We have always been captivated by the simple idea that each individual ‘can just do good’.

In 2011, our founder Aya and Marvin and discovered that they shared a strong desire to contribute to the local community. This realisation of mutual aspirations led them to take action, and were unknowingly propelled onto the unchartered and ever-changing journey of Project Child Indonesia.

They approached the community leader of Kricak Kidul, one of the lowest socio-economic areas of Yogyakarta, to see how they could contribute to their community. After discussions with the leader and approval at mothers’ meetings, it was agreed we would conduct lessons to teach the mothers sewing skills.

They’re agreed it was a better idea to teach the mothers instead of the children, to encourage the children to attend school, rather than work. The principle aim in these lessons was to learn how to produce items which were in demand and had value in the surrounding economy.

During these visits, the local children were always present, at first from afar, then closer and closer. They were fascinated to meet Marvin, a foreigner, in the flesh. One day, he asked them if they would like to learn English while their mothers learnt sewing. The children responded eagerly, so soon the Monday English class became a regular part of their week.

The whole activities lead them to a discussion of how they would continue providing these lessons once Marvin returned to Germany. At that moment, their friend walked in. They asked him casually if he would like to volunteer in a kampung, and he immediately responded “I’ll join your table”. Diederik encouraged us to create a larger network of international students that could teach English. That day in the warung, our side-project became “Project Child”.

After only three months operating as a student-based organisation in Kricak, they were approached by Pandu Indonesian Language School for their first partnership. Together, Project Child and Pandu Indonesian Language School took the children on an excursion to the zoo to learn about the animals. This made them realise that “Project Child” could do bigger projects with the help of partnerships.

However, it was not until the beginning of 2013 that “Project Child” had enough money to register as an organisation. This was in large part thanks to Tenny Yanutriana, who made it possible with her generous start-up donation. “Project Child Indonesia” was born legally, and has a written responsibility to deliver services to those in need.

In spring 2014, some of the loyal supporters from Germany have joined to establish the non-profit association “Project Child Germany”. Under Marvin’s leadership, the aim of this association is to promote future projects in Indonesia and ensure the survival of cooperation. We want to work together to lift the planned investments and to enable long-term maintenance of the project.