Water Access Impact Story - Happy Hearts Indonesia

water access

impact story—

BUILD

a drop of hope: how clean water changed lea’s school and community

For many of us, water is an afterthought—readily available at the turn of a faucet. But for Lea, a middle school student at SMP Wee Wella in Southwest Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, water was a daily struggle. Every morning, before the sun rose too high in the sky, Lea and her classmates would set out on foot, carrying heavy jerry cans filled with water. Their destination? Their school, where water was scarce and every drop mattered.

Despite the school’s best efforts to provide water by purchasing it from a water truck, the supply was never enough. High demand in the community often meant that even the water truck ran dry, leaving students and teachers without the most basic necessity. The school toilets were often unusable, and students, especially girls like Lea, found themselves in an impossible situation. Many held back their needs all day, struggling to focus in class. For girls during their periods, the challenge was even greater—some missing school altogether due to the lack of proper sanitation facilities.

In May 2006, a destructive earthquake took the lives of thousands in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Holding onto its mission to aid children surviving natural disasters, Happy Hearts Fund rebuilt more than 30 schools at the time. In 2013, after an almost 7-year significant presence in Indonesia, Happy Hearts Fund launched its first international chapter, Happy Hearts Indonesia (Yayasan Hati Gembira Indonesia), to support the reconstruction of more schools affected by natural disasters around the country. In the spirit of creating agreater impact, Happy Hearts Indonesia is also supporting local communities by rebuilding sustainable schools in underdeveloped areas. Rebuilt schools are equipped with proper furniture and facilities. Additionally, we provide and facilitate suitable training programs for teachers and students.

“My school’s toilets often had limited water, and sometimes there was no water at all,” Lea shared. “It made my friends and me feel uncomfortable using them, and we had to hold back even when we really needed to go.”

But that was then. Today, everything has changed.

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, SMP Wee Wella now has its own borewell, bringing a reliable and sustainable water source right to the school. The well is connected to the school’s toilets and equipped with new sinks, ensuring students have the dignity and comfort they deserve.

The impact has been life-changing. “After the new well was installed at the school, I feel very happy because I no longer have to go to nearby homes when the school runs out of water,” Lea says with a bright smile. “Sometimes, my friends and I even bathe in the school toilets when there’s no water at home. I’m also really glad that I can help my family by bringing water back to our home.”

But that was then. Today, everything has changed.

For the entire school, the changes are undeniable. Students can now wash their hands immediately after using the toilets, improving hygiene and overall well-being. The schoolyard is greener, with plants thriving thanks to the steady water supply. Even the school’s budget is benefiting—no longer stretched thin by the cost of buying water.

“We are very grateful for the new well,” says Anton Mete Raya, a teacher at SMP Wee Wella. “Students are healthier, the school is cleaner, and the overall environment has improved tremendously.”

HOW WE IMPLEMENT

from planning to execution

The impact extends beyond the school gates. For local families, access to water has been transformative. “I’m so happy that there is water at the school,” says Ani Kaka, a community member. “We can now collect water, which helps with our daily needs, our plants, and even our livestock. It has truly improved my family’s life.”

This is more than just a well. It is a wellspring of opportunity. With reliable water access, students can focus on their studies without the worry of discomfort. Families can save money that was once spent on purchasing water. The entire community is thriving, proving that something as simple as clean water can have an extraordinary impact.

And it all started with you—people who believe in the right to education, dignity, and a better future for children like Lea.

Water is life. Water is learning. And together, we are changing lives, one drop at a time.

a drop of hope: how clean water changed lea’s school and community

from planning to execution

Become a

Commit monthly to help rebuild schools