Rotary Club Luxembourg-Horizon friendship trip to Bali

Enjoying friendship.

26.08.2023. Welcome dinner at famous Soya Japanese Restaurant in SANUR together with

Past President Marina Purwa, Rotary Club Bali Kuta

Past District Governor Aloysius Purwa, Rotary Club Bali Kuta, Chair Intercountry Committee Belux Indonesia, Indonesia section

THE BALI BLOOD BANK

28.08.2023. GLOBAL GRANT PROJECT. The first stop is the Bali Blood Bank in Denpasar, where we were received by the President of the Blood Bank, Dr. Patri, and the responsible physician, Dr. Chandra. In the entrance area, attention is drawn to the stone plaques of the Rotary Clubs involved, which together with THE ROTARY FOUNDATION started supporting the blood bank 21 years ago. Australia, Japan, Korea, the United States, as well as the Kuta, Denpasar, and Nusa Dua Clubs in Bali, and finally, the Horizon Club from Luxembourg together with THE ROTARY FOUNDATION, are listed there. Blood collection mobile devices have been particularly encouraged.

The feature story in The Rotarian magazine in the August 1999 issue, the Bali Blood Bank, a concerted effort by Rotary Clubs Kuta, Denpasar and Nusa Dua together with RC Traverse City, Michigan USA and RC Hiroshima East, Japan amongst others to build and furnished the Bali Blood Bank at Bali’s main public hospital, RSU Sanglah (Hospital).  

Bali experienced a profound shock on October 12, 2002, when it was rocked by bombings. These acts of terrorism led to the tragic loss of 202 lives and left more than 209 individuals injured, with some sustaining severe injuries. The blood bank played a pivotal role in saving numerous lives during this difficult time.

To date, donations are sufficient to meet Bali's own needs, but there is still much work to be done, as emphasized by the officials. It is essential to improve the quality of blood donations to align them with international standards

ANNIKA LINDEN CENTRE DENPASAR

29.08.2023. THE ANNIKA LINDEN CENTRE. The godmother of this project was one of the victims of the bomb attacks. Her then-fiancé, Mark Winegard, had to bid her a heart-wrenching farewell. However, he made a solemn vow to assist the survivors and subsequently the people of Bali who are suffering from the consequences of amputations and other disabilities.

Within the Annika Linden Center, custom-made prosthetics, orthotics, aids, and wheelchairs are manufactured to meet the individual needs of patients. In the workshop of the Annika Linden Center, leg prosthetics, among other things, are crafted.

During this meeting, the discussion revolves around the acquisition of 3D printers to enhance both the quality and quantity of prosthetics. However, this initiative is still in its early stages and requires several tests. Ultimately, donations must be targeted, sustainable, and results-oriented. It is a responsible task that necessitates on-site assessment and discussions with the involved parties.

TIARA FROM TAMPAKSIRING

29.08.2023. GLOBAL GRANT PROJECT. Our journey takes us to a family's home in Tampaksiring, near Ubud, where we have the opportunity to meet a young girl named Tiara. Throughout our visit, this shy child remains in the comforting embrace of her mother, while her sister plays with a Péckvillchen, a gift from Luxembourg.  

From birth, Tiara had been afflicted by a cleft lip and palate. This condition made basic activities like drinking, eating, and speaking nearly impossible for her. Fortunately, she received the necessary surgical intervention, which has proven to be a life-changing transformation. It serves as a powerful illustration of the impact of individual support, particularly for children who face such challenges, and would not have been possible without the Rotary Club's assistance and THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

YAYASAN CIMD (FOUNDATION)

02.09.2023. Our next meeting is scheduled with the CIMD Foundation in Panji Anom, a school dedicated to children with disabilities. The reception is exceptionally warm, and they are greeted with vibrant, handmade paper bouquets as a gesture of welcome.  

Geert van Praet, the director of the institution, outlines the challenges faced by the children and their parents. There is a shortage of funding for the care of these children, and overcoming geographical distances, especially to access public schools, presents a significant obstacle. The roads are often congested, particularly with scooters, the preferred mode of transportation for the local population. Bali, with its over four million residents, boasts an even higher number of scooters, leading to traffic chaos and associated safety hazards.  

Geert, originally from Belgium, has taken it upon himself to provide care for children with predominantly intellectual disabilities in his day center after retiring. This includes conducting monthly medical check-ups for children aged 0 to 3 years. The principle of inclusion holds particular importance for the school director and his staff, as they continuously strive to integrate these children, even if only temporarily, into mainstream schools or have students without special needs collaborate with them.   

THE DOMBO ORPHANAGE

02.09.2023. Geert and his Balinese spouse, Ayu, are presently filled with joy as they have been given the responsibility of overseeing the administration of the Dombo Bali orphanage, which is financially supported by a German foundation. During an unplanned visit, Dombo Bali demonstrated itself as a well-organized orphanage, housing approximately ten boys and ten girls of various age groups.  

YAYASAN ANAK (FOUNDATION) - AID TO INDONESIAN CHILDREN

02.09.2023. The Anak Foundation primarily functions as a residential school (Dharma Cita), aiming to provide education for young individuals who would otherwise have limited access to regular schools. By residing at the Anak Foundation, they have the opportunity to live close to a public school and receive supplementary instruction, including English language classes.  

During the afternoons, the foundation offers vocational training in various fields such as textiles, computer skills, culinary arts, and mechanics, which are essential for the maintenance of numerous scooters. Additionally, the foundation fosters social interaction among the residents. In their leisure time, many of them engage in learning traditional Balinese dances, known for their unparalleled expression, strength, and coordination. As a farewell gesture, visitors are treated to a variety of performances.  

More Pictures

www.anakbali.org

STATUTIRY MEETING OF OUR SISTER CLUB BALI NUSA DUA

07.09.2023. We concluded our 14-day journey at the regular lunch gathering of the Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua, held at the Hotel Merusaka in Bali Nusa Dua. A total of 34 attendees were present on this occasion. The club's president was abroad on a European trip and was represented by the vice president, Rudi Sauermann who extended a warm welcome to all participants and facilitated the event.  

Among the guests in attendance were PDG Al Purwa, President of the Inter Country Committee Belux Indonesia, and his wife Marina. DGE Suzanna Chandra joined along with Indra Mahyuni from RC Bali Legian. Hans Schmid, the re-elected president of RC Bali Ubud Sunset was there as well as the ladies from the Kolewa Foundation, namely Syta, Ana, and Uttari.

We learned that a significant portion of the members of RC Bali Nusa Dua, some with their partners, didn't want to miss this luncheon. We all relished a delectable and creatively prepared meal courtesy of the chef at the Merusaka Hotel. It was exceptionally delightful.  

Jean Marie Hoffmann, Diane Dhur, and Marc Lenert also addressed the gathering briefly. The highlight of the day was Dr. Putu Trisna Utami, our guest speaker. She regaled us with anecdotes from her six-month surgeon training at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taoyuan, Taipei. Her training had received support from GG 2096241 Luxembourg, so we were were particularly interested in Dr. Putu Trisna Utami's presentation. Following her speech, many questions were raised, reflecting the immense interest of all.

Adding a touch of Rotary tradition to the luncheon beautifully designed banners were exchanged with our friends from Bali Nusa Dua. This simple yet meaningful gesture served as a fitting conclusion to an already unforgettable gathering. I believe it's safe to say that this luncheon was a tremendous success.

In conclusion, we gathered for a group photo on the hotel's veranda. We would like to express our gratitude for the warm welcome we received from our dear Rotarian friends and we are looking forward to more fellowship going forward.   

We wished everyone continued good health and happiness, and we invited them all to visit us in Luxembourg.