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Located in Northern Bali and approximately two and a half hours drive along the north coast, Widhya Asih III (WA III) is a Christian orphanage presently housing one hundred and two students. WA III is one of a group of seven orphanages administered by the Bali Protestant Church and directed by Pak Nyoman Yohannes, a former student of WA III.
We met Pak Yohannes 5 years ago, when he arrived to take over the direction of WA III. The property was in a very poor condition, with about 55 rather despondent students in residence. We immediately noticed a very low percentage of girls and their accommodation, which looked like a renovated shelter shed with chicken wire for windows. The boys’ accommodation was sounder but dilapidated, showing signs of vandalism and the boys’ toilet area was appalling. The public orphanage areas (kitchen, eating, study and gathering areas) were in poor condition and the spacious grounds a dust bowl. The good news was Pak Yohannes: a well educated, energetic man with boundless energy for the job ahead. He was determined to transform the Orphanage from the barren, boring, hungry environment he remembered as a child to a true oasis of education for disadvantaged children.
Working with Pak Yohannes, we expanded our understanding of education possibilities in Bali. With generous sponsorship over the years, Widhya Asih III has developed into a model that we now use for other projects.
We started by addressing the disproportionate number of girls attending. Bali traditionally favours males in the family unit choosing to educate boys rather than girls. We developed a girls’ education sponsorship program, using Australian professional women as sponsors. We gave Pak Johannes an undertaking that we’d support the education of every girl he could bring into WA3. Five years later the proportion is virtually 50/50. We then went on to support all sorts of projects which provided income or benefit to the children as well as providing them with skills.
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The grounds of Widhya Asih III Orphanage, Singaraja.
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The residents of Widhya Asih III Orphanage, Singaraja.
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Some of these projects include: Guitar making, Batik, sewing, art, card making, the kitchen garden, and the herbal tea project.
The children go to local schools attending either the morning or afternoon session. The older children attend Junior High, Senior High or University in Singaraja. The students are happy, lively and confident with a fabulous group of young girls, enjoying their senior education and two already in university.
The dust bowl is now a luxuriant garden, almost every building has been rebuilt largely due to generous support from a Dutch NGO. Many people are inspired by Pak Johannes and his enthusiasm. What he has achieved to date is a great model for other facilities in Bali.
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Garden Project
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Carpentry and Guitar Making Project
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Batik Making Project
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Art Project
Agung and artist Victoria Renaux at The Ganesha Gallery during her Art Exhibition.
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Widy 3 Visit to Bali Safari Park
The children from WIDHYA ASIH 3 Singaraja travelled on the air conditioned bus to the Safari Park.
First event for the day, the monkey and parrot show they then moved onto the Safari train ride through the wetlands visiting Lions, Tigers, Bears, Elephants, Komodo Dragon, Cheetah, and many more animals.
Hot and hungry we sat in the Bale and enjoyed an amazing Nasi Campur lunch box prepared by BIKU and a special treat of cupcakes!!! Thank you Asri for your generousity. The children then wandered around the park before being treated to ice creams from our helpers Deb and Heather.
Tired and hot it was time to depart the Safari Park and return to Singaraja. A memorable day for all the children. Thank you to all involved who made this possible.
Sponsor Visit
Paul and Lindsay arrived at Widy 3 laden with xmas gifts for the children and helped unload a delivery Truck of rice, fruit, drinks and treats for the children over the xmas break.
 
Thank you Paul & Lindsay. This always a welcome visit. A return visit in February from Paul and friends.
Canggu School XMAS Gift Tree Project
Thank you to Canggu school for encouraging families at the school to donate a xmas gift to a childs name displayed on the xmas tree in the school foyer.
On behalf of the school, Nuning and friends delivered the gifts to the children of Widy 3 prior to Xmas and whilst there inspected the Basket Ball Court being laid.
The funds for this project were raised from the raffles held at the annual Xmas Carol Night. Thank you parents and children of Canggu School for your generousity.
Melbourne Family Visit
Yohannes from Widy 3 was pleased to welcome the Mc Kenzie family to visit and stay at the orphanage. The family stayed in the recently built accomodation in the grounds of the orphanage. Amber, Aaron and Benjamin along with there mum and dad Andrew and Debbie spent time playing and interacting with the children during there stay. They were also able to participate in the Xmas Party held for the children.
Time with Matt - Marcus
Commencement of the new school semester in January 2010 the children welcomed Matt Wheelton his friend Marcus a medical student from Sydney University, Nigel and Samantha who spent time at Widy 3.
Conducting medical reviews of the children. Whilst staying at Widy 3, the team were able to participate in daily activities helping out with English lessons and the daily homework routine, whilst also encouraging the children with health and oral hygiene advice.
The team would like to thank Trifena, Redi, Suri, Sumi, Yani, Triya, Dani and Suri from Widy who assisted with
language and translating details. We wish Marcus every success for his course and look foward to his return visit.
Clothing Donation
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As Marcus and his team confirmed the
physical health of the students they reviewed
was excellent and therefore donations
of clothing,
footwear and backpacks are always appreciated.
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While recenly in Bali on holidays
Mark and Lynnette visited there sponsored children
at Widy 3.
A visit the children treasure.
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CANGGU SCHOOL FUND NEW BASKET BALL COURT FOR WIDY 3
Thankyou to the school social community group for raising the funds to provide recreational activity for the students. Yohannes and the children are now landscaping the surrounding area.
Other Projects
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