East Bali Poverty Project

Since 1998, the East Bali Poverty Project (EBPP) has helped more than 3,500 impoverished families in 19 isolated sub-villages to help themselves as they gradually escape the cycle of abject poverty.

In 1998, these communities, scattered over 5,000 hectares of arid north and eastern slopes of Mounts Agung and Abang in east Bali, were totally isolated from the outside world with no roads, water supply, health facilities, education, sanitation or electricity – and children were the key victims! Malnutrition and iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) were endemic, with iodine being the key micronutrient for brain and body development. They appealed to David Booth for help and the East Bali poverty Project was born! After interviewing 1,056 families, the most isolated communities requested “education for our children so they can lead us to a better life”.  An inspiring and productive collaboration then began with the whole village to address key aspects of human need.

Key milestones and achievements below:

• Educated more than 1,150 childrenin 6 EBPP schools;
• Road infrastructure – more than 25 kilometres built;
• Water supply for over 2,200 families;
• Health outreach services to 4,000+ children annually
• 1,095 toilet blocks built to improve sanitation, hygiene and health
• 80,000 bamboo seedlings planted
• Established bamboo Social Enterprise, to generate an income for the communities

Funds are urgently needed to continue education in 2020 for 70 students in our Jatituhu and Pengalusan schools, two of the most remote hamlets in Desa Ban.

At $392/child, we need $27,440 to pay for: teachers’ salaries, site transport, teaching and learning resources, vocational training, hygiene item, etc. These 70 children and their families depend on EBPP schools as government schools are too far away and no public transport.

EBPP students are high achievers:

• Gender equality education: Girls report no further harassment and both girls and boys share tasks equally at home and at school;
• School dropout and early marriage: Almost eliminated thanks to our students advocacy to parents in their respective communities;
• University success: 2 girls enrolled, fully sponsored: one studying Law and the other accounting.

Please support us to help more children realise their dream of leading their community into a brighter future!