Sjaki Singa Foundation · Bali, Indonesia
Not less,
but differently gifted.
In Bali, children with intellectual disabilities often stay hidden at home. We give them a place to learn, play and be seen — and we teach parents and teachers how to carry that on themselves.
children: 46 in Lodtunduh and 29 in Tukadmungga
teachers across the two locations
staff who keep the locations running
years working alongside Balinese teachers and parents
Who we support
Seventy-five children, seventy-five stories
No two groups are alike. What a child needs decides which group they join and how they are supported.
29 children come to our Tukadmungga location in Singaraja. They are supported by our teachers and staff in North Bali.
Why this work exists
A child kept out of sight cannot learn
Through lack of awareness and religious beliefs, parents and families in Bali often feel ashamed of a child with an intellectual disability. The child stays at home. They don't learn to talk, to play, to take part.
A child with an intellectual disability has their own qualities and every bit as much right to be here as any other child. Sjaki Singa's guiding principle
We combine Western knowledge of child development and education with Balinese culture — not as a replacement, but as a complement. Parents come to class. Teachers are trained. That way the knowledge stays on the island, even when we're not there.
Read our storyWhere the name comes from
Three words, three people
The foundation was set up in September 2006 by Thijs van Harte and Karin Leithuijser, together with friends. The name isn't an abbreviation but a mission.
For Jacques, founder Thijs's twin brother, who died in 2002. The beginning of it all.
For their daughter, born with Down syndrome. She showed what is needed — and what is possible.
All of us together. Balinese teachers, parents, volunteers and donors. It can't be done alone.
What we do
Four programmes, one continuous path
From a toddler sitting in a circle for the first time to a young adult earning their first income.
0 – 8 years
Play-and-learn groups
Seven groups across two locations, each at their own level: from sensory stimulation to preparation for special education. Parents sit alongside and learn too.
See the programme
12 years and up
Teen groups
After school there's a gap in Bali. Five days a week, 23 young people work on hygiene, sport, creative activities and real work experience.
See the programme
For teachers
Teach the Teacher
Since 2005 we've been training Balinese teachers across three competency levels — up to the teacher who trains others themselves.
See the programme
For schools
Educational workshops
Special education schools in Bali often lack knowledge and methodology. We visit, train on site and leave materials behind.
See the programmeA morning at Sjaki
What a day looks like
Structure is everything. Every morning follows the same rhythm, so a child knows what's coming and dares to join in.
It works
Change starts at home
For every child we keep a learning-support plan: goals, notes and a progress report twice a year. On average we make a home visit once every three weeks.
Parents tell us their relationship with their child changes, often within the first six months. And teachers at special education schools in Singaraja notice the difference in children who have been with us:
A clear head start in attention span, work attitude and social behaviour. Special education teachers, SingarajaHow we work
Donate
What your gift does
Sjaki Singa has ANBI status (Dutch tax-deductible charity status). Your gift is tax-deductible and reaches the groups in Bali.
ANBI 8170.28.183 · gifts tax-deductible
Choose an amount
Prefer to transfer directly? NL95 INGB 0004 8455 94 in the name of Stichting Sjaki Singa.
Stories
From Singaraja
18 May 2021
New composition of the board
The Sjaki Singa board has been strengthened with new members, with a focus on fundraising.
28 July 2020
The interior in Lodtunduh gets a refresh
Fresh rooms, new materials and more space to move for the groups in Ubud.
28 July 2020
Donation from Stichting Pikulan
Thanks to Stichting Pikulan we can expand the programme at both locations.
Will you help?
With a gift, as a volunteer or by sharing our story. Every contribution gives a child in Bali a place where they can be who they are.