Working With Orphanages

[fastpitch17]

Starting the information process on how I can possibly help out an Orphanage or 2 in my area. There are a lot of Orphanages listed in my area so I am starting with 2 to 4 in may area. What I am trying to find out, what is the best ways to help them and how should one go about doing it?

I have leaned that some do pretty good already financially so really do not need as much help as other places.
That not all have just orphans and could include children with parents. I would rather help those that have no parents even though I am well aware they may be their because their parents have nothing themselves. Just this thing with me about why have children when you can't take care of them thing.
Presantrens are Muslim schools and some Orphanages state this is part of them. I do not want to support these schools because they also allow in those outside the orphanages. If I wanted to support a pesantren, I would do so directly.
I am unsure of the meaning of Yayasan and it's relation to possible education.

I do know they all will readily accept cash but I am not in favor of that. I want to be sure whatever is done goes to helping the children. Should it be food donated, clothing, library itms, or what? We are too old to adopt a child and probably could not since we are a mixed religion family and the child would not be raised Muslim.

Any input?

 

[jstar]

We've seen the same here in Jakarta; kids from Papua or East Java or so in the (catholic) orphanage who are in fact not even orphans.

Since there is a school part of the yayasan, they really like it to have some foreign volunteers teaching. Esp. foreign languages (English obviously as first choice).

They also have a (semi) warung in which they prepare nasi goreng, djenkol, etc. We buy them the raw materials sometimes.

And I use some of the kids in their spare time to take care of my cats (cleaning, litter boxes, play with them) and walk the dogs. They love that and get some money for it.

All rather rewarding.

 

[fastpitch17]

We've seen the same here in Jakarta; kids from Papua or East Java or so in the (catholic) orphanage who are in fact not even orphans.

Since there is a school part of the yayasan, they really like it to have some foreign volunteers teaching. Esp. foreign languages (English obviously as first choice).

They also have a (semi) warung in which they prepare nasi goreng, djenkol, etc. We buy them the raw materials sometimes.

And I use some of the kids in their spare time to take care of my cats (cleaning, litter boxes, play with them) and walk the dogs. They love that and get some money for it.

All rather rewarding.

Thanks Jstar,
I can only find orphanages here that are Muslim so directing everything at them. Lots of Chinese and Indonesian catholics here but no orphanages. Probably take care of their own and the number much lower. That or they are in Jakarta.
So, Yayasan is a school. I only understand it as a foundation whatever that means. I certainly know English but I am always the first to admit I know nothing about teaching it or anything else. I stick with visiting the High Schools for conversational stuff.

I did find one Orphanage that has a home based business in local coffee. I would certainly support any type of enterprise that helps them be better self supporting. One does have a nasi stand but the location would be a hindrance to buy from but perhaps to purchase some raw material. Nasi is cheap and I was thinking of maybe donating 10, 20 kilo bags, 10, 10 kilo bags sugars, salt, and oil to the closest 10.

No animals at our house so do not have any idea what I could give anyone to do.

I just have a feeling that there are some places that are not large and in greater need. Not come up on Google that maybe a couple Women or families operate. Going to research these further and see what I can come up with. I would really like to direct my moves towards those that need it most.

 

[jstar]

Yeah, it will depend on the area you're in I guess. Religious denomination in itself is not important for me but I don't like most pesantren.

Yayasan is officially a foundation/organization/company with social objectives and without pursuit of profit.

So it could be an orphanage, school, but even animal shelter or religious institution, homeless center, thrift store, the Red Cross, etc.

You need to be a bit cautious since some do get their employees (read: management and owners) rather nice salaries, even if the organization is non-profitable.

 

[fastpitch17]

Yeah, it will depend on the area you're in I guess. Religious denomination in itself is not important for me but I don't like most pesantren.

Yayasan is officially a foundation/organization/company with social objectives and without pursuit of profit.

So it could be an orphanage, school, but even animal shelter or religious institution, homeless center, thrift store, the Red Cross, etc.

You need to be a bit cautious since some do get their employees (read: management and owners) rather nice salaries, even if the organization is non-profitable.

I really do not want to deal with Presantren mainly because it could easily have many that are not orphans. I will have no choice here as to what religion may be represented. It looks like only one.

Yeah, the salaries given are concerning and I can see working with places like this just as cautionary just as working with businesses. Guy at the top gets something and then it filters down thus leaving the guy or person on the bottom that should benefit, without. I think that is why I want to stay away from any cash donations and if asked for I have no qualms saying no. Food products, material, or clothing seem the safest with good returns. Still looking for some smaller ones that don't have great big signs up along the roads. Always a problem with the "hey, look at me" places.

 

[Helpful Herbert]

There is also the whole Yatim situation, where they wheel out a bunch of "orphans" at holy events to make the organiser of the event look better. Money is given to the kids (how much they are allowed to keep is not known). I find that whole process rather disturbing.

 

[macvert]

Having had a bit to do with an Orphanage I would suggest that donating food should be closely monitored to make sure that it actually gets into the mouths of those it is intended for.

I think that possibly the best bang for your efforts & bucks may be on the health side of things like decent clean bedding & bathing facilities & medical care be it one off or ongoing.

Getting to know the kids themselves should in time give you a better insight into who is who & what goes on at any particular place.

 

[Helpful Herbert]

Looks like a TV station has tried to expose feudalism, corruption and abuse going on in pesantren. And the reaction is to clean up the schools and bring in some transparency? No, it's to boycott the TV station ...

Trans7 Minta Maaf soal Tayangan Ponpes dan Kiai

Trans7 meminta maaf kepada Pondok Pesantren dan kiai atas tayangan yang menimbulkan ketidaknyamanan.

www.cnnindonesia.com

 

[pantaiema]

Looks like a TV station has tried to expose feudalism, corruption and abuse going on in pesantren. And the reaction is to clean up the schools and bring in some transparency? No, it's to boycott the TV station ...

Trans7 Minta Maaf soal Tayangan Ponpes dan Kiai

Trans7 meminta maaf kepada Pondok Pesantren dan kiai atas tayangan yang menimbulkan ketidaknyamanan.

www.cnnindonesia.com

People often try to conceal or overreact when certain issues are exposed, claiming that such revelations insult their religion. In reality, these reactions often serve to hide the truth. There have even been calls to stop reporting on practices involving ulama, kiai, and Islamic boarding school life (As stated in the article provided in the link above)

As a member of the United Nations, Indonesia is bound by the principles of freedom of expression, as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Just remember what happened to Ahok. A reminder of how sensitive topics can be manipulated by some people, groups. In some countries, religion, race, and ethnicity are frequently exploited for political gain..

In my opinion, if the government wants to save money, one area to consider is reducing or even completely stopping the funding and subsidies for these religious boarding schools. They should be self-sufficient and able to sustain themselves without state support.

Evidence shows that these schools do not produce the best graduates. In fact, some boarding schools have got involved in radicalizing, brainwashing the children. When their students manage to enter prestigious state universities in Indonesia or receive scholarships, it is often due to political quotas rather than genuine competition based on merit. More worryingly, some of these institutions have produced individuals involved in terrorism and suicide bombings. I’ve shared several pieces of evidence, confirmed by the police, regarding this issue in other discussions.

 

[Helpful Herbert]

2 extended family members were sent to a pesantren in East Java. At the end of the school year they stopped at our house for a few days. The only way I can describe how they were is shell-shocked. From previously happy kids they looked liked they had just returned from war. I'm guessing they have witnessed and experienced some very bad things including abuse, but will never tell anyone because no-one dares criticise the religion.
Similar to 1950s Ireland. Let's hope that one day things change here too.

 

[Shadrach]

2 extended family members were sent to a pesantren in East Java. At the end of the school year they stopped at our house for a few days. The only way I can describe how they were is shell-shocked. From previously happy kids they looked liked they had just returned from war. I'm guessing they have witnessed and experienced some very bad things including abuse, but will never tell anyone because no-one dares criticise the religion.
Similar to 1950s Ireland. Let's hope that one day things change here too.

That's so Sad you saw Children looking mentally affected by the School they were sent too! I thought Religions were supposed to promote Love, Peace, and Harmony between all People. That includes People from different Religions too! As Far back as the Crusades, members of different Religions fought Wars over trying Convert everyone to their particular Beliefs, even if it meant Fighting and Killing to accomplish their Goals! Some say Their God wants this Violence done to promote their Religion?
This subject is a subject that People will disagree on Forever! It's like talking about Politics, there will always be Different Opinions, so it's best not to take part in these discussions! Unless you like to argue!
I think there should be separation between Church and State, and Schools also! Keep the Religions at the Temples, Churches, and Mosque, and use the Government decisions focused on taking care of the infrastructure, Health, wellbeing of the Public. And the Schools to be used for education such as Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Vocational skills! I am not sure about teaching History, because it is only told through the Eyes of the Winners in past Conflicts, Not necessarily the Truth!