We found him about two years ago, in front of his humble house near Lovina. He had been there for a number of years, utterly miserable, with a leg that was slowly dying off. He’d had an accident and the injury he sustained had hardly been treated. Even for us laymen it was immediately clear: the leg had to be amputated. Together we went through trying times. Rumah Bicara took Putu and his mother in and surgery was planned. It was the hardest decision that this young man ever had to make in his life. Both physically and mentally, Putu went through a very rough time. Although the Kolewa Foundation staff and volunteers were always there for him, ultimately, Putu had to do it himself: picking up where he left off and thinking in terms of possibilities. And he managed!
He took an English course, got a prosthesis and even a job at a second-hand bookshop in Ubud. Putu blossomed, had lots of contacts with tourists and earned a modest wage. And now fate strikes again. Due to collapsing tourism on account of the eruption risk of Mount Agung, Ubud is getting abandoned. Shops are closing their doors and their staff is sent home. This also goes for Putu. On 1 January of the new year, he travelled back to Buleleng, to a family where he’s welcome, but only to a certain extent. His father has a second wife and a young family so he’s not exactly thrilled to take in his disabled problem child.
The worst thing for Putu is the loss of his mobility. Apart from a wage and board and lodging, his employer in Ubud gave him an adapted scooter. He regularly used it to come to Kolewa Foundation for a pep talk, a bit of attention and some warmth. The scooter was left in Ubud. Despite our efforts to buy it, the former employer was not prepared to negotiate. Putu is desperate, disappointed but still hopeful again. Dealing with this much bad luck is not easy but he’s hoping to get support from you and us. What is needed? About IDR 5,700,000 for a second-hand scooter IDR 2,500,000 for the adjustments and the stabilisers IDR 750,000 for petrol so that he can go out and look for a new job. ( 675 usd / 850 AUD / 555 euro) Don’t turn your back on Putu and give him a chance of a future once again! Kolewa Foundation will keep guiding him through his choices once you have enabled this young man to be mobile again thanks to an adapted scooter.
You can boost his spirit by using the DONATE-button on this site.
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