Children in Bali

Children are treated as precious in Bali. They are raised with great gentleness and many religious rites to commemorate the events of their young lives. Much support is given to the truth of ancient wisdom, "it takes a village to raise a child."

School children in this picture are ending their day at 5:30 p.m., joyous and energetic. Their high energy caught my attention, and I became particularly curious when I learned they start their school day at 8:00 a.m.! The school day includes 2 hours of physical activity, 2 hours of arts, crafts and music, wholesome meals, and naps, as well as what in the U.S. we could call traditional educational studies.

Children are with their parents, relatives, or members of their communities, when they are not in school. Here, at an open-air market, a little girl in a Western dress sits on her mother's knee.

Children are given a feeling of contribution and belonging at a very young age. At the majestic, cliff-top temple of Ulu Watu, a little boy sweeps away the flowers of one group's celebrations and offerings, in preparation for another's (ours!).

Two sisters giggle together (and with me!) during a ceremony at Ulu Watu.

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