Indonesian charity with New Zealand links helps disabled youth fulfil their dreams

Jon Neilson, an executive member of The Rehabilim Trust, with Nengah and Gede

Two physically disabled siblings from a disadvantaged family in rural Bali have a shot at making their dreams come true, thanks to the support provided by Yakkum Bali, a charity with support from and strong links to New Zealand.

Nengah and Gede were afflicted by polio in their childhood resulting in severe damage to their legs – Nengah could only crawl and her brother Gede relied heavily on a wooden rod to walk. However with the support and rehabilitation provided by Yakkum Bali over recent years, they have become high achieving, confident young adults. Nengah has achieved medals in powerlifting at national and regional level and is now set to represent Indonesia at the Para Olympics in London.

Yakkum Bali is a sister organisation to the Yogyakarta-based Yakkum Rehabilitation Centre founded in 1982 by New Zealander Colin McLenan, and now supported by the New Zealand-based Rehabilim Trust managed by another Kiwi, Bill Russell.

Read the full item on the Embassy's Facebook page here.