The import of 2,224 SolarBuddy lamps from Australia to Indonesia for the children of East Sumba has been a painstaking process that is finally coming to fruition after much headache, discouragement, and then joy.
Getting the tax-exempt status for this donation (for an on-site program valued at over IDR 2 billion) took over three months of hard work. This included going from office to office, sending dozens of emails, obtaining many, many letters, and making hundreds of calls. The final step required for approval will be the online meeting with the ministry in charge in Jakarta on February 3, and then the process will be complete.
This step is the first step for NGOs in Indonesia, and it will hopefully pave the way for more effective humanitarian imports in the future. Despite the challenges, these initiatives have the potential to bring about transformative change by providing thousands of children with their first access to reliable lighting. This advancement will significantly improve these communities’ education, security and quality of life.
21.01.2025 | Thank you very much for your interest and help. Alex, Rumah Kambera.
- SolarBuddy: Provides solar lighting to children and communities without electricity.
- United Nations Sustainable Development: Advocates for sustainable energy solutions to support education and equality.
- GlobalGiving: Supports community-driven projects focused on education and development.
- World Bank Energy Access: Works to expand global access to reliable and clean energy.
- Rotary International: Collaborates with organizations like Fair Future to implement impactful humanitarian projects.
Hashtags: #FairFuture #SolarBuddy #CleanEnergy #LightForChildren #EastSumba #HumanitarianLogistics #Sustainability #CommunitySupport #SolarForAll #EnergyAccess #SwissNGO #Switzerland #SwissNGO #SwissIndonesia #ProudToBeSwiss #KawanBaikIndonesia
Type of equipment we need
Educational Support for Schools and Children
Empowering children begins with access to education. We welcome donations that help us equip schools and learning centers. Educational books for all levels, school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, rulers, and chalkboards, interactive learning games, and uniforms are always needed. Laptops, tablets, and functional computer equipment can make a world of difference for children in remote areas, helping them stay connected to knowledge. Classroom furniture—desks, tables, and chairs in good condition—ensures children have a space to learn and grow.
Medical Equipment and Supplies for Health Centers and the Medical Truck
Access to healthcare saves lives. We need sterile syringes, medical gloves, bandages, dressings, disinfectants, and small surgical kits to provide essential care. Diagnostic tools such as stethoscopes, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and malaria or polio tests help us respond to medical emergencies. Mobility aids like wheelchairs and crutches are essential for patients. Donations of maternity and newborn care equipment are critical to ensure safe births. Our Medical Truck also relies on PPE, infusion kits, and diagnostic devices to reach isolated communities in need of care.
Tools and Equipment for Construction and Water Infrastructure Projects
Building sustainable infrastructure is key to improving living conditions. Our projects need construction tools—hammers, saws, drills, and wrenches—along with materials such as cement, wood, and rebar. Donations of solar panels, batteries, and converters are essential to power water pumps for clean water access. We also need plumbing fittings, PVC pipes, and water tanks to complete wells and water systems. Proper safety gear—helmets, boots, and gloves—ensures the well-being of our teams during construction.
Clothing, Bedding, and Household Items for Families in Need
In ultra-rural areas, basic items can make a big difference. We welcome clean and gently used clothing for children and adults, as well as shoes suitable for the terrain—sandals, boots, and more. Bedding donations like blankets, sheets, and mattresses help families stay comfortable and ensure our health centers can care for patients overnight. Books and toys bring joy and learning opportunities to children. Your contributions provide dignity, warmth, and well-being to families with limited resources.
Support for Emergency Situations and Disaster Relief
Our teams are always ready to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters or health crises. Your donations can directly support relief operations—whether through first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, or tarps for temporary shelters. We are committed to reaching remote areas quickly, ensuring that affected communities receive the immediate assistance they need to rebuild and recover.