Forty glimpses of hope in Hambarita
A day of community, mud, coffee, and the promise of clean water
This photo gallery of forty images tells the story of a single day. A day we won’t forget: Last Friday, Ino, Ethon, Primus, and I rode bikes to Hambarita, a tiny village without road, electricity, or water. Only off-road motorbikes or 4x4s like the Truck of Life can reach it — barely. We chose bikes. Result: a few spills, myself included. But it was worth every bump, every skid.
The path is made of white limestone. When it’s wet, it’s like riding on wet snow. It slides a lot. The community expected us in a larger-than-usual bamboo house, where about forty villagers had gathered. Some—children, too—walked more than six kilometres across steep, rocky trails Justin us and understood how we would help.
As always, the meeting began with a cup of coffee. These families are so poor that they have no coffee, no sugar, and no clean water. So we bring everything. The water for the coffee? Rainwater is caught drop by drop in makeshift containers under their roofs. And yet, around that overly sweet cup, an honest discussion began.
We shared the good news: eight ferrocement reservoirs of 5,000 litres each will be built here. Thanks to you and all of us, six have already been financed. Connected to modified roofs, gutters, and filters, they bring clean, drinkable, accessible water to dozens of families. Two are still waiting for funding.
For the children, this is life-changing: no more hours of walking to carry heavy jerrycans. The little girl you see in the photo? She’ll go to school in Laindatang more often instead of fetching water across the hills for hours. But beyond the technical side, it’s the simple gestures that stay with me. People here don’t say “thank you” in words. They don’t know how to react when you give them something — it rarely happens. So they smile. They help. They open their homes. They offer us coffee, a smile, a silent moment. And honestly, that’s the most beautiful thank you.
Tetanus is present, and many are unvaccinated. Barefoot, wounds quickly become infected. And with no clinic or doctor, imagine the rest: dengue, malaria, tuberculosis… and always contaminated water. These reservoirs will humbly make a huge difference—as everything we do.
This project was born in Laindatang, just a few kilometres away. Three years ago, we built the first reservoirs, toilets, and handwashing stations. Construction will start in May.
Each reservoir has a name — because it represents life:
Today, six are funded. But the last two — Wai La Wurung and Wai Ma Hamu — still await their guardian angel.
We cordially invite all captivated by this story to explore our photo gallery, witness this extraordinary effort, and further engage with our mission through our Instagram account.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – April 1st 2025
