnerable population. See more about it here: https://yayasanwidyaguna.org
BAWA (Bali Animal Welfare Association)
Animals have long struggled to survive in the streets, beaches, and villages of Bali facing hunger, illness, mistreatment, and uncontrolled breeding. Amidst a lack of understanding, education, and enforceable laws against improper treatment of animals, we work tirelessly to protect them from harm. Their mission & vision: To put compassion into action and create sustainable change for Bali’s animals. We envision a Bali in which each village is its own natural sanctuary for animals; where all animals are routinely vaccinated, healthy, cared for, and treated with compassion and respect, and the population is controlled at a manageable and sustainable level.
BAWA takes action to directly relieve pain and suffering, and work within communities to influence a positive shift in attitudes and behaviors, in order to stop animal mistreatment before it occurs. They offer a 24/7 Hotline and ambulance, ER Team & Disaster Relief, Rescue, Rehab & Rehome, Street Feeding and so much more! See more about them here: https://bawabali.com/
A donation (even as simple as $10) will help us to support these wonderful souls. Thank you for sharing your compassionate heart!
Please send donation via Zelle to address below. Please put Bali Donation as the subject.
**Please send donation by Sunday Oct 27
MichaelKobert228@gmail.com (last 4 phone 9683)