In Reply to: Me too ....... posted by J in Tassie on Saturday, 10. July 2004 at 18:50 Bali Time:
Hi Janelle,
I started sponsoring a girl at SD5 last August, in the Sembung area which is a farming village where every assistance helps. It is about a one hours drive north of Kuta area, on way to Bedugal.
I have visited the schools twice now with reps from Rotary and met my sponsored girls. I have written letters to them and received replies, albeit a little 'as the teacher may have written on the blackboard'. I have since encouraged a lot of friends and family to also sponsor children. Since we of the BTF now sponsor around 100 children, you can receive updated photos of your child, taken by other BTForumites who go to the schools. Visiting day at the schools is Saturdays these days, to less disrupt the classes. All the children in the schools really really enjoy the visits!
Noel Allen who posts as 'Allen' represents the Rotary Club of Swan Valley WA and organises the project. You can email him direct at any time and he is very helpful.
There appears to be so much red tape when working with the schools and Noel along with the Rotary groups in Bali seem to be able to make progress is replacing toilets, supplying running water, repairing broken roofs etc.
I have no doubt that the money I donate goes exactly where it is intended.
(I might add I dont question Helen and her project and her being genuine!)
http://balikids.proboards28.com/index.cgi