MANDURAH mother and daughter Lia Comben and Carol Evans are seeking help for their Carolia Charity that educates Bali youngsters whose parents have no regular income.
The Bali bombings of 2002 and 2005 put many Balinese people out of work because of a decline in the tourism industry and parents who were previously able to pay for their children’s education could no longer afford to do so.
Lia and Carol’s association goes back a long way, and their love for Bali and the Balinese people prompted them to do something about the education void left for the children whose parents lost their jobs.
Their fundraising efforts have focused on the education, health and well-being of those living outside the main tourist areas of Bali.
With the help of sponsors they have been involved in several projects, including an education sponsorship program that helps poor children in Karangasem in East Bali.
The children secure sponsors and the charity provides them with clothing, toiletries and stationery. They also enjoy a full day party twice a year with fun activities, and meet their sponsors regularly.
More than 420 children have benefited from this program.
As well, Lia and Carol are involved in the Shining Hearts care facility for orphans and under-privileged children in Denpasar that provides free instruction in life skills, hygiene, English and computer skills.
They supply the centre with educational material, first aid and other items needed.
Another program is the Kuta Beach Day, where 100 children and their carers from various orphanages across Bali have a day on the beach with all food and games for the outing supplied by the charity.
“Our Bali Kids/Anak Anak Clinic also runs a mobile clinic that monitors the orphanage children’s health, and provides free medical and dental attention if needed,” Carol said.
Their next venture is already underway; in August last year, two local sponsors and a Melbourne man donated the entire funds to buy a Balinese house and the money to renovate it so it can house students who have previously travelled up to 30km to school every day.
The house will serve as their office in Bali, a clinic for medical and dental check-ups, as well as a sewing centre and a meeting point for sponsors.
“Every child who has been through our education program has been employed when they left school,” Lia said.
The pair raise their money through a market stall at the Mandurah Markets at Centro Mandurah shopping centre, and Lia has garage sales twice a month on the last two weekends of the month at 45 Peelwood Parade, Halls Head.
Lia said the biggest need was for towels, with one towel shared by at least 10 people.
Carol looks after the administration of the charity and compiles the photographic books that record their six-monthly visits.
They would appreciate holiday travellers to Bali to transport a case of items they have collected during their efforts.
“People generally go along with an empty case to fill when they get there,” Lia said.
If you can help, call Lia on 9581 3021, Carol on 9535 4460 or John on 0404 832 625, or email jemecese1@bigpond.com.