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Transforming Lives in Laindatang village with the Water Connections Project

Breaking Water Barriers for Women and Girls in East Sumba

Breaking Water Barriers for Women and Girls in East Sumba

In this news "Picture of the Day", under the terrible heat of East Sumba, a mother and her daughter trudge forward, carrying five empty jerry cans. Their feet tread on arid ground, strewn with stones and brush. The day started a few hours ago and the journey is far from over. They have travelled more than five kilometres on foot and have as much ahead of them to reach their destination: Kullups, holes dug by hand in the rock of a hill. (Ref. Read this article here)

In this part of the world, kullups are more than mere rainwater reservoirs; they represent a vestige of human ingenuity against near-chronic water scarcity. Rainwater, channeled by soil and rock, seeps in to feed these small stone basins at the foot of a hill. It's a source of life, but also a source of heart-wrenching dilemmas. For every precious drop, there is a hidden cost, measured not in money but in lost opportunities, compromised health, and uncertain futures.

Consider the mother. Each trip for water represents hours when she can't work, maintain her home, or care for her family. What about her daughter? With every step she takes toward the kullup, she moves further from an education that could unlock doors to a better future. The thirst for learning is there, but it is weighed against a more immediate, more vital thirst.

Against this backdrop, the teams from Fair Future and Kawan Baik step in, armed with the will to make a difference and the tools and expertise needed to do so. The #WaterConnections program doesn't merely supply water; it aims to redefine these communities' relationship with this essential resource. By installing water collection and filtration systems, educating on hygiene best practices, and encouraging community participation, Fair Future and Kawan Baik aim to break the vicious cycle of poverty and disease.

Waterborne diseases like Malaria, Dengue, diarrhea and cholera are commonplace in these areas. But their impact doesn't stop at the individual. A sick mother cannot provide for her family. A sick daughter cannot attend school. And a cycle of suffering and poverty perpetuates, generation after generation.

The work of Fair Future and Kawan Baik isn't completed in a day or even a year. It's a long-term commitment, an investment in the future of these communities. But every installed water system, every educational session, and every assisted family represents a step toward a future where this mother and daughter won't have to choose between the present and the future, between thirst and the thirst for learning.

In a world where clean water is often taken for granted, it's easy to forget that for some, it's a luxury that comes at a high price. By working on the ground alongside those who live this reality every day, Fair Future and Kawan Baik remind us that behind every drop of water, there's a human story, a struggle, and an opportunity for change.

Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu, 17th of October, 2023.

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Dragon Pumps: Fair Future’s #WaterConnections in Laindatang

Dragon Pumps: Fair Future’s #WaterConnections in Laindatang

The arrival of Dragon pumps in Laindatang, East Sumba, marks a watershed moment in Fair Future’s #WaterConnections project. In collaboration with Kawan Baik and Rotary Australia, we are transforming the health landscape of this isolated village. From reducing the prevalence of infectious diseases to providing the first-ever sanitary installations, discover how clean water is rewriting the community’s story.

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Matawai: Fair Future’s Eye-Opening Documentary on East Indonesia’s Water Crisis

Matawai: Fair Future’s Eye-Opening Documentary on East Indonesia’s Water Crisis

Matawai’ serves as a profound wakeup call to the global community about the water crisis in Eastern Indonesia. Produced by Fair Future Foundation, this compelling documentary vividly portrays the day-to-day struggles of rural families. Through this film, you’ll also witness the groundbreaking initiatives we’ve implemented to transform access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education. We invite you to join Fair Future in advocating for universal access to these basic human needs.

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Empowering Laindatatang: A Road to Opportunity and Unity

Empowering Laindatatang: A Road to Opportunity and Unity

Embark on a journey with the families of Laindatatang village, as they, with the support of Fair Future and Kawan Baik, successfully transformed access to their community, ushering in new opportunities for all. Explore how this ambitious infrastructure project, marked by unwavering dedication and local involvement, symbolizes a commitment to community well-being and a brighter future. Read on to uncover the story behind the Laindatatang Access Road Project.

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Transforming Lives in East Sumba: Rotary Australia’s Vital Partnership

Transforming Lives in East Sumba: Rotary Australia’s Vital Partnership

The partnership between Rotary Australia and Fair Future aims to make a positive impact on vulnerable communities in East Sumba. Through a joint effort, we are dedicated to providing clean water access and disease control, which will help bring hope and a brighter future to these communities. Our collaboration highlights the importance of friendship and teamwork in achieving these life-changing initiatives. Explore the transformative results of our revolutionary programs and witness the strength of our commitment to making a difference.

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A bold step towards sanitation and clean water for Laindatang

A bold step towards sanitation and clean water for Laindatang

Laindatang in East Sumba, no clean water and no sanitation facilities. Fair Future changes this reality and brings about a remarkable transformation. A monumental journey that promises to revolutionize the future of this ultra-rural community. They don’t just build buildings, they create hope and opportunity. Their unwavering commitment is to strengthening the health and well-being of families who have faced isolation and hardship for too long.

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Bringing Sanitation to an Underserved Village in East Sumba

Bringing Sanitation to an Underserved Village in East Sumba

The image illustrates our ongoing project: the excavation of a septic tank. This is the very first step towards the installation of the first-ever sanitation infrastructure in the village's history. Our goal is to reinforce the health and well-being of the families in this community. In closely associating ourselves with the villagers, a core principle in our approach, we work hand in hand to provide them vital access to water and sanitation facilities, despite their isolation in the eastern part of Sumba.

For several months now, our organizations – Fair Future and Kawan Baik – have favored constructing lightweight steel facilities. This decision is based on hygiene, maintenance, and construction efficiency grounds. The entire structure (in this case, two toilet – shower stalls) is constructed at the Fair Future Foundation’s base camp in Waingapu, called Rumah Kambera. We then transport the dismantled structure to the site of installation. It takes about a week for our team to operationalize an installation like this, followed by one to two weeks dedicated to finishing and aesthetic touch-ups.

In this underprivileged environment, families lack access to basic services, needs such as access to water or electricity are non-existent. During the dry season, when rainwater tanks are almost empty, they must travel miles to collect just a few litres of often unsuitable water. See the related #waterconnections posts here.

In the village of Laindatang, inhabitants have never had the privilege of a working shower or toilet. The enthusiasm and joy are palpable as they witness the construction of these new facilities, bringing them a simple feeling of happiness.

This installation will also contribute to reducing infectious diseases caused by the absence of adequate sanitation facilities in the village. This will likely lead to an increase in the quality of life for the villagers, a reduction in the time spent gathering water, and promote overall community health and well-being. This initiative is more than just building sanitation facilities. It symbolizes the start of a new chapter for Laindatang, signifying change and development towards a healthier community.

Thus, the work of Fair Future and Kawan Baik extends beyond physical construction, promoting progress, health, and hope for the future.

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#ZeroMalaria, to eradicate malaria in Laindatang

#ZeroMalaria, to eradicate malaria in Laindatang

Fair Future Foundation, in collaboration with Kawan Baik Indonesia and Sumba Volunteer, is working to combat malaria in the highly affected region of East Sumba, Indonesia. Through their program, they aim to provide screening, prevention, and treatment to the remote village of Laindatang. The mission seeks to save lives and target vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women. Join them in their fight against malaria and help make a difference in East Sumba.

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The access to the village is a hope for a better life

The access to the village is a hope for a better life

Discover the remarkable progress in our ongoing construction and repair efforts on the road to Laindatatang village in East Sumba. The Fair Future Foundation has been at the forefront, meticulously coordinating and overseeing this significant project for months. We’re thrilled to share that material trucks and tanker trucks can now effortlessly reach the village.

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Awesome! The first loaded truck arrives at Laindatang

Awesome! The first loaded truck arrives at Laindatang

This new "Picture of the Day" shows you the truck climbing the steep slope that leads to the village of Laindatang, which is ultra isolated, where a hundred families live without electricity, water, and very little food. This first truck transports construction materials and healthy sanitary facilities, which our teams have manufactured at the Rumah Kambera base camp.

We're excited to announce a significant milestone in our mission to create a positive impact! Despite facing difficult conditions and encountering broken promises, our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of impoverished villagers has prevailed. After days of arduous road repairs, we are proud to share that a truck laden with essential construction materials has finally reached the remote village of Laindatang. This remarkable achievement, made possible through the unwavering support and resilience of the villagers, marks a crucial step in providing vital resources and support to a community lacking necessities.

The road to the village presented numerous challenges, with its treacherous slopes and slippery terrain. Our team, armed with determination and their bare hands, overcame these obstacles with unwavering resolve. Though we encountered setbacks, including a failed attempt and broken bolts, our determination never wavered.

Two months ago, we were promised assistance by the department responsible for road infrastructure, but regrettably, their support never materialized. Nevertheless, we refused to be deterred from our mission of bringing essential resources and support to the impoverished villagers, who live in extreme poverty, deprived of electricity, clean water, and sanitation facilities – Ref: Water Connections Program here.

Yesterday, as the truck conquered the treacherous slopes, an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment washed over us. It was a moment that infused hope and happiness into the previously isolated village of Laindatang. I was moved to tears, knowing that I had dedicated nearly a year of my life to bringing this project to fruition.

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The #WaterConnections project in Laindatang has started!

The #WaterConnections project in Laindatang has started!

In this new "Picture of the Day", we witness the difficulties faced by young children in East Sumba as they search for clean water. These children must travel quite a distance from their homes to reach the kullups (small stone basins dug directly into the rocky terrain by villagers to collect and hold rainwater in rural areas). Unfortunately, it is unlikely to rain for the next nine months, and the children must walk over ten kilometres to obtain just a few litres of water to sustain themselves; kullups are dry now.

Presently, families in Laindatang endure arduous journeys, spanning miles and lasting over 10 hours, to obtain meagre quantities of drinking water. With a daily allocation of fewer than 2 litres per person, individuals must make profound sacrifices as this limited supply must accommodate drinking, eating, personal hygiene, and sanitation needs.

Malaria ravages the village, exacerbating the adverse effects of infectious diseases, particularly among children under five. The urgency of the health crisis necessitates immediate intervention. In collaboration with Kawan Baik and local authorities, Fair Future is committed to launching a comprehensive Water Connections project, addressing the pressing need for clean water in the village with utmost urgency.

Commencing at the end of June 2023, Fair Future embarks on an extraordinary #waterconnections project in Laindatang. This initiative heralds a transformative change and instils immense pride within our organization. 

Laindatang residents rely on rainwater collection during the rainy season to meet their clean water requirements. However, limited knowledge and resources impede this method, significantly contaminating water reservoirs. During the dry season, their options are limited to accessing water from the Kuluban artificial pool nestled within a rock formation—or purchasing tank water from a select few companies.

Regrettably, accessing water becomes increasingly challenging throughout the year, with only a handful of companies willing to deliver to the village. Transport obstacles frequently result in spilt water, further diminishing the already scarce supply upon arrival in Laindatang.

For the villagers, access to clean water is a matter of survival. They currently store rainwater in unclean, contaminated, and hazardous tanks. Though this remaining water sustains them for drinking, eating, and survival, it will be depleted within weeks as the dry season commences. Tragically, this water is tainted, infected, and carries life-threatening diseases such as Malaria, Cholera, Dengue, Typhoid fever, Hepatitis A, and Guinea worm disease. Additionally, prevalent diarrheal diseases like E. coli and rotavirus, caused by contaminated water, pose a severe risk, particularly to children, leading to dehydration and even death.

You have the power to help us realize this vital project, which is indispensable for hundreds of families. If you desire, your generous donation dedicated to the #waterconnections project in the village of Laindatang would be warmly welcomed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all those willing to contribute. With your support, we can bring love, hope, and clean water to the deserving community of Laindatang.

To access information about our implementation, you can download and read the presentation in PDF format by clicking this link.

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