At The Salvation Army's Bali Boys Home in Indonesia, children and youth are provided with more than a safe place to live. They are given opportunities to learn, grow and develop the practical skills they need to build independent, self-sufficient lives.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

For the 20 boys currently residing at the facility, the home functions as a stable environment where they can focus on their growth, develop new capabilities and gain long-term confidence in their abilities.

Through a structured daily routine, caring staff and supportive framework, the boys are encouraged to prepare for the future and work toward achieving their goals.

For many of the youth, the home also becomes a space to heal, build strong friendships and discover personal passions.

Marvel, a 14-year-old student who has lived at the home for nine years, shares how much he values this community.

“I enjoy my friends here,” Marvel says. “They help me and care and love for me. And the food is also really good!”

Marvel, who first came into the care of The Salvation Army through the Surabaya Babies and Toddler Home, discovered a love for English at school and dreams of becoming a flight attendant one day. Beyond providing a path forward, the diligent efforts of the staff and social workers focus heavily on family reunification; recently, these efforts successfully enabled Marvel to meet his mother for the very first time.

“I enjoy my friends here. They help me and care and love for me. And the food is also really good!” MARVEL

BRIDGING THE GAP

While education remains a priority, the Bali Boys Home recognizes that preparing young people for adulthood requires more than classroom learning alone. The boys are encouraged to explore their interests, develop practical life skills, and take on responsibilities that help build independence and resilience.

Whether assisting with daily chores, participating in community activities or supporting one another, the boys learn valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline and leadership.

The home also provides opportunities for the boys to develop skills that can support future employment and entrepreneurship. Alongside their agricultural work, they participate in a vocational workshop designed to introduce the basics of manufacturing and small business operations. Supported by the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program, the residents build technical proficiency across three distinct operational streams: digital printing for custom apparel, tie-dye textile manufacturing and traditional wood carving.

To bridge the gap between training and real-world business, the home functions as a micro-enterprise by accepting commercial orders from the public. This hands-on approach allows the boys to gain experience in production, quality control, customer service and teamwork while developing confidence in their abilities.

The impact of these opportunities extends far beyond the workshop walls. By learning practical vocational skills, the boys begin to see themselves as capable young adults with meaningful futures ahead of them. They gain not only technical knowledge but also the confidence to pursue employment, further education or entrepreneurial ventures after leaving the home.

A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

For Marvel and many others, Bali Boys Home is more than a residence—it is a place where hope is restored, talents are nurtured and futures are shaped.

Through the generosity of supporters and the dedication of Salvation Army staff, young people are being equipped with the tools, skills and encouragement they need to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Every lesson learned, every skill developed and every opportunity provided brings them one step closer to a tomorrow filled with possibility.

Learn more about the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program and discover how your support can make a lasting difference at salvationist.ca/brighterfutures.

Kyle Mangio is the resource and media co-ordinator in the international development department of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory.

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