Sewing machine for Sang Ayu

As a result of polio Sang Ayu, a young woman of 19, walks on crutches. She can manage short distances with one crutch. This school year, 2002/2003, she is taking her SMA exams (second stage of a three-year secondary education course in Indonesia). After completing her education, Sang Ayu would like to become a seamstress and then start a sewing workshop but she comes from a poor family which does not have enough money to buy or hire a sewing machine for her.

Request
The request is for an electric sewing machine and accessories for Sang Ayu so that she can earn her own income in due course. She needs an electric sewing machine because of the lack of strength in her arms and legs. The request was made by Ibu Gunasih, head of the home where Sang Ayu lives.

Sang Ayu with her butterfly

Request accepted
Sang Ayu’s initiative was received enthusiastically by APA Foundation. The Foundation has, therefore, given permission to provide Sang Ayu with a sewing machine. Employees of the Foundation investigated locally which sewing machine would be most suitable. The sewing machine most commonly used on Bali, especially by seamstresses, is the Butterfly&Mac226; made in Shanghai. These machines can be fitted with a motor. After comparing prices, it was decided to purchase an original Butterfly&Mac226; with a table and motor, for Rp. 625,000.

The Foundation has entered into a contract which states that the sewing machine and accessories are for Sang Ayu only and they cannot be lent, hired or sold to others. If the contract is broken, Stichting APA may take back the sewing machine. The main aim of the contract is to protect Sang Ayu if she comes under moral pressure to dispose of the sewing machine against her will. Doctor Ibu Siti Manoppo, local mediator of Foundation APA, will supervise this.

Background information
Sang Ayu has been known to APA Foundation for some time. She lives at the home attached to the school for handicapped children in Klungkung. Elsewhere in Klungkung, she is in regular education, studying for the SMA. She travels to school on foot and by public transport. Sang Ayu is an intelligent and very independent young woman with a positive outlook on life.
She also has great plans for the future. She would like to open her own sewing workshop or a kiosk, in the longer term with internet facilities. During her education, Sang Ayu has attended computer and sewing lessons, but still has to build up her experience. Her family does not have the financial resources to pay for the work experience&Mac226; equipment and materials in a sewing workshop. Buying a sewing machine is entirely beyond her. With her suitably adapted sewing machine, Sang Ayu is now able to build up her experience and earn some money.