With to a relatively simpler surgery children with cleft lip or an open palate have a chance of a healthy and independent life.
Where in the Netherlands the health care for those children born with a cleft lip or an open palate) is good and close by, for children born on poor and isolated islands of Indonesia, this is a totally different story. For them, hardly any medical care is available. People simply do not have the financial resources. And so, a big problem arises in several ways of life. Eating is a problem: children with a cleft lip or open palate are often underweighted. They have dental problems and they also are less able to talk and because of that they have no contact with other children and people. Many children do not go to school, and they are already in social isolation from their birth.
The Kolewa Foundation helps these children. We travel with them to Bali, let them stay (together with one parent) in our own shelter ‘Rumah Bicara’ (‘The talk House’) and make the medical surgery and further treatment possible. The medical staff of the Dharma Yadnya hospital focuses on the operation and after care. The people at our shelter make sure the kids have a good time there.
The medical surgery is financially supported by Rotary Club Nusa Dua. The Kolewa Foundation takes care of the costs for transport and shelter. Every day we feed 30 to 35 mouths. Therefor financial funding is needed day by day.
What can you do?
A surgery is already possible for 550 euro. The travel and subsistence expenses for a child and one family member are about 500 euro. You can ‘adopt’ an operation for a child. We will then keep you informed about the progress. A one-time donation is always welcome. By a small and simple medical operation, you will give these children a future with a smile.
Visit to the dentist
For everyone, healthy teeth are important, but for ‘our’ schisis children this is more than true. Healthy teeth, without rotten teeth and/or infections, is important for quickly healing after the surgery and improve their overall health condition. Children with open palates often have to deal with irregularities such as a deformed or immature jaw. This obviously causes many problems with eating, which affects their health and, for example, their performance at school
The visit to the dentist we combine with explanations about brushing teeth. We hand out toothbrushes and toothpaste and teach them to brush them well.
Just like all children, these children also want to be able to show a beautiful smile. A (small) scar after the surgery will be left behind, but thanks to good dental care their smile will looks a lot better!
We are working together with Dr. Indra’s Dental 911 clinic. We bring about 50 of our children per year to this dentist. The clinic offers us 30% discount. The Dental 911 clinic is known worldwide, and their care is at a high level. We have chosen for them because tried to keep their teeth instead of immediately pulling everything.
‘Family gathering
Every year we organize a family meeting on the islands where our patients come from
such as Timor, Alor and Sumba. On that weekend we check if the children need a follow-up surgery. Sometimes the jaw is not quite well recovered or there are problems in the palate. About 40 percent of the children need a follow-up surgery and/or bone-graft surgery. Next to the control, there is also time for fun games and sports with the children and parents. We give extra speech therapy, brushing teeth lessons and education about hygiene and healthy food.
Our team stays with the former patients and parents in a local hotel and are supported by the scouts on site. If possible, the children who need follow-up treatment come directly to Bali.
