Across Indonesia, finishing school does not always lead to opportunity. For many young people, the path from education to employment remains uncertain.
In Bali, these challenges are clearly reflected. While the island is often seen as economically vibrant, opportunities are not equally accessible to all.
Indonesian youth unemployment has reached
17.3%
one of the highest rates in Asia, second only to India.
Source: Jakarta Post on May 4, 2026
Many young people, especially those without further education, work experience, or support networks, struggle to find stable employment and meaningful career opportunities.
In North Bali, the gap is even greater
Buleleng has the largest population in Bali and the highest number of people living in absolute poverty.
Youth unemployment remains one of its biggest challenges.
This creates a difficult reality.
Many young people, especially school leavers, struggle to find work or continue their education due to limited employment preparation and access to opportunity.
But Bali Children Foundation has already seen what is possible when young people are given the right support:
- For the past two years, BCF’s Youth Preparation programs have achieved 100% employment or tertiary education enrollment outcomes for Year 12 BCF Sponsorship students.
- Through work readiness, university preparation, hospitality training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and skills development programs, BCF has helped young people move from uncertainty into opportunity.
With the Angela Wheelton Youth Centre, BCF will be able to expand this impact to reach a much wider group of youth across North Bali, including:
- Year 12 graduates preparing for work, university, hospitality, and apprenticeships
- School dropouts aged 15–18 and 19–25
- Young people seeking skills development, employment pathways, and entrepreneurship opportunities
The goal is to triple BCF’s Youth Empowerment impact within the first year of the Angela Wheelton Youth Centre, and continue building from there.
Hear from a recent graduate currently participating in BCF’s Hospitality Program.
“At first, I never expected that I would be able to join BCF because I was not very confident with my English. But I have big dreams for my future and especially for my family. I grew up without a father, so only my mother works to support me and my younger sister. Through the BCF program, I was given the opportunity to continue learning and prepare for a better future. I hope my journey can inspire other young people in my village and help create more opportunities for others in the future.”
— Ketut Sintha Pradewi, 18, Kayuputih Village
Through the Angela Wheelton Youth Centre, many more young people across North Bali will have access to opportunities like these — a space where they can learn, grow, develop practical skills, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
A space for change
Angela Wheelton believed that every young person deserves the opportunity to build a meaningful future, regardless of where they are born or the challenges they face.
Her commitment to education, empowerment, and opportunity continues through the Youth Center that now carries her name.
Angela sadly passed away in 2025. In her memory, her family generously donated the land for the Centre, creating the foundation for a space that will support young people in North Bali for generations to come.
Bali Children Foundation is now fundraising to build and equip the Centre, and to deliver youth empowerment programs during its first two years of operation.
The Angela Wheelton Youth Center will be a dedicated space where young people can gain practical skills, receive mentorship, and build the confidence needed to transition from education into employment.
More than a building, the Centre represents hope, opportunity, and a future where young people are supported to reach their full potential.
At the Centre, young people will have the opportunity to:
- Improve literacy and numeracy skills through targeted learning support for school dropouts
(75% of Indonesian 15-year-olds do not meet basic reading comprehension and mathematics proficiency standards — PISA 2024) - Build practical, job-ready skills through partnerships with businesses and employers
- Join structured employability and career preparation programs
- Access computers, practice interviews, and develop hospitality and workplace skills
- Receive mentoring, guidance, and support to move confidently toward employment and independence
Help a young person build a future beyond poverty.
Be the change for a young person’s life or help us build the Centre.
Donors who contribute to the Angela Wheelton Youth Center Development will be recognised on the donor plaque at the Centre.
Donors who support a youth empowerment program will receive updates and recognition connected to the young person whose journey they are helping to support
