A vision of life stripped to its essentials. In East Sumba, a family’s journey of resilience unfolds amidst a shortage of food, water, and much more. A photo from just months ago reveals everything yet nothing: a mother and her children enduring with dignity despite severe deprivation. Partner with Fair Future to offer hope and essential resources to those in need.

Picture of the Day: Everything and Nothing

This Christmas season, today’s new picture brings you a powerful image: a mother with her two children perched in an unprotected wooden house, nearly empty and exposed to the elements. The stark simplicity of this scene evokes both beauty and profound tragedy. It reflects the harsh reality of countless families in East Sumba struggling to survive in a context of scarcity.

In this photo, there is both abundance and emptiness. On the floor lies a dirty, empty 5-litre jerrycan, designed to hold just enough water for the tasks of survival: drinking, washing, and cooking. An unwashed cup lies abandoned nearby; it too is empty. The house lacks furniture and comforts; it feels precarious and bare. And the family? She waits patiently, as tonight’s meal will consist only of what we manage to share with her: a modest portion of rice wrapped in palm or bamboo leaves, known locally as ketupat.

This image highlights the enormous challenges that families in this region face and the obstacles we encounter when trying to provide them with assistance. They are deprived of the basic necessities: soap to wash with, clean water, shoes for their feet, and a safe place to sleep. However, what stands out most in this photo is the silent acceptance in their eyes; they do not aspire to more because they do not know that there is anything beyond their current situation.

Indeed, here is a rewritten version: they are indeed hungry. They have difficulty washing and are often without water. Health care is out of reach for them. While we consider these conditions intolerable, this is simply their reality. It is remarkable that even in the midst of such deprivation, they continue to persevere with a quiet dignity that leaves us speechless.

As we celebrate this holiday season, we are reminded of the significant inequalities that continue to exist globally and the urgent need for action. With your support, we can continue to make a positive impact by providing food, water, shelter, and hope to families in need. Thank you for being a part of our mission to bring dignity and compassion to those who need it most.

Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – The December 11th 2024.

• World Heart Federation: Dedicated to improving heart health worldwide, the WHF educates and advocates for better cardiovascular care globally.
• Save the Children: This organization ensures that children in remote areas receive access to healthcare and educational resources.
• Doctors Without Borders: MSF brings healthcare to underserved communities, providing life-saving treatments and education in remote regions.
• Plan International: Plan International works to provide health and education to children in rural communities, ensuring they grow up healthy and informed.
• UNICEF: Committed to child welfare, UNICEF brings health services and education to even the most remote villages.