 (28
September 2002) To the sounds of gamelan music and a colorful traditional
Balinese ceremony, Kupu-Kupu celebrated the opening of their new school
and office. In addition, they took delivery on their brand new mini-van.
The school/office Center is simple and consist of an
office, an open building for the school, and a kitchen, toilets, two living
quarters and one open (bale) work and sitting area.
Funds for the school were donated by the Council of
Llodio, in Alava, Spain.
 The
mini-van holds 14 people and is equipped with a ramp for wheelchairs
users. It and the office were donated by the Council of Vitoria,
in Alava, Spain.
Since the facility has opened, more than 30 people
have come to stay and participate in the Foundation's activities.
Some participants stay for a week, while others stay for a few days or
months.
Some of the people come to learn to use a wheelchair.
They are taught by Kadek Erawan, a young boy who himself uses
a wheelchair. Others come to socialize and meet friends.
This is important, because there are many handicapped people in Bali who
have never been out of their houses in their whole life. Others
come to learn to read and write. Currently, they are taught by our
disabled friends who can read and write. However, in the future
we plan to hire a professional Balinese teacher .
The office is staffed by a young disabled woman who
works as the Foundation secretary . She also is a full-time caretaker
of the premises.
Our vision is to make the Center a place where disabled
people, children and their families can meet and discuss the issues which
face them in their daily lives. In this way they can share their
experiences, get to know each other better and work to improve all
of their lives.
We see the place as an open place were any disabled
person can come and talk to us and get straight answers that will improve
their life and help them to grow up as a normal person.
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