How I help
Sponsor a Child
The Sponsorship Program is the primary source of funds for caring for all of the children here at YASAH. It also allows sponsors to establish a personal relationship with an individual child. Sponsors may select a child or we will assign a child.
The children at YASAH come from difficult circumstances. Some are orphans, some abandoned, abused or from extremely poor conditions. Once at YASAH, we joyfully assume responsibility for their care – including nutritional food, comfortable and clean clothing and living quarters, as well as educational, medical, and general developmental needs. Most importantly, we strive to give the children strong spiritual guidance.
YASAH also uses sponsorship funds to support children who need further education or training or have unusual medical needs. The needs of all children are met without regard to whether a child has a sponsor or how long they have been here at YASAH.
Multiple sponsors are allowed since people who visit the orphanage will bond with a child and want to become a part of that particular child’s life. We pray that you may find meaning and blessing in your sponsorship and the desire to care individually as a friend for your child as he/she grows in all ways.
Sponsoring a child in Indonesia
You may sponsor a specific child, most of whom are orphans or alternatively allow the team in Yasah to choose a child for you. You may specify girl or boy and give a preference for age and circumstances (e.g. whether one parent, both parents or neither parents are dead). ‘YASAH’ team in spend 95% on the child and save 5% towards the child’s medical and dental bills. Sponsors receive financial accounts at least twice-yearly. If your giving as a sponsor is gift-aided the tax reclaim will be put in the General Fund, so that some children do not receive more than others.
You will receive letters and photos from your sponsored child and maybe even DVD recordings. The sponsored children are thrilled and grateful to receive support from sponsors.
Volunteer
Volunteers come from all over the world all year-round to visit YASAH and offer their talents or skills to improve the quality of life of the children and staff. Volunteers coming from England come through British Earthquake And Tsunami Supports.
Volunteers are vital in the daily functioning at YASAH. They take on various tasks such as passing out medicine, translating sponsor letters, teaching English, doing crafts with the children, playing with the toddlers, tending to the animals, organizing soccer games, etc. Volunteers visit for various lengths of time–the longer the better! God is always faithful to supply YASAH with fresh volunteers! We have very nice facilities for both the male and female volunteers and we welcome long-term volunteers all year-round.
Yingli Chen From China
Ever since I arrived at YASAH, what Sarah Page had said before we came often pops into my mind; we have everything: money, clothes, toys, etc. But actually we have nothing. People in YASAH don’t have much materially, yet they have everything. When I first saw them, I was shocked about how happy and content they are. I have been wondering who the real poor ones are. After eight days here, I have been greatly encouraged by their meekness and faithfulness.
We sing “Give thanks with a grateful heart” quite often at church services. When I heard them sing this song, I was ashamed of myself, not knowing the true meaning of giving thanks, especially hearing them sing “and now let the weak say, ‘I am strong’; let the poor say, ‘I am rich’; because of what the Lord has done for us.” Watching them worship and sing wholeheartedly, I suddenly felt myself so small in front of them. But yet, they look up at us, giving thanks to God for our love towards them. I ask myself, who is the poor one here?
They have a devotion every day at 5am and 7pm. They also have mid day prayer meetings as well as Sunday services. I can only keep up with the evening services, but the children here they attend every gatherings despite of daily homework and housework.
Teachers humbly serve here, though they get half pay only. Yet we realised many of them are very talented, but they chose to work here quietly and set good example for the next generation.
At first I expected to come here and help people, but the one who was helped most is I myself. Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20, ESV). I pray that God will keep them faithful so that more and more Christians will be encouraged and blessed by them.
Yingli Chen
Period From 23rd October 2013 till 31st October 2013
Joy Constable From England
My name is Joey Constable. I am 17 years old and I am from England. I have supported BEATS (a charity assosciated with YASAH) for many years. I came to YASAH to gain invaluable experience, having been given the oppourtunity to teach sport to YASAH students. When I arrived at YASAH, I did not know what to expect. It was the furthest I had ever been from home and my first trip to a third world country.
I was brought up not to judge a book by its cover and much to my dismay this is something I failed to do. My first impressions were that there was a funny smell, it wasn’t exactly what I would call clean, the showers were cold and I didn’t like the amount of mosquitoes and insects flying around. I have now been here for nearly a week and these are all minor things which I can now see beyond. Having spent time here, getting to know the staff and the children, seeing how the place is run and taking part in everyday life, I admit I was most definitely wrong to judge.
The teachers are fantastic, motivational, approachable and engaging in everything that they do. They often stay until late at night with the children to play music, take part in worship, help with homework and play badminton (on the new floodlit court). The children are incredible and I have learnt many lessons from them. They appraoch everything with tons of passion and excitement, treating chores like hobbies and hobbies like they are living the dream. They make the most out of everything, even when it looks like nothing. I have seen children play skipping with old bits of string, make aeroplanes out of scrap paper and treat second and even third hand football kits as if they are brand new.
Pak Ndraha and his family are some of the most humble people I have ever met; they are fantastic role models to everybody here and wonderful hosts. Having been embraced and welcomed by the YASAH family, meeting some of the most amazing people and making many wonderful memories that I will treasure forever, I can now say that I don’t feel far from home at all and that this is (hopefully) my first of many trips to a third world country, and in particular to YASAH.
Joy Constable
Period From 23rd October 2013 till 31st October 2013
Marine Morel From France
My name is Marine, I’m 24 years old, I come from France and I’m currently at YASAH orphanage for a volunteer mission of 3 months.
I arrived in Medan in the hot evening of Sunday 16th June and was welcomed at the airport by Jaya and Yase, who were kindly waiting for me. Then at my arrival at the orphanage, all the childrens ran to me, curious to see what the “bule” was looking like, all saying “Hello” and smiling. They immediately called me “sister” and after the curiosity and shyness of the first days, they really put me into their heart like a sister. That was unexpected and a strong emotion overwhelmed me…
They are very funny kids and I’m laughing a lot with them, the fact that they see me as a sister feels great for me, who never had a younger brother or sister. Ndraha and Susanna also looks after me like one of their children, however I already have a wonderful mother, but to have a new father, since my real one was not a good one, warms my heart more than I expected.
That also feel a little oppressing to have suddenly a so large family: me who always travel alone, who is strongly and fiercely independent, I have now continuously at least 3 kids with me, who look everyone of my moves and follow me every seconds of my days.
So I actually discuss with Ndraha concerning my independance and try to make him understand that at almost 25, I’m old enough to look after myself.
One of my biggest fear was to not be accepted by them because of my non-religion, they are all strongly religious and pray many times per day. But after a little time of surprise and questions from them, they totally accepted this part of me. Ndraha is a person very open minded and that was a relief to see them accepting me, with all the differences that include. I still by respect attend to the Sunday services, it’s quite boring when you do not speak one word of Indonesian, but it last only 2 hours and the music is nice so I just smile and clap my hands when needed.
Concerning the teaching, it’s sometimes a bit difficult to have English class with them because I never done that before, originally I’m a beautician not a teacher! But everybody can do it if he/she is motivated.
Being not a native english speaker myself, I know how much it’s difficult to learn a new language, so I use all the patience that I have, to speak slowly, to repeat and to explain everything. I also try to keep the lessons interesting, by listening music, watching movies, reading stories, and everything that a child/teenager can be interested into.
We also spend all the free time together, talking, learning new words, and playing, with a little punishment in English for the one who loses the game!
Teaching the other teachers can be very frustrating because some of them don’t want learn, and whatever the energy I can give, when someone do not want, you can not force him/her. I think that they have difficulty in being the student instead of the teacher, especially with someone far younger than them. And they also don’t understand how much English is important for the kids, how much that can help them in the future. That make me sad and I still try to find a solution to that…
I also started to give beauty and massage lessons for the girls and they are very happy to learn a new skill, but the ones who are the happiest are Ndraha and Susanna: now they can enjoy very good massages everyday!!
I’m very happy to be here so far, with all the positives and negatives, what is the most important to me is that I feel useful and that I’m doing the right thing. I’m going to stay in YASAH until the 16th September 2013, and truly hope that everything will continue like it started.
Those childrens are fantastic and deserve the best in life.
Marine
Period From 16th June 2013 till date
Chris Johnson From England
I stayed with them for 3 months. When I stayed at the orphanage Ndraha was very accommodating. Although I offered on numerous occasions he never took any money for accommodation or food. He seemed to believe that me teaching was payment enough. I however regularly gave to the church in order to keep my own conscience as peace. I had my own room and anything that I needed, or he thought I needed was acquired. For example I found the diet of chilli and rice difficult to begin with so he made sure I had toast and jam for breakfast, something that is quite an expense for them. I actually found it really strange to begin with as the children cleaned my room and washed all my clothes for me. I had use of his I-pad where I regularly skyped my family. You will not be able to find anyone who will try as hard as Ndraha to make your stay as nice as possible.
There are around 100 children at the orphanage and its split into 2 different ‘dorms’, one for the boys and one for the girls and younger children. There is a massive age range in the children, from as young as 2 to as old at their late teens. They are all lovely and you will make friends with them. I loved playing with the younger children.
I taught about 30 hours a week and to nearly all the children and teachers. I spent some time outside trying to plan lessons, however there are teaching resources there. I tried more conversational English and took them out of the classroom more to try and make it more practical for them.
I found teaching very difficult, however as the same time very rewarding. There is nothing more frustrating as trying to teach a child numbers, only for them to forget it straight away. At the same time there is nothing more rewarding as see a child remember what you taught them in class and seeing them use it out of class.
My time out of class was often spent reading and helping in the kitchen (although I was often just as much a hindrance than a help). I found my kindle was amazing just so I could easily read.
I would often go into town at weekends. Ndraha was happy for me to go, he was however reluctant to let me go on my own as he was worried about me getting lost and my safety. So I always took one of the older children with me. They do not have any money so I was expected to pay for them. This was a joy for me though as it was great treating these children who do not have much to a trip into town. The other teachers also took me out on a few occasions, which was great fun.
They are the positives however it would not be fair not to give some negatives. The main negative comes from the wildlife. There are lot of bugs, everywhere. There are ants, cockroaches, flies and lots of mosquitoes (that will suck your blood, every night). This drove me nuts.
When my girlfriend went she found the heat very difficult as it can get very hot out there. I however did not have a problem.
There are also lots of church services. I found it quite difficult as I would not class myself as strongly religious.
I also found teaching the other teachers very difficult. Partly because a few of them did not wish to learn, partly because some of them had difficulty being the student instead of the teacher and partly because of a massive range in abilities.
In short, If someone gave me a plane ticket I would be on the next plane out there. I loved that place and I loved the children. I view them as my own family and they treated me as an uncle. And like family they will make you sad, angry and frustrated, however they will also make you laugh and fill you with more enjoyment than you can possibly imagine. If you go it will be difficult and at times you will get bored and frustrated however I can assure you it will be worth it and I wish you will go to help all those fantastic children.
Kind Regards
Chris
Period From February to May 2012
Angela Wegner
I had the privilege of volunteering at Yasah Orphanage when I lived in Medan. Through the use of music, drama, games and conversation, I was allowed the opportunity to work directly with the teenagers teaching them English on Saturday afternoons. They enjoyed learning and saw the benefits of increasing their English vocabulary to help open up possibilities
for them both now and in their future endeavors. I truly fell in love with the kids at the orphanage and see the potential in each one of them as they continue to work hard in their studies and discover their own gifts and talents. Ndraha and Suzanne are excellent mentors/parents to those that live at the home and are very forward thinking as they work to provide the best possible environment for each of the kids. Because of this, it is clear that the graduates of such a great living and learning environment will be able to move on from Yasah, as well-rounded, thriving members of society and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Angela Wagner
Teacher
ON, Canada
Period November 2008 To June 2010
At the end of Angela’s stay in Medan she invited Join Ferinata Sembiring (from Yasah orphanage) to spend 3 months working at Camp Koinonia in Parry Sound, ON, Canada. It was a great opportunity for Join to travel abroad under Angela’s care.
Packages for Children
Assistance to needy children through Panti Asuhan Sungai Air Hidup would be granted in the form of: School supplies, School uniform, Assistance with school fees and life expenses.
The school supplies and school uniform are delivered directly to the foster child while the assistance with the school fees is sent to Panti Asuhan Sungai Air Hidup
The package of school supplies and school uniform must reach each foster child completely intact. In other words, a package of school supplies and school uniform sent to one foster child may not be divided up among several children.
This form and delivery of the assistance aims to ensure that all assistance is used solely for the schooling needs of the foster children and is not diverted for other purposes.
The amount of aid for each child matches exactly the amount of the contribution from each foster parent, i.e., Rp 240,000 for each child of elementary school age, Rp 260,000 for each child of junior high school age and Rp.300,000 for each child of high secondary school per month.
Assistance package consist of: School Supplies and School Uniform Package delivered personally to each beneficiary foster child. Assistance for School Fees and life expense should be remitted to Panti Asuhan Sungai Air Hidup.
| Type of Package | Elementary School Package | Junior High School Package | High Secondary School Package |
| School Supplies Package | |||
| 1. Notebooks | 10 | 15 | 15 |
| 2. Drawing books | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 3. Writing pencils | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 4. Ballpoint pens | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 5. Crayons | 1 set | 1 set | 1 set |
| 6. Erasers | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 7. Pencil sharpener | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 8. Compass | – | 1 | 1 |
| 9. Ruler | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 10. Trisquare | – | 1 | 1 |
| 11. Pencil case | – | 1 | 1 |
| 12. School bag | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| School Uniform Package | |||
| 1. School uniform | 1 uniform | 1 uniform | 1 uniform |
| 2. Scout/guide uniform | 1 uniform | 1 uniform | 1 uniform |
| 3. Black school shoes | 1 pair | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Life Expenses Package | Rp.240,000,- | Rp.260,000,- | Rp.300,000,- |
Contribution Packages
Members of the public may choose to contribute to Panti Asuhan Anugrah Sungai Air Hidup in any of the following ways:
- The Elementary School package at Rp 240,000 per child per month for any number of children as desired.
- The Junior High School package at Rp 260,000 per child per month for any number of children as desired.
- High Secondary School package at Rp.300,000 per child per month for any number of children as desired.
- Donations in any amount according to the willingness and capacity of the donor. These contributions need not be tied to the amounts described above for the Elementary School, Junior High School or High Secondary School packages, and may consist of foster parent donations, religious alms.
Donations may be remitted through Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Cabang Iskandar Muda, Medan, A/C No. 0336-01-010380-50-8, in the name of Panti Asuhan Sungai Air Hidup.
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