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Continuing to care for, enlighten, and support those whom no one sees
👋 Hello friends, it's Alex. I'm writing from Rumah Kambera, our base, which is lively with the rhythm of departures, returns, and stories from the field. I hope you're all doing well.
 The dry season, which crunched under our feet, is giving way to the first rains. The air is changing, the tracks are crumbling, and already, entire regions of Southeast Asia are submerged. In East Sumba, I encourage you to look at this map we created—every downpour is both a promise and a risk. But our work continues, as always, wherever it needs to be done.
For several weeks now, we've been on the road again with the Truck of Life and the Truck n'Load to complete the distribution of 2,400 SolarBuddy lamps. We still have nearly a thousand lamps to give to children in villages without electricity. We hope to finish before the end of the month, but the rain is turning some tracks into rivers of mud. Sometimes, an entire village comes out to help us pull the truck free. However, every lamp we deliver illuminates more than just a house: it opens up a little part of the future.
 Meanwhile, we're preparing for the next phase of the Primary Medical Care programme. Today, 20 community health workers from Kawan Sehat treat nearly 1,000 people each month. Next year, there will be thirty. We're reviewing our supplies, purchasing medications, and organising new rounds. In these areas without doctors, roads, or health centres, these women are the medical presence for an entire region.
Note: Take another look at the quarterly impact report of the primary medical care program.
And it is vital because the health situation is deteriorating. Malaria is increasing, along with tuberculosis. Leprosy cases are now numerous, and several medical centres have asked us if Fair Future could assist with treatment. We are considering it seriously, as the responsibility is significant and it is also very costly; the logistics are crucial.
 I must admit that, until now, the only cases of leprosy I had ever seen were in the film Ben-Hur. I never thought I would see it again. And yet, here it is—a reality. It's absolutely crazy to witness this in 2025.
Regarding HIV, the epidemic is rapidly spreading across East Nusa Tenggara, including East Sumba. Hundreds, even thousands, of new cases occur each month. That's why we've created a new prevention poster, which you can view via this link, friends.
Amid these challenges, there is also good news. In Laindatang, the 115,000-litre reservoir is full. The first rains have filled the basin to capacity. It contains filtered, drinkable water accessible to all families. After many months of work, this signifies one profound yet straightforward thing: the village will have water throughout the entire dry season. Water for drinking, washing, cooking, and daily life. It is tangible, essential, and perfectly embodies the purpose of our effort.
 At Rumah Kambera, we are making steady progress. We have identified land where, by 2026, we will establish a genuine socio-medical and community centre, dedicated to training, treating, developing, and nurturing the projects of tomorrow.
This is not yet a relocation, but a crucial first step towards something more substantial, more dignified than our current situation. Our existing base is in disrepair; it no longer truly stands. The future centre will offer us a suitable working environment, enabling us to do more and, above all, to do it better, while remaining true to who we are and what we do here.
And then, a little bit of hope: we're sharing the video below of the electrification of the Mbajik school—one more school emerging from darkness. There are still over a hundred to go. One at a time, we're making progress.
As Christmas draws near, from this corner of East Sumba, where every rain reminds us of life's fragility and the resilience of our communities, I wish you all the best. We will write to you again before the holidays.
Alex, for Fair Future - Friday, December 5, 2025 |
