CIMD Foundation

In the Buleleng Regency in North Bali alone, an estimated 5,000 children with disabilities remain hidden from society. Many live in quiet isolation, as families fear stigma or blame. As a result, these children—who will later become adults—are often excluded from education. Public schools frequently lack the resources to support them, while parents may be unaware of alternative options or hesitant to expose their children to potential ridicule or failure.

Against this backdrop, Geert van Praet, a Belgian former paramedic and entrepreneur, co-founded Yayasan Cahaya Impian Masa Depan (CIMD) in 2008. Based near Singaraja in North Bali, CIMD was established to provide children with disabilities and from underprivileged backgrounds an opportunity to move towards a healthier and more inclusive future.

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Rotary Involvement

In 2019, Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua, together with RC Luxembourg-Horizon, began supporting CIMD. Contributions included:

Renovation and expansion of classrooms
Provision of learning and therapy materials
Scholarships for students enrolled in CIMD’s flagship six-year primary school program, “Include Us”

A key milestone was reached in February 2021, when CIMD received official recognition and an operational license from the Indonesian Ministry of Education as a primary school for children with disabilities and special needs.

Current Activities

Today, CIMD employs 13 dedicated and trained staff, supported by professional psychologists, pediatricians, and other specialists. The foundation currently serves approximately 165 children and their families through a range of programs, including:

Physical therapy
Socialisation and life skills development
Classroom-based education

Access and Funding

CIMD accepts students regardless of the nature of their disability or their economic background. Importantly, no tuition fees are charged.

However, sustained financial support remains essential:

The annual cost to support one child is approximately USD 300 (less than USD 1 per day)
Over the past two years, Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua has contributed around USD 2,500 annually, with RC Luxembourg-Horizon providing a similar level of support
This commitment is planned to continue for at least one more year

Despite this support, additional sponsorship is needed—both to sustain current students and to accommodate children currently on the waiting list for future “Include Us” classes.

Impact

For a relatively modest amount, a meaningful and lasting impact can be achieved. Supporting a child at CIMD enables access to education, therapy, and social inclusion—opening the door to a fuller and more independent life.

Sponsors are welcome to join the project.