In Reply to: Filo posted by pegs on Sunday, 14. September 2008 at 08:53 Bali Time:
There are 4 types of ‘orphans' in Bali; 'Ekonomi' which means that the child actually does have parents but they and the extended family are financially not able to support children. The circumstances that cause this may be temporary or continue for years. 'Yatim' means that the child has no father. 'Piatu' means that the child has no mother. 'Yatim-Piatu' of course means that the child has neither mother nor father.
Most Yatim and Piatu orphans are of the opposite sex to the surviving parent, or there may be problems related to sexual behaviour in the family.
We feel deeply about the situation of these children who simply do not exist as far as the government is concerned. We have been to several orphanages and memories still come back every time we see our own children and grandchildren.
A definitive page listing Indonesian Orphanages, although without any helpful details, can be found at www.yakee.de/orphanage/Bali-Orphanage.php3 . From the list of 27 - in March 2003 - you're bound to find one close to wherever you're staying.
Also have a look at http://micbali.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=report&action=display&thread=1754 for a better list of names and locations.
Bear in mind that the further from the 'tourist districts' the orphanage (or school) is located the more extreme their needs might be.
Thanks for caring.