Thanks to Kawan Sehat Health Agents, women in East Sumba come together every week to learn, share, and empower one another. From hygiene to community leadership, these sessions give women the tools they need to transform their families' futures. Empowering women empowers entire communities.
All Articles & News: Fair Future’s Impact in Rural Areas
The news and articles page that reveals the essence of our organization. Each article highlights the experiences, values, and efforts of the Fair Future team. Our writing goes beyond reporting; it tells the essence of the communities we connect with and the challenges and triumphs we experience.
Welcome to the Fair Future News! Our teams have crafted each article, story, and update.
These pages showcase unique content reflecting our mission, work, and community interactions.
2,224 SolarBuddy lamps stored at Rumah kambera’s base, ready for distribution
True stories. Real people. Humanitarian action in motion.
Here you’ll find stories from the field—100% real, 100% original. Every article is written by us, by those who live these moments, walk these roads, and treat these illnesses. We write them by hand, after the long days, often from tents or remote villages, because we believe in showing what’s real.
The people, the lives, the wounds, the repairs—this is not fiction. This is our daily reality in ultra-rural Indonesia. Every photo is taken by us. Every word comes from those who act. From emergency responses and clean water to child health and malaria cases, these stories reflect both the daily struggles and the incredible strength of those we serve.
Our News page is more than just updates. It’s a record of direct action. A collection of emotions, medical cases, construction progress, and social encounters. We don’t write for clicks—we write for those who care, those who want to know, and those who support our mission.
It’s raw, human, sometimes difficult, but always true. Read them, share them, let them move you. This is how change begins—with knowledge, emotion, and connection.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation – Updated in June 2025
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Incredible Work: Transforming Laindatang Through Water Connections
Witness the remarkable efforts of Fair Future and Kawan Baik Foundation in Laindatang as they bravely tackle extreme conditions to construct reliable water connections and sanitation facilities. Be inspired by the indomitable spirit of the community as they unite to create a better future in the face of adversity.
Drilling in Extreme Conditions: Challenges and Triumphs
Our team had been looking for favourable weather conditions since mid-February to move our drill to the #WaterConnections project site in Laindatang village. Finally, on February 22, we seized our opportunity when a truck transported our more than seven-ton drill to Laindatang.
Getting the heavily loaded truck there presented another challenge. Upon arrival, we had to manually carry the machine approximately 300 meters to reach the drilling site. This exhilarating moment filled us with wonder and pleasure, reinforced by our appreciation for the unwavering support of local residents and villagers who are always ready to help us.
Due to the need for water during drilling, we install a substantial temporary 5,000-liter tank. It may seem paradoxical, but having access to water is essential to locate it underground. The installation process took several hours as we erected an impressive tower with a height of 8 meters.
Later in the day, a religious ceremony was held by the villagers who practice the Marapu religion. Three small chickens were offered as sacrifices to determine if we would encounter any problems when drilling for water so that their entrails could be read. According to the community members who organized the ritual, no problems will occur during this deep drilling.
Currently, we are on the fifth day of our expedition and have already gilded at a depth of almost 70 meters. However, a problem has arisen in the form of so-called “water loss”. This phenomenon refers to a situation in which the injected water does not rise due to damage caused by a crack in the six-inch diameter of the well.
Although the machine is working properly, we are currently facing a water shortage. Due to insufficient rainfall and the unavailability of water trucks during dry weather, we do not have access to enough rainwater to fill our on-site tanks needed for drilling. Our daily drilling demand amounts to almost 10,000 litres of water with around 30 meters remaining before we reach the target depth of 100 meters – where, hopefully, an abundant source awaits us which would be beneficial in providing drinking water within this village; thus considerably improving everyone’s quality of life.
Despite a challenging environment, the team engaged on-site perseveres tirelessly in arduous tasks. The heavy drill rods weigh nearly 50 kilograms each and the aggressive elements such as the intense heat of the day, the rain, the wind, the mud, and the cold of the evening prove powerless to stifle our fierce training. Each day brings its share of obstacles, but we remain resolutely focused on achieving our ultimate goal: improving the lives of the residents of the Laindatang Village.
Thank you very much for your attention and support in the water connection project we are working on in Laindatang. This project is significant for both the locals and us as a Swiss foundation, and we have put our hearts into it. As a reminder, last February, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of Fair Future, and this project is important to us all. Thank you very much for your help and support.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – The 3rd of March 2024
Improving Nutrition with #WaterConnections in Laindatang
#WaterConnections here in Laindatang was established for various reasons. Firstly, to improve the living conditions of the residents, promote better health, and combat issues of malnutrition and infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, cholera, hepatitis, polio, and others.
But to combat malnutrition and unhealthy eating habits, it is essential to provide adequate knowledge. The residents here have no concept of what it means to eat healthily. As part of this program, for several months, Fair Future and Kawan Baik cook on-site, not only for our team of workers but also for the village workers, about 30 to 50 people each day. We categorically refuse to prepare unhealthy meals.
Instead, we educate them on new tastes, showing them what fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, cabbage, green vegetables, and corn look like, cooked in different ways. It is crucial for children's growth to have a healthy diet. Many of them travel kilometres to get to school, arriving tired, exhausted, and unable to concentrate.
Most of the time, they haven't eaten before leaving home. Additionally, they lack access to water. For us, nutrition is therefore one of the key pillars of this program, along with the prevention of infectious diseases.
Throughout the duration of the project, we focus on nutrition, in addition to preventing infectious diseases. We spend much time cooking for the villagers and teaching them the basics of a healthy diet. The #WaterConnections program is there for them, to offer them a better future and better health, as we believe that it is through clean water that we can accomplish almost anything.
Growing vegetables, generating income through their sale, this is what awaits us in the coming weeks as we cook for the school children every day, helping them adopt better eating habits. This is crucial for them because they represent the future generation, those who will outlive us.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – The 3rd of March 2024
Truck of Life Rescues Trucks: Incredible Feat
Experience the remarkable journey of the Fair Future Foundation’s Truck of Life as it braves extreme terrain to deliver vital resources to the isolated village of Laindatang. This tale of courage and determination exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity, against all odds.
Transforming Lives with Water and Nutrition in East Sumba
Fair Future and Kawan Baik are revolutionizing community health through clean water and nutrition education in this project in laindatang. This transformative action is not just about providing meals; it is about teaching sustainable living, promoting well-being and fostering self-sufficiency. Join us to fight malnutrition, empower communities and pave the way to a healthier future. Find out how we make good health accessible to everyone, despite difficult circumstances.
Rumah Kambera Pharmacy: Bridging Medical Gaps in East Sumba
In East Sumba, the Rumah Kambera Base Camp’s pharmacy is a lifeline for many who rely on essential medicines and health programs like #PrimaryMedicalCare and #ZeroMalaria. But we can’t do it alone. We need your help to bridge the medical gap and ensure access to healthcare for all. Join us in making a difference and learn how you can support our cause today.
Combatting Malnutrition and Disease is Our Mission
Join us in our efforts to combat malnutrition and disease in the most rural areas. Fair Future and Kawan Baik have taken the initiative to bring positive change to the lives of people living in remote regions. We provide sustainable solutions to improve the nutrition and health of local communities. Our goal is to empower families, reduce infant mortality rates and create a better future for children. Let’s work together to make a meaningful difference!
15th Anniversary: A Decade and a Half of Action and Healing
Celebrate with us as we mark 15 years of the Fair Future Foundation’s unyielding commitment to providing essential medical care, clean water, and hope to rural communities in East Sumba. Founded by Alex Wettstein, our dedicated team has been at the forefront of combating infectious diseases, addressing hunger, and improving living conditions for the most vulnerable populations. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact and build a brighter future for those in need.
Battling Medication Shortage in East Sumba: A Day of Hope
In East Sumba, there is a shortage of medication which has reached a critical level, almost bordering on a crisis. However, there is hope in the form of Fair Future and Kawan Baik’s medical care day. This initiative provided treatment to almost 200 patients and gave them a chance at living healthier lives. It is crucial that we continue to support and donate to this cause in order to combat this dire situation. The health of our communities depends on our collective action. Learn how you can contribute to this urgent cause.
Kawan Sehat: Transforming Healthcare in Rural Indonesia
Kawan Sehat healthcare workers are doing more than just transforming healthcare; they are saving lives in the most remote areas of Indonesia. These amazing women provide vital medical care, overcome obstacles, and challenge traditional gender roles in their communities. Watch their incredible journey of empowerment and innovation as they bring hope to those in desperate need of healthcare services. Let’s come together to celebrate the tremendous impact of the Kawan Sehat program on rural health and women’s leadership.
East Sumba Leap: Water Access & Sanitation Efforts Unite
A crucial meeting took place in Waingapu, where a project called #WaterConnections Laindatang was launched. The project aims to provide clean water and sanitation in East Sumba, and it is a collaborative effort between communities, the state, and NGOs such as Fair Future and Kawan Baik. This project symbolizes a commitment to sustainable development and a healthier future. The project marks the 15th anniversary of Fair Future, highlighting the power of teamwork and shared objectives.
Empowering Emotions: #WaterConnections Phase 2 & 3 Unveiled
Our new "Picture of the Day" shows you Kawan Ino passionately describes how the upcoming #WaterConnections project's Phase 2 and 3 will profoundly transform the ultra-rural village of Laindatang. With this project, the village will soon have access to clean water, enabling its residents to lead healthier and more productive lives.
On January 17th, a remarkable event unfolded within the confines of one of Laindatang's six classrooms. Nearly 250 people gathered, including 76 eager students, their parents, and a multitude of village community members. The school's leadership, the school committee, and devoted teachers were also present. It was a day meticulously planned by Ino, Alex, Susan et Ayu to elucidate the intricacies of the #WaterConnections 2024 program within this village and school.
Our arsenal included a massive 20,000-watt PowerBank to power projector and display films, illustrations, and comprehensive plans for Phases 2 and 3 of the project. A rollercoaster of emotions transpired – tears, laughter, smiles, and sheer joy radiated through the room.
As captured in the photo, Kawan Ino le responsible des activités à Sumba Est meticulously explained the blueprint for Phases 2 and 3. This grand endeavour entails the construction of vast reservoirs, PVC pipelines crisscrossing the village, and the installation of solar panels to electrify the pumps and the school itself.
Laindatang, like many other communities in this region, grapples with extreme poverty, high malaria prevalence, infant mortality, and chronic malnutrition. Infectious diseases, particularly those tied to water, plague the residents daily. Our involvement over the past year and a half, primarily during Phase 1, has brought tangible improvements, but Phases 2 and 3 will herald an even more significant impact.
The amazing ability of water to transform health, personal growth, and well-being and promote peace is truly remarkable. We are working together to bring this essential resource to Laindatang, which will change many lives and leave a lasting impact on future generations. This project is more than just an initiative; it is a lifeline, a symbol of actions, and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Please visit the website of the Fair Future Foundation to witness the impact of your support and contribute to this essential cause. Our collective efforts can bring the gift of life-giving water to the children of Laindatang and beyond. We appreciate your unswerving commitment to our mission.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu, January 31st, 2024.
Child’s Heart Gesture: Hope in Clean Water Access
Our new "Picture of the Day" shows you a poignant snapshot of the #WaterConnections project in Laindatang, revealing our presence's profound impact on the lives of local children.
At the heart of this image, a young student from the school and village we work hard for forms a heart with his fingers, a simple but powerful gesture that symbolizes the happiness and hope our work brings to his school community. For more than a year, the Fair Future Foundation has been committed to an essential mission: radically transforming living and health conditions in this region.
The #WaterConnections project aims to introduce a fundamental but previously inaccessible resource to this child's village: clean water. His school, which houses six classes and nearly 80 students, is deprived of the most basic necessities: no water, no toilets, no sinks, no electricity, and a serious shortage of teaching materials and access to information.
Health Risks in a Water-Scarce Environment
Operating a school with 80 children without access to clean water, toilets, or handwashing facilities presents significant health risks. Such conditions foster the spread of infectious diseases, including diarrhoea, cholera, and parasitic infections, which are particularly devastating in young, developing bodies. The absence of these basic sanitary conditions impedes not only physical health but also the student's ability to learn, as illness leads to absenteeism and a decrease in academic performance.
Introducing six sanitary installations, eight handwashing stations, and a water point for students to access clean water for their long journeys back home represents a monumental shift. These improvements mean a drastic reduction in the spread of disease, enhanced personal hygiene, and the promotion of health education that extends beyond the school grounds into the community. Children can now focus on their studies without the constant threat of illness, and families can rest easier knowing their children have a safer learning environment.
The child's smile, captured in this photo, is far from insignificant. It reflects sincere joy and complicity with those who work to improve his life. It's a powerful reminder of the human impact of our work and a testament to the hope and positive change we can bring.
We are at a crucial point in our mission at Laindatang, and every contribution brings us closer to our goal. Whether it's drilling, building reservoirs, or installing sanitation, every donation makes a significant difference. We invite you to join us, support the #WaterConnections project, and be part of this vital transformation. Your generosity can literally change lives.
Visit the Fair Future Foundation website to see the impact of your support and contribute to this crucial cause. Together, we can make water, the source of life, a reality for the children of Laindatang and beyond. Thank you for your commitment to us.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu, January 27th, 2024.
Hope Found Below: Alex’s 15-Year Journey
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of ultra-rural communities in Southeast Asia? Join us and explore Alex Wettstein’s 15-year journey with the Fair Future Foundation. Together, we can provide hope, clean water, healthcare, and transformation to those in need. Let’s make a real impact.
Impactful presentation of #WaterConnections project
In the heart of Eastern Indonesia, the #WaterConnection project has brought about a transformative change in Laindatang. Over 200 individuals gathered to witness its impact, as the project has provided clean water, sanitation, unity, and hope to the remote village. This is not just a journey towards a healthier and sustainable future, but a bold step in the right direction. We invite you to join us in this extraordinary journey towards a brighter future.
Groundwater is the Key to Laindatang’s Project
Our new "Picture of the Day" showcases the exceptional skills of Kawan Neni, our drilling partner and an accomplished dowser who has successfully identified crucial underground water sources essential to our mission..
In the scorching heat of Eastern Indonesia, on the rugged terrain of East Sumba, a relentless endeavour unfolds. The Fair Future Foundation's #WaterConnection project in Laindatang has been an unyielding beacon of hope for over a year, striving to deliver essential services to a community entrenched in hardship. At the heart of this relentless quest lies an ancient practice – dowsing, also known as radiesthésie.
Quest for Lifesaving Springs Beneath
Water, the essence of life, remains an elusive dream in Laindatang, where the struggle for access to clean and dependable water persists. With a sprawling village expanse and a school that welcomes 78 eager young minds daily, the dire need for a sustainable water source has never been more pronounced. The village, like the school, lacks even the most fundamental amenities: no toilets, no clean water, no electricity.
Dowsing, a centuries-old technique, has emerged as an invaluable tool in the arsenal of the Fair Future Foundation and Kawan Baik Foundation. Over the years, this method has proven its worth repeatedly, unveiling concealed aquifers that sustain life in this unforgiving region.
A Pioneering Solution for Laindatang
The #WaterConnection project, initiated in 2024, coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Swiss-based Fair Future Foundation. Its success hinges in part on the discovery of reliable underground water, a mission entrusted to dowsing. As we stand on Phases 2 and 3 thresholds, our objectives are unequivocal: secure deep wells, possibly two, to ensure a constant and clean water supply for over a hundred families and the local school. Our optimism soars as we've identified three potential drilling locations, all but guaranteeing the presence of water.
This pivotal project phase signifies a significant turning point. The construction of additional reservoirs will cement access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and a brighter future for the entire village. The school, where children thirst for knowledge but have been denied the most rudimentary resources, will finally be equipped with the essential infrastructure they deserve.
Progress, One Precious Drop at a Time
The Fair Future Foundation's unwavering commitment to improving lives remains unshaken. The #WaterConnection project in Laindatang stands as a testament to this commitment. Guided by dowsing, we are on the brink of effecting transformation, uplifting not just the village but also the aspirations of 78 young children aged 6 to 12, who yearn for a brighter future, not just for themselves but for their entire families.
As we dig deeper into the earth's belly, searching for concealed water sources through the ancient art of dowsing, we embark on a journey toward enduring change. This voyage serves as a stark reminder that every drop counts and that access to clean water isn't merely a fundamental human right but also a catalyst for progress.
Today, we must quickly move forward with Phases #2 and #3 of this #WaterConnections project for the residents of this extremely rural village and all the children who live there. We cannot achieve this without your help. So, how about we all roll up our sleeves and tackle this challenge together
Stay tuned as we continue our mission to unearth the treasures hidden beneath the surface and usher in a new wave of transformation in Laindatang.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu, January 15th, 2024.