Operation Dig

A little more than a month ago, I posted about the orphanage next door to our house – Panti Asuhan Sinar Kasih.

I also wrote that I had a plan.  Have no fear, dear readers!  This plan is entirely legal and in no way will land my backside in jail (I hope).  Since I can’t bring all 39 children home in my suitcase (definite jail time for that plan), I have decided to do my best to better their lives in Sumba.  Please allow me to present the plan:

 

Operation Dig

Objective: Fund and install a well for the Panti Asuhan Sinar Kasih

Estimated Cost: $2000 No drill is available on Sumba.  Well must be hand dug.  Estimated depth of approximately 40M as wells closer to the ocean are between 15M and 25M, and wells at higher elevations from the Panti Asuhan are 60M.  Preliminary estimates indicate 350,000 rupiah (~$39) per meter. Additionally, one part time supervisor must be hired at $100 per month with an estimated contract of 3 months.

Funding Target: $3000 Note amount is an overestimate to ensure a sufficient funding source in case well depth must be increased. Leftover funds will be used to purchase other necessities for the Panti Asuhan (i.e books, clothes, shoes, food, etc.).  Any additional items will be listed on the blog for donor review prior to purchasing.

Implementation of the Well: 1.    Hire a crew to hand dig the well 2.    Hire 1 supervisor to over see digging of the well 3.    Payment will be made by the entity I am calling: Sumba Youth Foundation (i.e. Anonymously)

Potential for Future: If fundraising is successful, Sumba Youth Foundation will become a permanent entity.  With the following mission statement: The Sumba Youth Foundation seeks to offer youth in Sumba Barat Daya, Indonesia a helping hand by fulfilling their basic needs (shelter, clothing, food, and clean water) and by offering them a chance at education through support for school fees and scholarships.  It is our hope that Sumbanese youth will bring a brighter future to this unique island.

Two lovely ladies, Kate and Heather, have been roped in  already agreed to help make this idea a reality. One fundraising initiative is underway as well.  I have designed a Sumbanese-inspired knitting pattern, which is currently being test knit by Judy and Gale, outstanding knitters and all-around fantastic people. The proceeds from selling the pattern via Ravelry ($5/pattern) will go towards Operation Dig. (If you knit and are not on ravelry, consider joining.  If you don’t want to join ravelry, but you would like to purchase the pattern once available, please let me know!)

Novi strikes a pose with my "Tradisi" shawl under a mango tree. 

These knitted items may be for sale in the future as well. Currently, I need them for pattern drafting and photos!

You will also notice a new addition to the blog – a paypal donation button.  I will tally the donations once a week and update the totals in the side bar of the blog. I was hoping for a little thermometer do-hickey to tally the donations as they were made, but alas, I do not have the computer skills or the internet connection speed to figure that one out.  If anyone can help out, let me know.  I will happily give you access to make changes to the blog.

One of Colby's Panti Asuhan friends climbing our papaya tree for a sweet treat!

I would love to see Operation Dig be so successful that I have no choice but to make the Sumba Youth Foundation a permanent organization.  It would be great to offer grants to schools for computers and facility upgrades, and scholarships to bright students who can’t afford to go to high school (which are not available in every town or free to attend), or to university (~$400/year).  If you want to offer your services (web design, legal help, fundraising ideas, etc.), be warned... I will take you up on it!