Moving through my school trip with Singapore Management University Pathfinder Program, One of the activities was the engagement with the Happy Hearts Community.
Unlike the other activities within our itinerary, the Happy Hearts community was somewhat special.
Under the Five Pillar Experiences organization, Happy Hearts Community is an organization that provides living accommodations, education and job training to persons with disabilities.
Why does it exist?
Good actions and intentions lead to good karma, which can result in a happy and successful rebirth.
Bad actions and intentions lead to bad karma, which can result in challenges in the next life.
Approximately 87% of Balinese practice Balinese Hindu – a combination of Hinduism, Buddhism, Javanese and Indigenous beliefs.
Karma is the idea that a person’s actions in this life affect their activity. Karma is a direct result of a person’s physical and spiritual activity (Cause and Effect)
Unfortunate Reality for Person’s with Disability
As my group went about the lunch and activities within the compound, the founder, Ibu Putu, presented a short presentation of the origin of this organization and her own personal stories. Low and behold, she was kept inside by her parents. A sort of communal shame on their family for having a disability.
Quoting InsideIndonesia :
“Persons with disabilities are more often considered an embarrassment. A significant barrier faced by people with disabilities is the belief that their disabilities are a punishment from God for sin. In Java and Bali in particular, the person with a disability is believed to be possessed by a supernatural spirit which must be exorcised. Disability is also often seen as a matter of fate. There is little empathy for people with disabilities for whom ‘nothing can be done’. ” [Byrne, 2007]
Her story is one of many. The notable activity with this community was their side car ride. This activity allows those who can operate a vehicle to drive.
Your participation in this activity results in direct income for the driver and not to the organization. Providing some self respect and dignity towards their driver.
The driver I sat with (J.) , was sheltered from Society till 13 years old, where happy hearts community found him. From 13 to 23 he obtained formal education , recently graduating from high school last year.
Now he does freelance work as a Grab Driver, delivering food and transporting passengers throughout Bali’s Ubud and Denpasar area.
Organization Details
- Link : https://fivepillarexperiences.com/the-happy-hearts-community/
- Tripadvisor : https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297701-d3841403-Reviews-Happy_Hearts_Tour-Ubud_Gianyar_Regency_Bali.html
- Location : F8Q7+R46, Jalan Banjar Teruna, Siangan, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80515, Indonesia
Conclusion
Everyone deserves an equal chance in living a life regardless of their disability. Continue supporting these NGOs, for now, its the only way for people like J. to have some form of upward mobility.
If you’re thinking of going to Bali, be sure to give this place a visit. You would be helping them exponentially.
Reference
https://www.insideindonesia.org/editions/edition-7532/disability-in-indonesia
