Survey of Pedahan Village Karengasem Life where Bali Street Kids Come from

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A Journey to Pedahan: The Beginnings of YKPA 2007


When I first started the street kids school on Kuta Beach, only seven children were willing to join. These children, around 10 years old, were eager to attend a proper elementary school. One of the unforgettable stories is that of Ketut Risky, a cute boy with a polite demeanor and good attitude. He and his younger sibling wanted to come to my home to stay and attend school like any other child. Before taking Risky to my home, I sought permission from his parents in Karangasem, where they originated.

Without knowing what the village of Pedahan in Karangasem was like, I, Putu Etiartini, along with co-founder Michael Pate and extraordinary volunteers, embarked on this journey. This marked the beginning of YKPA. We are forever grateful for the assistance of kind-hearted people who answered the call to help the children of Bali. Special thanks go to the incredible young individuals like Kadek Yuliantari, Kadek Guru, Suewda (whom I nicknamed "Mr. Volunteer"), Sangtu, and Adi, who was then a law student at Udayana University. Their contributions were invaluable in the establishment of YKPA.

Our journey to Karangasem to meet Risky's parents was not an easy one. The trip from Denpasar took 2 to 3 hours, and the area was extremely dry and hot. From the main road, we had to park the car and walk to their homes, which felt like climbing a mountain. The walk from one house to another took the entire day, covering a distance of about 7 km through fields, valleys, and rugged terrains, all at the foot of Mount Agung.

We packed simple lunches and carried them as we walked. Our first adventure to Karangasem was exhausting, spanning 12 hours from 7 am to 7 pm, just to visit five children's homes. Amazingly, after a day of dry, arduous journey, it started pouring rain as soon as we reached the car, and we were thankful for not getting wet.

The first children we brought home, which later became YKPA’s headquarters, were Ketut Risky, Wayan Trisna, Devi, Merta Sini, and Putri. They began living with us and grew up alongside my son, Gustu. Finding a nearby elementary school for them was our next step.

This story marks the beginning of YKPA, a testament to the resilience and determination of these children and the unwavering support of our volunteers.

By Putu Etiartini, Founder of


 

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