Better lives for Bali Kids
CEO Greg recently returned from a visit to Bali in April where he was honoured to spend time alongside the team from the Global Village Foundation Bali (GVFB), who are doing an exceptional job helping children access wheelchairs in their region.
One of the “children” Greg met was Ketut who is now 18-years-old. Ketut’s small mother is often seen carrying Ketut around. He previously had one of our older wheelchairs, but once it got too old, it was replaced with an adult one that really did not suit his needs.
The uniqueness of our wheelchair is that it can be adjusted and modified to suit children as they grow – even into late teens and adulthood in some cases. They can also be modified to accommodate additional needs of the child – in Ketut’s case, to support his head and posture.
Ketut is non-verbal but was fully aware of what was happening and understood when his Mum and the GVFB boys were talking with him, hence we saw plenty of smiles and laughter. When we arrived, Ketut sat with his legs crossed, but with the knee separator it will help keep his legs in a more comfortable position.
We all hope his new wheelchair will help to straighten Ketut up. The head support was put in place to help keep him straight and upright, although he has some control his neck and head. It was put in place as it may help if he falls to sleep whilst he is in the wheelchair although not ideal, it is giving much needed support if Ketut needs to be left for a period of time.
Greg had a great few hours with Ketut and his family. He said this was a very difficult fitting but, very rewarding.
“Watching wheelchair fittings is so amazing. Not only do you see how this will change the child’s life, but that of their families and in particular their parents. Ketut’s mum will now be spared carrying around her large son.”
On the same day, Greg was also able to travel to a remote area near Ubud to meet 11-year-old Kadek and witness her receive her very first wheelchair.
Despite living with cerebral palsy, Kadek is bright, curious and full of life. She is keen to move around but has only been able to scoot along on her bottom until now. Without a wheelchair, Kadek had never been to school. Her parents said they couldn’t carry her the distance each day and the local school wasn’t equipped to help.
After being fitted with her very own wheels, Kadek was thrilled! She was quick to learn how to propel herself and has good strength in her upper body to do this. With a wheelchair and postural supports, she will only get better and stronger now.
Without a wheelchair, Kadek’s has been limited to the confines of her family’s humble home. That all changed the moment she was lifted into her wheelchair–Kadek now has the chance to experience life in a way that was previously impossible.
We are thrilled to be partnering with thank Global Village Foundation to bring wheelchairs to children like Ketut and Kadek in Bali and around Java. Knowing that young lives are being transformed brings great satisfaction and hope to us all.
