Hi Mark

The project I run is focussed on the 4 schools in the village of Bontihing. The village is located 25 kms east of Singaraja (near Sawan) so is definitely a remote village. My family and I were the first westerners that most of the people in this village had ever seen so we were a bit of a novelty at first. They were fascinated by our white skin and the blonde hair of myself and our 2 daughters. Obviously now we are very well known in the village and are greeted like royalty when we return. Our family personally sponsors 2 children at this time and support another family within the village however if I could afford to I would sponsor all of the children myself.

The project was officially launced in October last year and we currently have 47 children who are sponsored. We have a further 230 students on our books awaiting sponsorship and a further 550 children who have not even made it to the books as yet as they are considered to be better off than the other children. We are currently also working on fundraising so that we can implement a fresh water supply to the village and schools. We aim to start the first stage of this project early in the new year. I guarantee 100% of the funds go into the children, the schools and the village and there are no administrative costs deducted. I personally cover any administrative costs as I believe that all of the funds need to go where they were intended. Our family also covers all of our own travel expenses and pour as much money as we can into the project.

Sponsorship for a child is just AUS$110 per year and this covers school fees, school uniform, sport uniform, scout uniform, 2 pairs of school shoes, school bag, socks, books, pens, pencils, pencil case, ruler etc. Any small amounts left over from each sponsorship goes into projects such as setting up a fresh water supply, electricity, increasing educational materials, improving school amenities and improving basic health care. As the project is set up through Rotary all sponsorships and donations are fully tax deductible within Australia.

Please feel free to ask if you have any further questions or visit our website Rotary Club of Gawler Light Inc. and then click on the Educated Smiles Project tab at the top of the page.

Jamar