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Water Programs

Increasing access to clean water is the Sumba Foundation's oldest and most established program.
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Increasing the Impact

Increasing the Impact

The Sumba Foundation is committed to providing the Sumba people with access to potable water. Without easily accessible water nearby the villages, the women and their children must walk great distances to bring home one bucket of water at a time. 

We are now providing water to 3,904 homes in 417 villages. 

Having clean drinking water, which eludes the majority of the population, is foundational for a healthy living environment.

Water is always the very first project we do when moving into new areas of the island. Since 2001 we have been building wells, laying water pipelines and building water stations just outside the villages for the women to have easy and close access to. Over the years our water team have built;

  • 105 wells 
  • 392 water stations 
  • 269 water tanks filled daily with 1,279,500 liters (319,875 gallons) of water.
  • 1,300 kilometers (813 miles) of water pipe in the ground
  • 123 toilets at 47 schools and at 9 clinics
See Project
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Providing Potable Water

Providing Potable Water

Potable water is essential to improving the livelihood of people in Western Sumba. Having clean drinking water, which eludes the majority of the population, is foundational for a healthy living environment.

Furthermore, consistent access to this resource is outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a key target for 2030. By building critical infrastructure, we are bringing Sumba closer to a reality where safe, clean drinking water is available and affordable to all.

See Project
2024/09/5f5a6a95-da4b-4cca-b755-8e1b83715768.jpeg
01 / 02

Increasing the Impact

The Sumba Foundation is committed to providing the Sumba people with access to potable water. Without easily accessible water nearby the villages, the women and their children must walk great distances to bring home one bucket of water at a time. 

We are now providing water to 3,904 homes in 417 villages. 

Having clean drinking water, which eludes the majority of the population, is foundational for a healthy living environment.

Water is always the very first project we do when moving into new areas of the island. Since 2001 we have been building wells, laying water pipelines and building water stations just outside the villages for the women to have easy and close access to. Over the years our water team have built;

  • 105 wells 
  • 392 water stations 
  • 269 water tanks filled daily with 1,279,500 liters (319,875 gallons) of water.
  • 1,300 kilometers (813 miles) of water pipe in the ground
  • 123 toilets at 47 schools and at 9 clinics
See Project
2024/09/Uji-Coba-Pompa-Distribusi-Air-bersih-Wp-Palamoko-6-7-24-25-scaled.jpg
02 / 02

Providing Potable Water

Potable water is essential to improving the livelihood of people in Western Sumba. Having clean drinking water, which eludes the majority of the population, is foundational for a healthy living environment.

Furthermore, consistent access to this resource is outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a key target for 2030. By building critical infrastructure, we are bringing Sumba closer to a reality where safe, clean drinking water is available and affordable to all.

See Project

Your Donation Empowers Lives and Preserves Culture

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Mama Bangi's (60 years old)

Support Our Campaign for Water Station Installations

Mama Bangi, a skilled weaver from a small village in Sumba, used to spend hours each day fetching water, leaving little time for her craft. The Sumba Foundation’s installation of water stations has changed her life.

Hear from Our Comunnity

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“Thanks to the Sumba Foundation’s scholarship program, I am happy to be able to study to become a nurse. This opportunity has changed my life, allowing me to pursue my dream of helping others. One day, I hope to give back to my community, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to make a difference.”

Nia
Scholarship beneficiary

“I no longer have to walk miles to fetch water every day and can now focus on my education. Having clean water close to home means I can attend school regularly and pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. I’m incredibly grateful for the support that has changed my life and given me hope for a brighter future.”

Maria
Clean Water Program Participant

“Pregnant mothers program provided essential nutrition education and support, which saved both my life and my baby’s by ensuring our health and well-being. This program not only improved our health but also united our community as we shared knowledge and supported each other on this journey.”

Anna
Pregnant Women Malnutrition Program Beneficiary

Thanks to my love for the ocean and my love for surfing, I stumbled upon the island of Sumba and found myself wrapped in a still untouched place, where I was immediately struck by the landscape and the warmth of the local inhabitants. During my stay, I had the opportunity to learn about the invaluable work of The Sumba Foundation and, thanks to its initiatives, I got to know the challenges faced by the communities of Sumba, particularly the difficult access to clean water, which has a direct negative impact on the hygiene and health conditions of the inhabitants. For this reason, I decided to contribute with Save The Duck to the Foundation, contributing to the construction and renovation of wells and pipelines to bring water to numerous villages of the island and 1000s of people living them. This collaboration also enables Save The Duck to balance its yearly water consumption, associated with the production of its garments and related materials, by providing back, in terms for equity, clean water to the needs of local people. The goal is to continue developing the necessary infrastructures to ensure direct access to clean drinking water for more and more Sumba’s inhabitants.

Nicolas Bargi
Founder & CEO of Save The Duck

“After visiting the Sumba Foundation and participating in school lunches and after-school programs, I was moved by the incredible impact this organization has on the community. Seeing the students’ excitement and eagerness to learn convinced me to become a sponsor immediately. The dedication of the staff and the positive changes in the children’s lives are truly inspiring, and I am proud to support such a meaningful cause.”

Sarah
Australia

“After visiting the Sumba Foundation and participating in the Malnutrition Program for pregnant women, we were inspired to become a regular sponsor. Providing nutritious food and joining the women during check-ups showed us the program’s vital impact on mothers and their babies. It’s incredibly rewarding to support a cause that builds healthier, stronger communities.”

Lisa
The Sumba Smiles Project

“As a nurse at the Sumba Foundation, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact of providing free medical care, especially in remote areas of West Sumba. The Foundation sponsored my studies so I could return and work at the clinic, where we reduce illness and create a healthier future for families every day. It’s inspiring to see how our work is transforming lives and ensuring a brighter future for everyone.”

Luba
Nurse at SF

“Working with the Sumba Foundation’s Water Project has been a life-changing experience for me. Every day, I see firsthand the impact clean water access has on the health and well-being of communities that once struggled without it. Our team’s efforts not only improve hygiene and reduce waterborne diseases but also give families the opportunity to thrive. It’s inspiring to be part of a project that brings hope and transformation to Sumba.

Tius
Water Project Staff

“I admire Sumba Foundation as a powerful community where the local children can finally access education out of the government school, especially in English from their early age. Within years, I’ve seen these children develop ability to have short conversations with foreigners about certain topic. I expect to witness other great changes the foundation will bring about in the future.”

Fiani
Teacher-Education Program

“Working as a midwife at the Sumba Foundation Clinic has been incredibly rewarding. Through the Mama to Mama Program, our ultrasound examinations ensure that pregnant women receive the care they need for healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries. It’s fulfilling to see how our work directly improves the health of mothers and their babies, giving families in Sumba hope for a brighter, healthier future. I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated team.

Ayu
Midwife - Mama to Mama Project
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