As Bali braces itself for a possibly major volcanic eruption, many people living in the surroundings of Mt Agung have been forced to flee and are now living in evacuation centres all over Bali. While they are safe, and outside of the 'danger zone' of 12 km from the crater, some of them have had to leave everything behind - their houses, their cattle and other animals, and most of their possessions. They are now faced with many uncertainties: what is going to happen and when, will they be able to return to their houses after a potential eruption, and what will they find once they get there? On top of feeling stressed, tired, and bored, the situation of living in make-shift camps also brings other challenges. Sanitary facilities are often inadequate and food is rather restricted and lacks nutrition. Knowledge about volcanic hazards among evacuees is insufficient. While an eruption is 'imminent', it is still not clear how long the wait is going to be - the volcano could erupt any moment, in a couple of weeks, or not at all. Understandably, the situation is very challenging for all those involved.

My husband and I have been operating a small resort in this very part of East Bali for the past ten years. Our resort faces the same mountain (Mt Agung) that is now possibly going to wreak havoc for many of the local inhabitants. While we have evacuated our own staff to safe areas, we realize the potentially dramatic impact a volcanic eruption may have on all people living and farming near the mountain. Also, this event has exposed a great need for education about volcanoes, volcanic hazards, and the use and supply of proper masks for health and safety among the local population.

So we wanted to do something to help these evacuees, and start this now, rather than wait for an eruption to happen. That's why we've teamed up with Kenny, an environmental educator living in East Bali (but now also displaced due to the threat of the volcanic eruption), and the Balinese branch of the Association of Experiential Learning Indonesia (AELI). Together they have designed a professional, hands-on programme to help refugees (adults and children) in evacuation camps. From 2 October onwards, they will be visiting several camps in the area to:

- Provide and cook nutritional food (that is, vegetables and fruits because now there is an overstock of instant noodles!)

- Work with kids and adults for education, play games, have some fun and entertainment (because it’s hot and boring at the camps!)

- Educate on ash fall and other volcanic hazards

- Buy supplies and hopefully source masks

More information on the programme can be found here: Kenny and AELI's programme

Information on AELI can be found here: Who are AELI (in Indonesian)

We chose to support Kenny and the AELI as we believe their programme will bring some much-needed relief, joy and education about volcanic hazards to the Balinese evacuees. All of your donations will directly go to Kenny and the AELI, who will jointly coordinate the programme and use all donations to carry out the above programme. All those working on the programme are volunteers, so 100% of the funds will be spent on the evacuees. Should an eruption happen in the meantime, then the programme may be tweaked a little (depending on the situation), but the money would still be used in line with the goals set out in the programme above.

Please help us support the Balinese evacuees in these desperate times. Any donation will be greatly appreciated, as it all helps. Many thanks in advance!