2009 season almost here!

We are getting closer to the beginning of our Indo Jiwa charter season…the old girl is currently undergoing a thorough refit in Sibolga, West Sumatra. An extension to the wheelhouse crew bunks allows for an extra 3 guest spots…so now you don’t have to leave anyone at home!

Our first trip starts on the 6th of April, we are looking forward to getting back out to see all of our friends in the village communities.

We are opening up the Asu land base for Holidays with Purpose groups this year, with Mike and Tash Humberstone as hosts….read more about that on the Holidays with Purpose website.

Volunteer applications are now open and we have had quite a bit of interest. Come and join us and be a part of the team

Matt and Reni had a new baby boy, Justin, in December last year. He has had a rough start being hospitalized a couple of times, but is now growing strong and healthy. Matt and Reni continue to be based in Medan, overseeing the admin, logistics and exporting of the coconut oil.

Indo Jiwa bring dental and health team to the Banyak Islands and Nias.

The most recent Holidays with Purpose charter saw the Indo Jiwa bring a dental and health team to four locations in the Banyak Islands and Nias.

Most of the people treated had never seen a dentist in their life! The medical team conducted safe birth practices; classes for traditional birth attendants; nutritional classes for mothers and children's health clinics. All of the clinics were well received by grateful communities. LEAP would like to thank Coolum Christian Family Church, George and Alicia Hideg and Dentsply, Labtech and Trollplast for donating dental supplies.

Graduating out of poverty!

Our first four graduates from the Coconut Kids Club on Asu Island went on to start Primary school recently! Many of the children on Asu do not normally attend school, however through the success of our preschool programme and the relationships we have built with the parents, we have been able to convince some of them of the importance of education. For some of these children they will be the first generation in their family to receive a formal education, the first step up the ladder out of poverty and illiteracy!

Water for Everyone!

The second phase of our water installation project is just winding up with the last pump being installed this week. This will bring us to a total of 55 community water pumps installed by us in the Hinako Islands, securing a clean and continuous water supply for up to 3,000 people! Thanks to SurfAid who sponsored the first 22; Richard Cansale, Alan McKenzie and the folk at Eldon Avenue Methodist for donating 42 Canzee pumps for the second phase and to Unicef Nias for funding the installation of the last 30 pumps.

HWP Video posted on YouTube.com