Peduli Sesama Helen Flavel

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question

We are going to Bali and want to visit our sponsor child.  Can you please supply us?

with details of his / her school, how to get there and what time we can arrive there?

We are not sure what day we will visit yet.

Answer

No, unfortunately this is not possible.

All visits must be organized in advance, and coordinated through the Foundation.

Please email us with the date that you would like to visit your sponsored student.

All Foundation coordinated visits begin at 10.30am and finish between 2.30 -3pm daily.

 

The drive to Singaraja the Kuta / Legian area, is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours each way.

 

You will need to leave your accommodation around 8.00am and will not be back before 5.30pm.

 

Sponsors are accompanied by a Foundation member at all times.

 

It is Foundation policy that our children are protected, unconditionally.  Therefore no matter how many times a sponsor visits their sponsor child they will always be accompanied by a Foundation representative.

 

We recommend that all visits are kept low key.  It is not our aim to cause jealousy between our students, their family and the villagers they reside amongst.

 

A sponsor visit begins with a visit to the Learning Centre followed by a visit to the school where your sponsor child attends. You may also get the opportunity to visit your sponsored child’s family in their home.

 

Please be mindful that many of these families live in conditions we westerners consider exceedingly poor and these conditions may be very difficult for you to come to terms with.

2. Question

Can we take the family or at least the children out for a meal and a swim at our hotel?

Can we take our sponsor child to the Melka hotel to swim with the dolphins?

Answer

NO. As in the previous question we recommend all visits are kept low key.  The Foundation has a very firm policy regarding the welfare of our children. There have been instances where Balinese families have been ostracised by their own community due to jealousy. All seemed happy while the sponsor was visiting but when the sponsor left the community acted in a totally different manner.

 

Village Elders and Heads of individual Banjars have requested that we limit our visits to the school, home, traditional market and a low key restaurant.

 

Unfortunately North Bali has a history of paedophilia and although we are in no way suggesting that any of our sponsors are involved in paedophilia we must adhere to and respect the wishes of the Elders and Heads of Banjars.  With our strict policy in this area we are also protecting you our sponsor.

 

3. Question

When we visit the school we want to take something small for each child in the class?

How many children should we provide for and can you suggest what is best to hand out?

Answer

The school visit gives you the opportunity to see your sponsor child attending their educational facility. If you feel a need to take something we suggest Stationery given directly to the Teacher

 

4. Question

Can you please give details of our sponsor child’s family?

We would like to know how many siblings he /she has and what ages / sex we want to take appropriate

gifts for them.

Answer

No. The following is a list of recommended items you can purchase and give your sponsored child’s family during your home visit:

Clothing

Bath Towels

Soccer balls / netballs/tennis balls

Base ball caps, t-shirts, board-shorts or ¾ pants

Beginners English picture books,

Colouring-in books and pencils, pens, exercise books, pencil case

Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap

Hair clips, a brush and comb set.

Cuddly teddy bears / fluffy toys

 

You may like to bring these items with you from your country, but you will find all these items in Bali and at a much cheaper cost.

 

5. Question

Are there appropriate shops or market that we can purchase food supplies for the family once we are in Singaraja or is it best to purchase prior to going up there?

 

Yes, we will be very happy to take you to a traditional market and assist you with buying a food parcel, rice or any other gifts you wish to buy the family.

 

Question

Can you assist us with transport to and from Singaraja?  We don’t have a regular driver in Bali and thought you may be able to suggest someone who knows their way around up there.

6. Answer

 

Yes.  We highly recommend Putu and Ketut from Putu Tour Service, their vehicles are in excellent condition and air conditioned.  They speak fluent English, and are very reliable.

 

Putu can be contacted by telephone on +62 815 55621368 and emailed on aribawa_51@yahoo.com

 

7. Question

Can Peduli Sesama Helen Flavel recommend suitable accommodation while in Bali?

 

ANSWER

 

Yes.  We can help you there.  Sunari Villas & Spa Resort in Lovina have supported us for the past eight years by giving our sponsors and supporters a generous discounted room/villa rate. The feedback we have received has always been excellent and through this positive feedback we highly recommend them for your next visit.

 

Web Address:               www.sunari.com

email:                           prapta@sunari.com

Contact Person:                        Pak Prapta