Reefs, Oceans, Land, Ecology. These are the four areas that are the primary focus of the R.O.L.E Foundation – a Bali based charity that Karma has been working with for many years now, supporting a wide range of initiative – including the Bali Wise Programme, which aims to empower marginalised women through educational programs, qualified job opportunities and a deeper understanding of self-worth, boundaries and women’s rights in Indonesia.
On May, the team at Karma Kandara took part in a 13-km charity canoe race to show their continued support for R.O.L.E. The Row for R.O.L.E. 2.0 Canoe Race was set to be the biggest fundraiser in Bali history, taking participants along the beautiful coastline of Bali and raising much needed funding for Bali Wise. Last year, Karma and other R.O.L.E supporters raised just over 1.1 billion rupiah, which allowed for the Bali Wise centre to return to full capacity of operations, lifting over 100 young women out of poverty through educational programmes and employment opportunities.
The race took budding canoeists from Bali’s east coast to its Southern shores, between the resort enclaves of Sanur and Nusa Dua. They were delighted that one of the amazing Karma Beach lifeguards, I Kadek Arya Wiarta was the first ever winner in the male category – he was the first local rower to cross the finish line and came fourth overall out of 100 participants. According to Kadek, it was a tough race covering 13 km in choppy conditions, battling strong currents. It’s been a great few weeks for him as he was awarded Employee of the Month at Karma Kandara for April.
Through their combined efforts, all participants were able to help raise sponsorship funds that will help lift nearly 50 girls out of poverty, empowering them with new opportunities through education and giving them important knowledge skills that vastly improves their employability. This is done with the understanding that giving women the opportunity to be breadwinners in their families helps to break cycles of poverty. Empowerment is one of the pillars of Karma Group’s philanthropy mission – so this one is close to their hearts.
