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The Fair Future Foundation in East Indonesia combats social and medical injustice and aims to ensure everyone has access to healthcare, clean water, and education. Join us in making a difference.
Fair Future’s vision: supporting healthy lives through clean water, medical care, and education.
Imagine a region where water is as precious as gold, where communities face eight-month-long dry seasons. Now, picture a bold initiative, the Tanambanas Water Connection Project, designed to capture and store rainwater ingeniously. Join us on this journey of innovation and resilience as we bring hope, clean water, and a brighter future to the…
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
Matawai’ serves as a profound wakeup call to the global community about the water crisis in Eastern Indonesia. Produced by Fair Future Foundation, this compelling documentary vividly portrays the day-to-day struggles of rural families. Through this film, you’ll also witness the groundbreaking initiatives we’ve implemented to transform access to…
In the heart of East Sumba, Fair Future Foundation’s relentless efforts have brought a significant transformation to healthcare. Access to clean water, a basic necessity, has been restored at the Mahu health center (Puskesmas), benefiting over 20,000 individuals.
Embark on a journey with the families of Laindatatang village, as they, with the support of Fair Future and Kawan Baik, successfully transformed access to their community, ushering in new opportunities for all. Explore how this ambitious infrastructure project, marked by unwavering dedication and local involvement, symbolizes a commitment to…
Discover the remarkable progress in our ongoing construction and repair efforts on the road to Laindatatang village in East Sumba. The Fair Future Foundation has been at the forefront, meticulously coordinating and overseeing this significant project for months.
This new "Picture of the Day" shows a delighted father who can now provide daily showers for his children, thanks to the newly installed water supply. Previously, they could only shower sporadically, sometimes only once a month. Additionally, the photo showcases the new sanitation facilities constructed in Mbinudita. The Water Connections project has successfully installed over forty reservoirs, thirty sanitary installations, three deep boreholes, and more than 15000 meters of HDPE pipes.
Water scarcity can be a significant source of stress for some regions, and various factors can cause it. Arid climates, low rainfall and prolonged droughts are just a few conditions that can contribute to water scarcity. Poor water resource management and a lack of knowledge can also exacerbate this problem, making it even more difficult for everyone to access the water they need to thrive.
Despite these challenges, Fair Future is working hard to address water scarcity and ensure people have access to this vital resource. That is why we have developed the Water Program Connections.
Fair Future and Kawan Baik have noticed a significant improvement in the behaviour of families who have benefited from the "Water Connections" initiative. This program has enabled people to grow gardens, consume healthier food, enjoy life more, reduce stress, and boost energy levels. As a result, there has been a marked decrease in illnesses.
Witnessing these positive changes fills us with joy and reinforces our conviction in our decisions. Fair Future and Kawan Baik Foundation have always aimed to improve individual health, and providing access to safe drinking water is a beautiful way to accomplish this objective. As a Medical Foundation, Fair Future Foundation understands clean water's significance for maintaining good health. Drinking enough clean and healthy water is crucial for various physiological processes, including body hydration, proper organ function, digestion, and elimination of toxins.
Access to clean and safe water prevents dehydration-related illnesses, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and constipation. It also significantly prevents dehydration, particularly in hot areas where sweating and water loss through respiration are common. While water is necessary for maintaining good health, we understand better than anyone else that certain medical conditions may require alternative treatments.
Beyond Borders: Fighting Malaria Together in Eastern Indonesia. This new "Picture of the Day" shows three kids between 8 and 12 years old. Children are among the most vulnerable malaria victims in Indonesia, especially in the east of the country and of course here, where we work with Fair Future, Kawan Baik foundations and all our partners and friends.
The health and well-being of children in eastern Indonesia are threatened by malaria, which hinders their growth, development, and quality of life. Our organizations have a deep understanding of the urgency to address this issue, and we are working hard on our disease control program, which is of utmost importance. We have a strong track record of working in these regions where the epidemic affects about 80% of children. Collaborative efforts are underway to combat malaria and prioritize the welfare of children in these areas.
Young children are at a higher risk of contracting malaria due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Living in rural and poor areas with limited access to preventive measures only exacerbates the severity of symptoms if infected. A contributing factor is that young children typically haven't been exposed to the malaria parasite enough times to build up immunity* against it.
It can be challenging for young children in our regions to communicate or identify the symptoms of malaria, and their parents may not be familiar with them either. As a result, affected children may display non-specific symptoms like fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, irritability, and vomiting, which could easily be mistaken for other common childhood illnesses like drinking contaminated water. Consequently, this can cause delays in diagnosing and treating malaria accurately
*Some additional explanation: People living in malaria-endemic areas gradually develop acquired immunity, which reduces their susceptibility to severe infections in the future.
This new "Picture of the Day" shows you kids from the village of Laidatang, who fetch water far from home in the "Kullup" of the village. Elthon, responsible for documentation (with the black t-shirt), and Alex, from the medical staff, are also present in this photo. With the kids and one or two adults accompanying us, we walk more than an hour to reach this place in the middle of a high hill. You must descend a steep path to access these hand-dug holes in the rock. In 30 minutes, we will have to go up the hill and walk back. But this time, loaded with several jerrycans filled to the brim.
The Fair Future and Kawan Baik teams spend two days with the families of the ultra-rural and isolated village of Laindatang to get to know them even better. In this village, we have the project to create a #WaterConnections project. I let you read here the articles related to this project and here to see what your want to do to save their lives,
In Laindatang, families only have access to rainwater. It's for everything: eating, drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes, drinking water, caring for children, sick people or watering animals. Therefore, one of the ways for women and young girls to have water at home to live on is to walk several kilometres to find the "Kullup".
Kullup, what is it? These are small stone basins, directly dug into the rock by the villagers, used to collect and store rainwater in rural areas. When it rains, the water seeps into the ground at the top of the hill and then is filtered through the earth and the basements. It flows drop by drop in these stone basins, the "Kullup". Then the villagers come to fill their jerrycans with five or ten litres.
The "Kuluk" are an essential water source for the local communities. But the quality of stored water can be affected by bacterial contamination, chemicals, animal waste or debris. Therefore, regularly cleaning these small holes in the rock is essential to maintain water quality. It is important to note that the "kuluk" is only a temporary solution to the water crisis in areas with limited access to drinking water. Indeed, the "kuluks" cannot fill up correctly without rain. They dry out about ten days after the last rains and remain dry for almost nine months. To find water, young girls, women and children, sometimes under five, will have to walk even further and longer.
Our two organizations work with local communities to implement longer-term solutions, such as constructing water supply networks using deep boreholes and sealed and healthy rainwater cisterns. The Water Connections program offers innovative and sustainable solutions. It includes promoting water conservation practices with “Kawan Sehat” and self-sustaining access to Primary Medical Care through the PMC program.
Building a 5,000-liter ferro-cement water reservoir in remote areas costs about 12 million IDR (700 CHF). This reservoir provides clean water to hundreds of people, especially children, improving health and reducing disease. Your support can help us build the next reservoir and transform a community.
In this news "Picture of the Day," we invite you to take a bird's-eye view of a remarkable transformation unfolding in the heart of Sumba Tengah, Indonesia. The image captured from above reveals two immense reservoirs, each with a staggering capacity of 20,000 litres. These reservoirs are not just structures but lifelines for a community in need. Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey behind this transformative project in TanaMbanas.
Majestic Reservoirs and Tireless Dedication: A Glimpse into TanaMbanas – In the heart of Sumba Tengah, where arid landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the village of TanaMbanas. It's a place that has witnessed a remarkable transformation, and today, we take you on a journey to explore the heart of our #WaterConnections project.
As you gaze upon the aerial view of TanaMbanas, your eyes are immediately drawn to two colossal reservoirs, each boasting a capacity of 20,000 litres. These reservoirs are not mere structures; they are lifelines for the community, resulting from tireless dedication and unwavering commitment.
The journey to bring these reservoirs to life was no easy feat. It spanned over three months, filled with challenges and triumphs. Much like the upcoming project in Laindatang, these reservoirs represent the epitome of our mission – to harness the power of rainwater to benefit rural communities.
In the photo, you'll also glimpse our dedicated Fair Future team alongside the trusty "Truck of Life." They are the heart and soul of our #WaterConnections program, working diligently to ensure access to clean water becomes a reality for these communities.
This image captures the magnitude of the #WaterConnections project in TanaMbanas and serves as a testament to our enduring commitment to improving lives. It's a reminder that despite adverse weather conditions and logistical challenges, we remain resolute in our mission.
As we prepare to embark on the next phase of our journey in Laindatang, we reflect on our incredible impact so far. Together, we will continue to change lives, one drop of clean water at a time.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the frontlines of our mission to make clean water accessible to all.
#CleanWaterForAll #CommunityTransformation #FairFutureFoundation #WaterSecurity #SumbaTengah #ImpactfulProjects #SustainableSolutions
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu, on the 5th of January, 2024.
The current priority in this village is to give them clean, safe water and sanitation. Here, families must walk for miles, sometimes more than 10 hours, to bring a few litres of clean water home. People here have less than 2 litres per day and a person to drink, eat, go to the toilets, and wash. So you have to make sacrifices.
