Take challenges for children Elishama
Hitting the average age for some can cause a big change of life but it has not a crisis. Fiona Forrest, an Australian expatriate in Jakarta for eight years, woke up at 45 and something broke. She became really good. And it did. Coinciding with this inward focus on health came an outdoor fireplace on the less fortunate. Since then, Forrest began three physical challenges that fundraising efforts for the education of underprivileged children.
His first feat was to climb Mount Rinjani, a volcano 3726 meters overlooking Lombok. A developer has proposed to double its promise of $ 10,000 US if Forrest and snapped a photograph climbed the summit to prove it. In 2013, she dragged the mountainous area 96 km Kokoda trail, scene of fierce fighting World War II. The same promoter has increased its donation to the distance traveled to his prodding. This year, Forrest will walk on Route 450 kilometers of Bali with plans to develop sponsorship to do more for children. Forrest has created the Unity Foundation Fiona and shoulders all personal expenses, channeling 100 percent of the funds earned Elishama Orphanages in Denpasar and Singaraja.
Why she chose to help the children of Bali? On vacation with her husband Peter and her children, Holly and Jack, who were teenagers at the time, they heard a choir sing Elishama. Forrest visually and emotionally connected with a girl, and she said, "Here." She wanted to sponsor the child and went to Denpasar found how Elishama. "I did not choose Bali. He chose me "
Forrest met Ketut Tinggalini Ester, who founded Elishama in 1991. She explained that it was impossible to sponsor a child. Everything must be sponsored. Ibu Ester grew up in same orphanage as his dedicated three staff, and they have since been a family. "they could work elsewhere with their skills, but they stay where there is so little yet earn as working with children," says Forrest. "They are rich in heart."
Similarly, the 69 children Elishama are family, calling Ibu Ester "Mama." She is a devout Christian and keeps kids connected to relationships. " they gave me to give, "she is inclined to say. Children learned this consideration. Older hold or read the small, fierce create links. In fact, when the older children leave, they return to Elishama to visit and bring food.
With over 70 orphanages on Bali, Elishama is one of only 10 that are reputable and recognized by the government, but they receive no funding. That's where Forrest happens, the fight against the major projects on campus. The climb Rinjani funded a well and pump, over a safety barrier 250 meters to keep the dog mauling children and other hazards. The trek Kokoda brought US $ 50,000. Forrest then grabbed a shovel and began to dig to create a large playground, equipped with equipment and a grassy area.
The Forrest family contributes a lot personally. At Christmas, they charge a car with gifts, food boxes and new school packs. Forrest loves to see children dressed in their uniforms walking to school or biking. "They wash, cook and take care of themselves and one another," she said. founding Forrest was the only support of more than 60 students from kindergarten to university. The cost per year is $ 30,000. Sponsorship or donate money to pay for tuition, books, uniforms and transportation. Investing in the education of children provides a big step today, but a giant step for our future. Forrest's motto is "together we can make a difference."
Children make educational progress beyond Elishama, too. Some went to college to get degrees in hotel management, architecture and culinary arts. "They are so grateful for the chance to win a vocation of their choice," said Forrest.
The purpose of Bali walk from Forrest is to set up a five-year education plan, and awareness continue to Elishama. its range is expanding, and his desire is to involve major players with companies sponsoring the next generation, especially some Indonesian companies.
Each fundraising event contests Forrest. the walk Bali will be made on the roads, large and small with a following decorated van for safety and promotion. Yet, it is the beginning of the rainy season, most Forrest is petrified of dogs, and almost every family Bali has at least one. it will start on November 15 and will be in great strides for 15 days. as she always says, "I will never give up."
Learn more and donate: www.fionaunity.org