Clean Water Indonesia Project #63756

Provide Clean Water Access for Indonesian Schools

by Yayasan Hati Gembira Indonesia (Happy Hearts Indonesia Foundation)

Project Report | Jul 9, 2025
Wells of Hope for Malaka's Children

By David | Individual Giving Manager

Before

A Shared Struggle for Water

In Malaka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), water is a precious commodity. The prolonged dry seasons and unreliable rainfall—sometimes absent for over 60 days—have intensified the region's water crisis. According to WALHI NTT, more than 70% of the province is affected, leaving both households and schools in constant search of clean water.

For five early childhood education centers—PAUD Magdalena, PAUD Buah Hati, PAUD Oan Lalawar 2, PAUD Sinar Kfauleur, and PAUD Mane Ikun—this challenge has become part of everyday life.

Despite receiving rebuilt school buildings between 2020 and 2023—complete with classrooms, toilets, educational toys, and playgrounds—these schools continue to operate without direct access to clean water. Students and teachers walk 150 meters daily to fetch water from community wells, carrying it back in buckets and jerry cans just to flush toilets or wash their hands.

The lack of running water compromises hygiene, limits learning time, and poses serious health risks, especially for the youngest learners. Compounding the issue, these schools also remain without access to electricity.

A Long-Awaited Solution

Now, through the support of our generous donors, Happy Hearts Indonesia is launching a new clean water initiative for these five schools. The project will provide:

Wells at each school site
Water piping to connect wells directly to the school’s toilets
Access to electricity to power the water system

This solution is designed to be sustainable, cost-effective, and community-empowering.

A Ripple Effect of Impact

Once completed, the clean water facilities will directly benefit 182 students and 22 teachers, with a ripple effect across 204 households—impacting an estimated 612 community members.

This project contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, and SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation, reinforcing that access to clean water is not just about hygiene—it’s about dignity, education, and opportunity.

What It Means for the Schools

Healthier Students: With clean water and working toilets, students can stay healthy and focused on learning.
Empowered Teachers: No more time lost managing daily water shortages or walking long distances for basic needs.
Stronger Communities: Access to clean water will also support nearby households during shortages, deepening the schools' role as community anchors.
Educational Growth: Hygiene education will be integrated into daily routines, reinforcing positive habits from an early age.

Together, We Can Quench More Than Thirst

This story is still unfolding. With your continued support, we can ensure that no child must choose between learning and clean water. These young learners in Malaka deserve safe, healthy learning environments where they can thrive.

Clean water is a right, not a privilege. Let’s make it a reality—one school, one well at a time.

After

Links:

Support us through our website!

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Mar 17, 2025
Clean Water Access : SMPK St Yohanes Kalembu Lona

By David | Individual Giving Manager

Before

The lack of access to clean water posed a major challenge for students and staff at SMPK (Catholic Middle School) St Yohanes Kalembu Lona. Previously, the school's toilets often ran out of water, forcing students to bring jerry cans from home or rely on costly water purchases. When supplies ran low, students had to seek alternatives, including using community toilets or resorting to unsanitary options behind the school. This situation was far from ideal, affecting hygiene and student well-being.

Despite these challenges, the school community remained optimistic, hoping for a lasting solution.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, SMPK St Yohanes Kalembu Lona now has a reliable clean water facility. The impact of this installation has been transformative:

Enhanced Sanitation: The school's toilets now have a consistent water supply, ensuring cleanliness and comfort for students and teachers alike.

Cost Savings: The school no longer needs to purchase water from external suppliers, significantly reducing monthly expenses.

Community Benefits: The newly installed well benefits not only the school but also local residents who previously lacked access to clean water.

All of 98 Students can now focus on their studies without interruptions caused by water scarcity. Moreover, students have become more aware of the importance of hygiene, washing their hands more frequently and even using the well water to nurture school plants.

The positive feedback from students, teachers, and the broader community highlights the profound impact of this initiative:

“Since the well was installed at our school, my enthusiasm for going to school has grown tremendously. It's such a relief not having to carry liters of water from home or ask for water from the surrounding community anymore.” – Anastasia Laga, Student

“We are deeply thankful for the new well. It has made a significant difference. Now, students no longer need to bring water from home, and we've saved money previously spent on water trucks. The cleanliness of both the toilets and the school has greatly improved.” – Yasin, Teacher

The story of SMPK St Yohanes Kalembu Lona is a testament to how small contributions from donors create lasting, meaningful change. However, many schools across Indonesia continue to face similar challenges. With your continued support, we can extend this life-changing opportunity to many more schools, ensuring every child has access to clean water and a better learning environment.

Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for Indonesia’s children.

After

Links:

Our Website

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Nov 19, 2024
Clean Water Access Transforms SMP Wee Wella

By David | Individual Giving Manager

Student with clean water access

At SMP Wee Wella, the lack of access to clean water was a significant challenge. The school’s toilets often ran out of water, forcing students and staff to rely on expensive water tankers. However, delivery delays—due to the high demand from the community—meant water shortages could last up to a day. As a result, students were sometimes forced to use the community toilet or resort to unsanitary alternatives, such as the back of the school. This situation was neither ideal nor hygienic, affecting the school’s overall environment and the students' well-being.

Despite these difficulties, the spirit of the school community remained hopeful, believing that better days were possible.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, SMP Wee Wella now has a reliable clean water facility. The impact of this installation has been transformative:

Enhanced Sanitation: The school toilets now have a consistent water supply, promoting cleanliness and comfort for students and teachers alike.
Cost Savings: The school no longer needs to purchase water from tankers, reducing monthly expenses significantly.
Community Benefits: The newly installed well serves not only the school but also nearby residents who previously lacked access to their own water sources.

This clean water facility has gone beyond solving sanitation issues; it has improved the school’s daily operations. Toilets and classrooms are cleaned regularly, creating a healthier learning environment. Students can now stay focused on their studies without interruptions caused by the need to fetch water.

The positive feedback from students, teachers, and the community is a testament to the impact of this initiative.

The story of SMP Wee Wella showcases how small contributions from our donors create lasting, meaningful change. However, many schools across Indonesia continue to face similar challenges. With your continued support, we can extend this life-changing opportunity to many more schools, ensuring every child has access to clean water and a better learning environment.

Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for Indonesia’s children.

Sincerely,
David
Individual Giving Manager

Students with clean water access

Toilets and Water anitation

Links:

http://happyheartsindonesia.org/

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