The Story of Made
Made Anna was a child I met on the street when she was only about four years old. At that time, she was with her mother and several of her siblings. Her family was quite large—she was not the first of ten children. Her mother brought four of the children around Kuta, Legian, and nearby beaches to help make a living.
On impulse, I asked if they were hungry. Shyly, Made and Reni replied, “yes.” I bought food for the four children and their mother. I also explained to their mother that her children could attend YKPA, where they could learn to read and write. Made and Reni, who were quiet and rarely smiled, simply looked at me and occasionally answered my questions.
A few days later, as usual, YKPA staff picked up street children in Kuta to take them to school. There, I met Made and Reni again, along with other street children. They were very eager to learn. Among all the children, Reni and Made were particularly smart, even though they were quiet and spoke little. Sometimes, they would just watch and answer occasionally, but as they began to trust, they shared a little about their lives.
One of the teachers heard their story: their four siblings had no father because he had passed away, and their mother had to work hard on the streets to support the family. Hearing this, I immediately approached their mother and asked for permission for the children to live at YKPA, to receive an education and a better life. Their mother, overwhelmed by raising many children alone, agreed.
In short, Made Anna, Reni, and their friends—Meta and Wayan—began living at YKPA. Made grew up there from the age of four, receiving education and support from generous donors, including Kim Roger from the United States, who, through his business Bali Cargo Company, sponsored Made’s schooling into adulthood. This support meant the world to Made, who grew up with hope in heart.
However, the journey of YKPA was not always smooth—it came with many challenges. In 2015, internal issues and the negative influence of some older children created difficulties. Teenagers, as often happens, brought drama and even caused problems that reached the local news. To ensure safety, I decided to move the younger children to my private home in Tabanan, protecting them from harmful influences and keeping them secure. My concerns proved to be valid: some of the older children attempted to persuade Made and her friends, who were still in elementary school, to leave YKPA, even sending troubling messages to their mother, who was still struggling to survive life on the streets.
I came to realize that these teenagers were simply angry and ungrateful, despite all the help they had received. They seemed to forget where they had come from before arriving at YKPA—when life was uncertain and harsh in village without school. At YKPA, they always had a safe place to stay, food on the table every day, school and opportunities to enjoy recreational trips to places like Waterbom Bali, Bali Safari Park, and many other wonderful places—experiences that most families could never afford. All of these privileges were made possible only through the generosity of donors and supporters.
I have always prayed that one day they would recognize the kindness they had received, understand karma, and experience what it feels like to be a parent of rebellious children as they had been.
Back to Made, He Growing up as strong, educated, and grateful children, Made Anna’s life at YKPA continued day by day. She attended school with other children, learned, played, and adapted to her new environment. When we moved the children to Tabanan, there were four children still under five years old. I clearly remember the crisis among the staff at that time; a foreign volunteer helped me, and I personally bathed the children every day.
Over time, YKPA Tabanan was established. Ibu Desak and three children were also brought from Ubud because of their dire situation. A suitable house rented by donor Mr. Ian became their new home, and eventually, YKPA Tabanan Children’s Home was formed.
Made grew up to be a diligent and kind student. Reni, her younger sibling, was quiet and often seemed not to hear when spoken to. Michael, YKPA co-founder, nurse practitioner, and public health expert, noticed their ears and suggested they see an ENT doctor. It turned out that both children had hearing problems—ear infections and eardrum damage. After ENT treatment, their condition improved. When they could hear again, the change was remarkable; they began to speak, share stories, and express themselves like other children. It was as if a new world had opened for them, making their lives more colorful.
At YKPA Tabanan, Made and her friends created many precious memories. Besides studying, they learned skills, played, and gardened during the COVID-19 period. When she reached high school, Made moved to YKPA Central in Denpasar to join other children. At the YKPA Central office, we named it YKPA Denpasar Children’s Home.
Three years passed, and Made Anna graduated from high school. With help from David, a YKPA volunteer, Made found her first job. We at YKPA also provided Made and several other children with a second-hand motorcycle for commuting to work.
We are immensely grateful to all YKPA staff and volunteers, especially Kim and Bali Cargo Company, who, in addition to helping sell Bali Dolls, sponsored Made’s education. Made successfully graduated from high school, found her first job at a hotel, and continued her hospitality studies at UT Denpasar University. We hope to find sponsors to support her tuition every six months, amounting to $200, with the hope that he dream will become a hotel manager after graduating.
Made Anna is now living proof that love, support, and the right
opportunities can transform a child’s life. From a quiet, shy street child, she grew into a confident, educated young woman, ready to face the world.
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