Management and Members

In May, 2003, the Senang Hati Foundation was established as a not-for-profit legal entity with its own statute [organisation-specific legislation?] and bank account. A management board was formed — its members are all handicapped individuals. Ms Putu Suriati became the chairperson of the foundation. The Secretary is Ms Gusti Ayu Ariani, and the Treasurer is Ms Sang Ayu Made Sriani. All were severely affected by polio contracted in early childhood.

Within a week of establishing the foundation, an American businessman, Mr Glenn Adams, donated the use of an old school building in Tampakisring for five years. This was an enormous boost to the foundation’s goals. The building needed some major repairs and some accessibility renovations such as the installation of ramps and the widening of doorways to accommodate wheelchairs. Sufficient funds were raised locally and in October, 2003, the work had progressed to the point that a large group of disabled people could spend their weekends at the centre.

Volunteers

A number of Indonesian and foreign volunteers help with ideas, transport, and physiotherapy. Usually unpaid volunteers teach the classes: English, computer skills and all kinds of arts and crafts classes such as painting and ceramics. Disabled people who are artistically talented usually teach their peers. As most of them can be at the Senang Hati Centre only during the day or on weekends, we employ a driver who picks them up and takes them back home.

Senang Hati tries to earn some money from the sale of products the members make after they have completed the training courses. One of the classrooms at the centre has been converted into a gallery, where we exhibit and offer for sale the arts and crafts the members have created. In this way we hope to earn at least enough money to pay for the materials.

Membership is open to Indonesians in Bali who have a disability. We now have more than 150 members and clients from all over Bali but most are from the regencies of Bangli and Gianyar.