The WINS Project Australia
WINS Australia.
Currently the active Board members are Chris Soderiou (Secretary), Judy Curtis (Treasurer), Avigon Paphitis, Will Saldana-Tellez, all from Melbourne, VIC, and myself Christine (Chairperson WINS Australia), from Perth, WA.
Right now, we are looking for additions to our Australian team of passionate inspired people to participate in WINS Australia, as we now have a growing number of child -sponsors living in Australia.
Education is the most powerful weapon
to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
My name is Christine Rainbird,
I am the wife of Gill Rijnenberg, founder of the WINS Organisation. Gill and I were first brought together by two of our mutual passions, supporting underpriviledged children in world and our love of Bali!
We both believe that today’s children are the ‘leaders of tomorrow’ and with this in mind we want to do all that we can to ‘give them the wings that they need in order to fly’.....The Joy that we experience as we journey through life with these beautiful kids is priceless.......they are truly inspirational and enrich our life more than any words could express.
My name is Chris Soderiou
‘’I’ve travelled to Bali several times and now call it my second home.
I knew the first time I experienced the spirit of the Balinese people and culture it would be a special place for me. Prior to arriving in Bali earlier this year I decided it was time to utilize my community work skills and experience and give back to the Balinese people in some way such as working for an orphanage. As fate would have it I met Gill and Christine one evening who told me all about WINS. The very next day I visited the WINS centre in Bedulu and instantly felt a strong connection with the children and the work of WINS.
My name is Judy Curtis,
In May 2010 I had my first trip to Bali. I became instant friends with a number of local people and yes like many others I returned to Australia wondering just what I could do to help these beautiful people, it seemed too great a task at the time. I have been friends with Chris Soderiou’ sister Mary for many years, and on a weekend visit to Mary she just happened to mention that Chris was the Secretary of WINS Australia and she was looking for a Treasurer, and that comment planted a seed for me. I then decided that this could be my way of helping the Balinese people whom I had come to admire and respect so much. I look forward to a great partnership with WINS in achieving success beyond their dreams.
Will Saldana-Tellez
Avigon Paphitis
The WINS project consists of independent autonomous WINS associates,
each of them self responsible and self sufficient.
WINS is a trust based organisation and is based on trust equality. There is no leader, there is no head office, there is no boss. What binds us is a shared vision.
Responsibility is put on the lowest level, the children. Our job is to empower them.
All WINS employees are volunteers, receiving no salary or any other compensation.
By doing so, WINS elliminates all unnecessary overhead costs and efforts, so we can focus on our goal, education for the children.