What’s New at WINS

Isabel Jordan, the sponsor of Ni Wayan Diantari (Yan Ayi), passed away on January 19th in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where she lived for part of the year. Her daughter, Gail Meyer, will continue the sponsorship in her mother’s memory. Earnie and Frances had the opportunity to meet Isabel at her home and talk about their common interest in Bali and the WINS Project while they were in Mexico during Christmas. All of us at The WINS Project extend our condolences to Isabel’s family.

During one of Frances and Earnie’s previous visits to Bali, they stayed at the Le Meridien Hotel in Tanah Lot which is located in Tabanan Regency. Frances had the opportunity to meet with the hotel management about the WINS Project. The hotel has an annual program to visit social organizations on its anniversary. Last December, they choose to visit the Yayasan Widya Guna on Frances’ recommendation. Lead by Bapak Arya Wicaya, the Front Office Manager, about fifteen people made the trip. They were delighted to visit the Yayasan. All the children sang “You are My Sunshine” for the Le Meridien visitors. Before leaving, they gave small gifts to the children and donated washing detergent, towels, sheets, rice, noodles and some other food for the Yayasan.

In the past, terminology such as “orphanage” or “child shelter” has been used to describe the WINS Project sites. These terms are not completely accurate. There are not many true orphans in Bali. As in most Asian cultures, the family is responsible for the care of children who have no parents. The physical sites of the WINS Project are now called “WINS Education Centers.” The various sites within the WINS Project are places where both sponsored and non-sponsored children receive supplemental classes in English, computers and Balinese culture. In addition, a short-term sleeping facility for children in need is provided. On a case-by-case basis, some children may be cared for long-term due to their individual family situation.

Congratulations to Frances Blair and Earnie Giles who were married on May 4th. As many of you know, Frances is the Vice President of The WINS Project USA and Earnie is the Secretary/Treasurer. Without their dedication to our cause, we would not be able to help the children of Bali. Also congratulations to Gill Rijnenberg and Christine Rainbird who were married on May 5th. Gill is the Chairman of Stichting WINS, our Dutch affiliate, and Christine is President of WINS Australia, our affiliate “Down Under.”