Mark Spilkowitz Memorial Fundraiser for the SIP School

Mark Spilkowitz was a kind, loving, fun, and generous husband, father of two, grandfather of five, and friend of many. Early on in life he discovered his passion for education and dedicated himself to teaching, empowering, and uplifting young people who had few advantages in life.

He spent two years teaching children in a mountain village in Jamaica, as a member of the Peace Corps and many more years teaching elementary school students in Harlem, NY. As his passion for teaching grew, so did his passion for travel and exploration of cultures around the world. Seeking to inspire other teachers and support the potential of young people in developing countries, he pursued and earned a Doctorate in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University. His dissertation focused on a profound belief he held that any person could be taught any subject, it’s was just a matter of how. He then sought to share his approach to teaching by educating and inspiring future teachers as a Professor of Educational Psychology at Rutgers University.

Mark’s second career focused on sharing the beautiful artwork and clothing from the place he fell in love with as he traversed the globe- Bali. While he created businesses which kept him close to Bali, he never lost his love of teaching and became an informal teacher and mentor to many.

(Mark at his 80th Birthday celebration on the beach in Bali last year)

One boy who he met and mentored in Bali was Nyoman Sarjana. Mark met Nyoman when he was a middle school student in the 1970s. He instantly recognized his passion for his studies and his warm, friendly nature. Over time he became a father figure, mentor, and guide who helped him through school financially, emotionally, and encouraged him to excel. They maintained a friendship for the past 40 years.

As Mark built an international export business with his wife Michele, he gave Nyoman the opportunity to oversee garment manufacturing operations for the business which gave Nyoman the financial resources to buy real estate and provide a caring and comfortable life for his family in Bali.

In 2002, tragedy struck Bali when a terrorist attack bombing took the lives of over 200 people. The bombing put a screeching halt to the tourism industry which was the primary source of income for many on the island. As a result, many Balinese were unable to afford to send their children to school.

Having the same passion for education as Mark, Nyoman and his wife Wayan created a school in their home to provide education to students whose parents could no longer afford to send them to school. The Siswa Indah Prima (SIP) School was born in Legian, Bali., Indonesia. Enrollment grew quickly, leading Nyoman to transform his garment factory into the new permanent home for the SIP School.

(Mark attending the graduation ceremony at the SIP school as an honored guess in 2023. Nyoman is pictured to left of Mark)

As the economic situation in Bali began to improve and parents began to have the resources to pay for their children’s education, the SIP School continued to provide free and subsidized education to families in need. Over the past 22 years, the SIP School has continued to flourish and provide education to kindergarten aged children with a focus on building self-confidence, creative development, motor skills, healthy eating, and exercise habits. The SIP school also provides opportunities for learning through play and includes education in traditional Balinese dance to its students.

A lifelong friend and fellow educator- last year Nyoman threw a 80th birthday bash for his friend Mark at his home in Bali, showing all guests the love and appreciation he held for his longtime mentor. Tragically just one year later, Mark passed away. Nyoman once again showed his love and care for Mark by arranging for all funeral services and hosting a ceremony and tree planting at his home in honor of Mark.

As a tribute to Mark and his passion for children and education and in gratitude of Nyoman and recognition of his shared passion, we ask for a contribution of any amount to support the SIP School in Marks memory and honor as an educator and friend of the Balinese.

Learn More about the SIP School