Akademi Kristus

Akademi Kristus || Bali, Indonesia

When you think of Bali, Indonesia you may think of the popular travel destination it is attracting all types of tourists and holiday goers. The island is full of rich culture, stunning resorts, picturesque sceneries, endless options for food lovers, and ofcourse an abundant supply of Bintangs as you sit by the pool or on the beach.

If though you go exploring a little beyond the main road you may notice that the luxurious life isn't for all, and many locals are actually living in challenging conditions.

According to Social Expact the poverty line in Bali is IDR 529,643 ($50.40 AUD) per month. So it is estimated that 4.57 percent of people live under the poverty line in Bali, that is about 200,000 people.

Since 2019-2023 there has been a downwards trend for the percentage of people living under the poverty line, despite this positive news the need for help still persists.

Introducing Akademi Kristus

Akademi Kristus is not for profit project in Bali that's mission is changing the lives of Indonesian youth and communities through martial arts, education, creative arts, site development and specialist education.

Akademi Kristus is committed to changing the status quo and raise awareness around the poverty conditions in developing countries, and to also raise funds to support projects. It's more than just providing communities and youth with their needs though, it's about helping empower them, to build their confidence and self value through positive relationships, education and encouraging environment.

November 2015, 8 months after the beginning of Akademi Kristus. Co-Founders Woon Ooi in blue Jiu Jitsu clothes and Geoff Collins on his right in black Jiu Jitsu clothes.

Part 1. Martial Arts

Over the years I've been able to document the growth o

Akademi Kristus’ martial arts program includes both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing classes. Our classes are delivered with a focus on discipline and teach participants to respect themselves and their opponents. They are also challenging and encourage participants to learn new skills and try new approaches. Above all else, our classes are fun and create an environment where participants can feel valued, relaxed and safe.

Part 2. Education and Creative Arts

In the local area of Akademi Kristus there are many children who have grown up without access to an education or schooling, because of this they're unable to gain further education or have access to good employment opportunities.

Akademi Kristus saw this need in the community so they are now giving an education to the local children and youth that in return is ensuring they are able to gain future employment in hospitality and tourism industries that are growing industries in Bali.

The creative arts program encourages the children to use their imagination and be creative to help them express themselves. Doing so helps the children build their confidence, problem solving skills, their imagination, creative learning and much more. The children attending the classes enjoy being able to work with materials that they do not have access to elsewhere, and they come alive in this environment that encourages them to express their own unique style.

Part 3. Specialist Education and Support

In the local area of Akademi Kristus there are multiple kampungs that they regularly visited and provided support for. The term kampung refers to villages but also urban slum areas that are usually tucked away right in plain sight, you can be travelling down the road, walk behind a shop or even a government building and there they are.

The conditions in these Kampungs can range depending on multiple factors, but as you can expect that lack a lot of infrastucture like clean running water, sewerage, waste disposal, even electricty.

The team at Akademi Kristus has spent years building the relationships and trust with the people who live in these Kampungs, and offering support where ever they can. That may include inviting their children to join them in their martial arts classes, education and creative arts classes. They've been able to help build new homes for some and provide medical attention to those in need.

Another project of Akademi Kristus is their disability support program. There is a group of children and young adults who have sivere physical disabilities, yet are incredibly smart and have the most beautiful personalities. Over the years they've been able to help improve their living conditions, organise daily outings and even excursions, and they have teachers who regularly visit them to give them an education.

The Future of Akademi Kristus

If you have a look at what work Akademi Kristus is doing today you can see that they're constantly following their mission to help empower and equip Indonesian youth, families and communities. Even though they have made a signficant impact changing the lives of so many people, there is still so many more people in need of help.

So visit Akademi Kristus, give them a follow and see how you can get involved making an impact in Indonesia.