Project 18: Book Bags of Blessings: Indonesia

Children living in poor communities in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, received bags of blessings with needed school supplies, living essentials and other special goodies. Their school bags have never been so full with all the tools they need to go to attend classes.

East Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Timur) is a province of Indonesia, located in the eastern part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, and has a population of 5.07 million. The islands are extremely poor, with agriculture being the main driver of the island’s economy. "If the province were a country, it would be one of the poorest in the world. Income per person is one-third of the Indonesian average" (devpolicy.org).

Approximately 25% of the population drop out from elementary school, with the literacy rate on these islands lagging behind the rest of Indonesia drastically. The average income for a family ranges from $40-90 per month. Many families cannot afford school supplies for their children to attend school.

According to Global Partnership for Education, "Education reduces poverty, boosts economic growth and increases income. It increases a person's chances of having a healthy life, reduces maternal deaths, and combats diseases such as HIV and AIDS. Education can promote gender equality, reduce child marriage, and promote peace. In sum, education is one of the most important investments a country can make in its people and its future.

Book Bag of Blessings projects have been conducted throughout the world bringing joy and hope as children have the doors to education opened up to them.For Project 18, we will be distributing more than 1,000 book bags filled with school supplies and goodies to help the children in poverty go to school. These children will feel the love and hope that your Mite brings.

The trip will include planes, boats, cars and hikes into villages where navigable roads are unavailable. Say a prayer for us!