Fair Future’s approach to building critical infrastructure to improve the lives of families in ultra-rural communities is rooted in collaboration. By working diligently, and sometimes over extended periods, with local residents, we create sustainable solutions that empower communities and ensure shared ownership of progress, fostering hope and lasting change.

Photo of the day: Smiles and unity to build a better future

This new “Picture of the Day” captures an important moment shared by all of us in a small, remote, rural village in East Sumba. A few members of an isolated community gather around a small laptop, a rare sight in a place without electricity or clean water. They watch a presentation and learn for the first time about the initiatives that Fair Future and Kawan Baik expect to implement with them. Their eyes shine with curiosity and joy, embodying that meaningful change is on the horizon.

What makes this moment special is our approach to these projects. The villagers are not mere spectators or workers; they are our partners. The project we are discussing today—perhaps a new school, a Water Connections program, or a health effort like the Primary Medical Care program—belongs to the community. It reflects its needs and aspirations. Together, we create a shared vision and work diligently to realize it.

As a united team (villagers, Fair Future, Kawan Baik, volunteers), we leverage our collective strengths. They share their wisdom and local traditions while we offer technical skills, tools and support. This collaboration is built on trust, respect and a shared purpose. While this process can take one to two years or more, the result is consistent: a project that meets needs and transforms lives with respect for all.

This new “Photo of the Day” illustrates more than just a plan in development. It captures the pride and satisfaction of a community on the brink of transformation. Their smiles and expressions tell a story of solutions and empowerment, emphasizing their role as active participants rather than passive beneficiaries.

This spirit of collaboration allows Fair Future to direct over 93% of its funding directly to projects like this one. Every donation contributes to effective actions: building buildings, providing clean water, healthy sanitation, healthy food, medical treatments, healthcare, and education. It highlights our dedication and the trust that communities place in us. Together, we don’t just build infrastructure; we foster relationships, understanding, and a better future.

Smiles like these remind us why we do this work. They symbolize the joy of fighting for a bigger goal: a school for their children, clean water for their village, and a future full of possibilities. We are honored to accompany them on this journey.

Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – The December 12th 2024.

• Habitat for Humanity: Works globally to build and improve housing, empowering communities through collaborative construction projects.
• Engineers Without Borders: Provides sustainable engineering solutions by collaborating with communities to develop infrastructure projects.
• BRAC: Partners with rural communities to implement development projects, focusing on empowerment and sustainability.
• The Hunger Project: Mobilizes rural communities to create sustainable change through collaboration and education.
• Practical Action: Works with communities to develop sustainable technology and infrastructure, fostering local participation.