Project 28: Book Bags of Blessings: Nias & Nusa Penida Islands, Indonesia

We blessed over 2,000 children from poor remote communities on Nias and Nusa Penida Islands with a quality book bag filled with the school supply essentials they need in order to attend public school. By getting an education, they have a chance to break the cycle of poverty.

Nias Island is located off the west coast of the provincial island region known as Sumatra. The island ranks amongst the poorest areas in Indonesia with 17% of the population living below the national poverty line – nearly double the national average. Poverty is a significant contributor to food insecurity and malnutrition. Incomes are insufficient to meet basic household needs, including clean water and sanitation, basic healthcare and adequate nutrition, let alone school supplies.

Nusa Penida is an island that sits off the coast of the tourist magnet of Bali. The main industry on the island is agriculture with the average household earning less than $100 a month. The majority of people living on the island only complete education to the junior high school level. Due to the lack of higher-level educational facilities on the island, those who want to continue studying beyond junior-high have to leave the island which means costly transportation.

Given these realities, it would only seem fit that Mite and our partners come together to help these poor communities out with lovely functional book bags of blessings. Each bag comes with our logo and is filled with items such as stationary, pens, pencils, erasers, toys, and more. Everything a budding student needs to get the best out of their classes.

Education is one of the most important investments you can make in a country and its people. Thank you for making that investment in 2,443 children!