Taking out of Slums: This Australian-Indonesian Couple is Helping Bali Children Live Life Again

Bali is known as a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes. However, behind the tropical paradise lies a reality that many visitors do not see: the struggles of street children and orphans.

This reality inspired an Australian-Indonesian couple, Brad and Siska Little, to establish Bali Life, a children’s home in Bali that provides a safe and nurturing environment for underprivileged children.

It all started with a chance

The couple had an encounter with a 9-year-old boy living on the streets of Kuta, begging for money. The boy’s situation moved Brad and Siska, but they could not take him in at the time due to their circumstances. Nevertheless, the experience left a deep desire in them to find a way to assist not only that boy but also all street children and orphans in Bali.

With the support of a visiting businessman who shared their vision, Bali Life was born in 2006, and they were able to find a suitable property for their first two children. Over the years, the family has grown, and they now provide a home for 48 children from diverse backgrounds and regions of Indonesia.

In 2010, they received a remarkable surprise when they welcomed a child found on the streets by a Balinese lady who had nursed him back to health and needed to find a permanent home.

As they spent time with him, they discovered that he was the same boy Brad and Siska had briefly met in 2005, who had inspired the birth of the children’s home. This touching discovery felt like a fitting way to close the first chapter of Bali Life’s story.

After running the Bali Life children’s home for several years, Brad and Siska knew it was time to pass the baton to someone who shared their passion and vision for helping those in need. That’s when Siska’s brother, Piter, and his wife, Lyna Panjaitan, stepped up to continue the work that Brad and Siska had started.

Carrying forward the foundation’s legacy

Piter and Lyna had seen the impact of Bali Life firsthand and were inspired to carry on the foundation’s legacy. They took over the organisation in 2013, determined to continue to help as many people as possible in Bali and Indonesia.

Under their leadership, Bali Life has grown to include various projects that have positively impacted thousands. One of their notable

initiatives is the Free School program and Women Workshop, which provides education to underprivileged children who would otherwise not have access to schooling and provide soft skills for underprivileged mother.

The program aims to break the cycle of poverty by allowing children to learn and grow, reach their full potential, and empower their mothers.

Another project that Piter and Lyna spearheaded is the Disaster Relief program. This program helps communities affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, by providing essential aid and support. The program ensures that those affected by these disasters can access necessities such as food, shelter, and medical supplies.

Through Piter and Lyna’s leadership, Bali Life has continued to thrive, and their impact on the communities they serve has only grown. Their dedication and commitment to making a difference have inspired many others to join their cause and help those in need. Their story is a testament to the power of compassion and determination to change the world positively.

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