Our Work – Suwandi Foundation

WHY Children IN BALI NEED YOUR HELP:

“Some time ago, a 13 year old female student came to me and said she had to stop studying at our Learning Center. While crying, she expressed that she still wanted to study at the Learning Center, but she had to quit because she wasn’t supported by her own father. The reason her father forbade her to study was because there was no one to help take care of their cows or household chores after her mother died.

The girl was receiving hurtful remarks from her father, family, and neighbors, stating that girls didn’t need to go to school because they would eventually get married and be of no use to the family.

xHearing this, I felt very sad, disappointed, and angry. Self-motivation alone is not enough; our students need material and emotional support from many people, both international and local.”

– PUTU EKA (CO-FOUNDER OF YAYASAN LOKA MAWA UPADHI)

We work in the Karangasem region of Bali, which has the lowest literacy rates and highest poverty rates on the island. A child in Karangasem has access to less than 75 cents per day and most teenagers dream of attending university, but cannot afford it. Young girls are especially disadvantaged and are often told education is not necessary for them.

WHAT WE DO

Every dollar you donate goes directly towards fighting for our mission!

Here are some ways we support Balinese communities:

SPONSOR STUDENTS EDUCATION

SPONSOR A STUDENT

This year, we secured a sponsor for our first university student, Ni Komang Tri Utari! Tri is one of only 10 high school students in her class of 400 to go to university and is currently studying marketing and communications at the London School of Public Relations!

“Since my father passed away in January 2022, I just live with my mom in Tianyar. She earns a living by selling fish in the traditional market, and I often assist her there when I’m not attending school.

If I can successfully complete my studies, I’ll become the first person in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Further more, communication is one of my passions, and I believe it holds the key to bridging understanding and creating positive change in society.”

– TRI UTARI (YAYASAN WIDYA SARI GRADUATE)

BUILD + SUPPORT LEARNING CENTERS

SUPPORT PROJECTS LIKE YAYASAN LMU

Since 2022, donors have contributed over $140,000 to invest in this local couple’s dream of helping their village thrive! We watched as they opened their own foundation, Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi, to offer free after-school education & public school student sponsorships!

“When the grand opening happened, I saw happiness in the eyes of the children after a long wait. We no longer had to study in cramped spaces, or had to cancel every time it rained. And at that moment, we began our agenda for change, providing education for the children and the community.”

– Agus antara (Co-Founder of Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi)

CONNECT STUDENTS TO FOSTER GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

JOIN US IN BALI

In 2023, we hosted 50 international volunteers and 12 interns in Tulamben, Bali! We use time in the classroom and at community events to support and understand local culture and needs. This year, our team taught topics such as mental health, music, environmental conservation, and entrepreneurship, all while learning intercultural communication and Balinese tradition!

“I taught English using the theme of environmental conservation to help students understand that their individual actions in rural communities can create a better world for all!

Arguably more influential from this experience was how much I learned from the Balinese I was in community with. Through daily interactions and deeper discussions, I absorbed so much knowledge on what it means to truly care for your community.”

– LIA CHEN (SUMMER 2023 INTERN)