At Goddess Retreats, our mission is to create spaces that honor, value, and empower women—both within our retreat sanctuary and throughout our extended community in Bali.
We proudly support Bali WISE, an extraordinary foundation dedicated to empowering marginalized Indonesian women through skills education. This impactful initiative gives young women the practical tools and training needed to create long-term, sustainable change for themselves, their families, and their communities.
We are deeply grateful to witness this impact every single day through our team member, Tesa, a proud Bali WISE graduate. We are honored to share Tesa’s inspiring journey—originally written by Bali WISE—to show how conscious support can transform a life.
Tesa’s Journey: From Hardship to Hope
Just a few years ago, Tesa Samantha faced overwhelming hardship.
After her father suffered a violent physical assault that left him with severe brain damage and vision loss, her family’s life shifted overnight. Her mother attempted to run the family electronics business, but without formal business training, the company was forced to close. Faced with mounting debt and a total loss of income, the family entered a painful season of struggle.
Tesa stepped up to carry the weight of her household:
- Caring for her disabled father and securing medical treatment
- Helping her mother prepare traditional snacks to earn a modest income
- Caring for her younger siblings while striving to pursue an education
Her uncle offered assistance whenever possible, but with a large family of his own, resources were extremely limited. Despite these heavy burdens, Tesa maintained a resilient spirit, a cheery outlook, and a determination to build a better future.
A Turning Point with Bali WISE
Determined to change her circumstances, Tesa applied for a scholarship with Bali WISE. During the intensive six-month program, she refined her English and mastered hospitality skills. Demonstrating incredible selflessness, Tesa sent her entire monthly student stipend home to support her family while she studied.
Through sheer hard work and dedication, Tesa graduated at the top of her class.
Building a Brighter Future at Goddess Retreats
Following her graduation, Goddess Retreats welcomed Tesa into our core team. Over the past several years, her enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication have made her an indispensable part of our retreat family.
Through her hard work and stable career with Goddess Retreats, Tesa has achieved incredible milestones:
- Paid off her family’s accumulated debt in full
- Secured vital medical treatment and ongoing care for her father
- Supported her mother financially and treated her to a restful holiday
- Funded higher education for her younger brothers and sister
Empowering Women Together
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every guest who joins a Goddess Retreat. Your presence makes it possible for us to give back directly to our local community and leave a caring footprint in Bali.
As a major sponsor of the Bali WISE Skills Education Program, Goddess Retreats helps fund comprehensive education for young women who otherwise could not afford it. The curriculum covers essential life and career skills, including:
- Core Life Skills: Women’s health, family planning, personal wellness, and grooming
- Professional Skills: English language fluency and basic computer literacy
- Vocational Training: Culinary arts, spa therapies, housekeeping, travel, and ecotourism
When women support women, the positive ripple effect extends across entire generations.
