Bali Grandparents Project

Following the Kuta bombing on 12 October 2002, the Rotary Club Bali Kuta-Crisis Committee was established under the auspices of Rotary, Bali.

This committee is raising funds for the children of victims and their families. These funds are used to pay for school fees and other educational costs to ensure Bali's affected children do not lose their future any more than has already happened.

At the request of COTA (NT) the Committee has so far identified 92 families where grandparents are now required to care for their grandchildren due to the death / presumed death of the parental breadwinner. It is expected that more families will come to our attention through the work of other Balinese NGOs.

Bali does not have a Social Security net from which these grandparents can gain financial and other support. In many circumstances, the grandparents themselves have been financially reliant upon the younger family members who have either been killed or injured in the bombing.

The federation of COTAs across Australia has a strong policy commitment to supporting older people as primary caregivers of their grandchildren. Additionally, COTA's membership of the International Federation on Ageing gives impetus to the need for a humanitarian approach by COTA members and supporters when disasters such as the Kuta bombing occur.

COTA (NT) has taken the lead role in liaising with the relevant NGOs in Bali regarding the impact of the bombing on older Balinese people. Strong relationships have been established and clear guidelines which insist upon all financial aid being distributed directly to those families in need.

Here at COTA (NT), we seek your support to assist Balinese grandparents now confronted with the task of caring for orphaned, traumatised grandchildren. All donations are tax deductible and should be sent to:

Bali Grandparents Project
COTA (NT)
3/18 Bauhinia Street
Nightcliff NT 0810.

OR Pay by Credit Card to COTA (Australia)
Telephone: (03) 9820 2655

Top of Page