TTS Bali Project, Introducing Volunteer Coordinator Syd Joseph

How it all Started

Hi!  My name is Syd Joseph and I am the founder and volunteer coordinator of the Aurora Bali Project (ABProject). When I think about the connections and path that led me (and us) to this point, it makes me wonder if things are “meant to be” or if things come about because of effort and planning, or most likely, a combination of both? I’ll tell you the story of how I came to meet Omid and Gabrielle and let you be the judge…

About Us

Almost three years ago, I boarded a plane to leave Bali, Indonesia for my home and business back in Japan. I have been running a language school (Aurora English School) in Japan with my cousin for several years. Sitting next to me on the plane was a lovely young woman – you guessed it, Gabrielle! Several hours of chatting about Japan, teaching, Bali and life in general, a chance to meet Omid over a coffee in the airport after we landed, and I invited them to stay the weekend at my house. They were just embarking on their new adventure in Japan. Are you kidding me?  Omid – a gourmet chef who also cleans! I wasn’t about to let them escape after only a weekend! Seven weeks and many meals later, they did move into their own place, but we remain fast friends. Now here we are, starting with a chance meeting on a plane; the circle has come around to us being able to work together on a project to help families in need and to help educate children.

Why the Aurora Bali Project?

I am a career teacher and educator from Canada. As long as I can remember, I have been involved in all kinds of volunteer and charity work. I brought that spirit to Japan and though my volunteer work here doesn’t involve the donation of money, I give my time, energy, and skills to coaching children’s sports. What could coaching sports have to do with this? Again, it is about connections and the circles of life. Through my sports teams, I have been able to host events to support the AB Project.  This has helped educate Japanese children about poverty and needs in third world countries like Indonesia. I like to think optimistically that these children and their parents or even one of these children will continue the circle and in turn contribute or educate someone else. AB Project is a name to further the concept that we are all connected and we can all do a part.

Why Bali?

Perhaps the answer to this question that I have been asked many times is another question: Why not? I first travelled to Bali 20 years ago and fell in love with it. It is a beautiful tropical island, full of warm people and an interesting culture. The image of Bali being “rich” due to tourism has some foundation, but out of the tourist areas, people struggle to feed, clothe and educate their children. Yes, there are children in need in many countries and there are varying levels of need. Regardless of place, all children are deserving of education and the basic necessities of life. The ABProject has been supporting various projects in Bali over the past several years. If we can contribute in this small part of the world, perhaps it truly is part of the bigger circle and with the help of many supporters we may be completing our part of it?

I am excited to be able to work with Omid and Gabrielle on this project and look forward to being able to share my experiences in working with The Peduli Sesama Helen Flavel Foundation and Alas Kasih Orphanage.

Sincerely,

Syd Joseph

Volunteer Coordinator

Aurora Bali Project