In Reply to: Helen Flavel - tell me more! posted by Bro on Sunday, 19. June 2005 at 06:43 Bali Time:
in May, what an experience. Helen's Bali end - Nyoman and Dewi were marvellous. They took so much time out to assist us in purchasing things for the school - dictionaries (Indo/English) and other resources. There are 4 children sponsored by Helen's foundation at the school our little girl goes to and we were the first sponsors to visit. It was a very special day and a very emotional visit - still brings tears to my eyes just remembering. Nyoman ran a funny little quiz for the kids to help them learn English. The little boys were all cheek having a great time practising English on us, the girls were all shy and giggles. Even though English is now part of the curriculum for children in Grade 4 and above, this school has only just been able to afford to hire a teacher who as it turns out is one of Dewi's ex-students. After the school, we went to Kadeks home and met her parents, another emotion filled moment when her mother & I set eyes on one another - mother to mother, no language required - at that moment I knew that we would support Kadek right through uni if needed! We enjoyed their hospitality of fresh coconuts then headed off to the big shopping centre in Singaraja to pick up some supplies for the family. Sacks of rice, noodles, tooth brushes/paste, soaps etc and then upstairs for some cloths for Kadek. The poor kid was pretty overwhelmed and I felt terrible for putting her through it (she's so shy) but who knows when we will be back. I am sure that in retrospect she will have a bit of a laugh.
I am totally in awe of the long sightedness and well informed genuine care shown by Helen, Nyoman and Dewi. I was delighted to hear that they have been successfull in finding some sponsorship for the learning centre. The emphasis all along has been to support those who truly want to succeed with just enough to get them on their way and following that through for as long as it takes. When I asked Kadek what she would like to do when she grows up, she answered 'Guru' - Teacher - easy to see who her role models are :-)