In response to the pressing needs on the island and after much planning, The Sumba Foundation initiated the first Community Development Program in 2001.

This Program was the first phase initiative of a long-term commitment that the Foundation set forth to lessen the impact of poverty and improve the quality of life on the island.

The Community Development Program has four primary focus areas: 

• health

• water

• education

• and income generation.

With a core staff of 28 local Sumbanese, and 5 expatriate volunteers, the Program covers a geographical area of 35 square miles, with an estimated population of 10,000. 

Along with the Malaria Eradication Project, the Commuity Development Program is having a very positive impact on a population that has never before been the beneficiary of development assistance.
 

The response and participation from the local population in the community projects has been great, and drives the Program’s efforts forward.