In the scattered hills of East Sumba, 5,300-litre ferrocement tanks collect each drop of rain. Families help build and maintain them. Children drink safely, and women no longer have to carry 20-kilo jerrycans for hours. Water near the house is a primary source of health care.
Electrification of Mbajik School: The Movie — A New Beginning
Five days of effort to bring power to a neglected school
For five days, we worked tirelessly to complete the electrification of Mbajik School: The Movie. We carried heavy equipment, wired every classroom, and stayed overnight in the village. This project provides light for 80 children and 12 residents in a district where over 100 schools still lack electricity.
The electrification of Mbajik School: The Movie tells the story of a village where nights were once silent and dark. Teachers prepared lessons by candlelight, and children hurried to finish their homework before sunset. Working alongside Kawan Baik Indonesia and Smart Energy Tech Bali, our teams transported nearly a ton of materials by hand. The heat was intense, the paths steep, and every step required resilience. Yet, the community joined us—lifting tools, climbing rooftops, and learning how a modern solar system functions. This project is not just about technology; it’s about education, safety, dignity, and reclaiming time for those who never had it.
When the system was activated, everything changed. Classrooms lit up for the first time, teachers could work after sunset, and families finally experienced the comfort of reliable lighting. The electrification of Mbajik School: The Movie also marked a historic moment for Haray—the village’s first cinema night. Children and elders watched films projected on a screen, discovering moving images powered entirely by the new solar system. Yet, this is just one school. Over 100 schools in East Sumba remain without electricity. Our aim is to replicate this project as often as needed.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation – Created in November 2025