Bali Children’s Project Expands Education Access for Disadvantaged Youth

written by Agil Maesyiatun Khasnaah

August 9, 2025

(Bali Children’s Project/Instagram)

Bali, known internationally as the Island of the Gods, remains one of Indonesia’s most visited destinations, attracting travelers with its tropical landscapes, temples, beaches, and cultural heritage.

While tourism continues to thrive, conditions for many rural communities stand in sharp contrast to the island’s travel image. For families in agricultural areas, daily routines often center on farming and time-intensive ceremonial duties, with limited direct benefits from the tourism economy.

Against this backdrop, the Bali Children’s Project, a registered non-profit charity in both the United States and Indonesia, has been working to address barriers to education for disadvantaged children.

Origins in Community Observation

The initiative began in the early 1990s when founders Joyce Scott and John Cooke observed that many children were unable to attend school. Financial difficulties often forced families to withdraw children, particularly girls, from education, leading them into low-paying work and perpetuating cycles of rural poverty.

What started as assistance with tuition fees developed into broader educational support. The organization began supplying schools with learning materials and creating opportunities for students who would otherwise have limited access to formal education.

Leadership Transition and Program Expansion

Following years of informal operations, the leadership of the Bali Children’s Project transitioned to Linda Moselle Venter. Under her direction, the organization expanded its team, formalized sponsorships, and introduced structured monitoring for both finances and program delivery.

The sponsorship program became the organization’s most significant initiative, enabling over 1,000 students to graduate from high school. Additional programs were launched to address other needs, including sex education, child abuse prevention education, kindergarten renovations, and the construction of learning centers. According to the organization, these combined efforts have reached tens of thousands of children.

Current Scope and Future Plans

Today, the Bali Children’s Project operates from its base in Ubud at Br. Penestanan Kaja, Ds. Sayan, Gianyar, Bali 80571, and continues to run year-round initiatives aimed at “escaping poverty through education.” The organization states that it serves thousands of children and families across Bali, with ongoing commitments to existing programs and the development of new initiatives.

Looking ahead, the Bali Children’s Project plans to sustain and expand its work, with a focus on providing educational opportunities that enable children to improve their livelihoods and support their families.

Contact and Further Information

Individuals seeking further details about the Bali Children’s Project, including its programs and sponsorship opportunities, can contact the organization at +62 85 100 648 400 or via email at info@balichildrenfoundation.org. More information is available on its official website at https://balichildrensproject.org/ and on Facebook at Bali Children’s Project.

The organization credits the continued support of individual donors as a key factor in maintaining and growing its operations. Its leadership has confirmed that the mission remains focused on expanding educational access to some of Bali’s most underserved communities.

Agil Maesyiatun Khasnaah

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