Indonesia: programs & priorities

ChildFund Australia's affiliate organisation in Indonesia has been working in the country since 1958, and helps over 330,000 children in 63 projects. ChildFund in Indonesia is the largest agency giving priority to early childhood development programs in Indonesia.

Indonesia's economic crisis has affected every segment of society including politics, employment, agriculture and education. As family incomes become irregular and lower, and the price of basic commodities rise, survival becomes the priority.

Parents are often forced to make difficult choices in an effort to make the most of their declining incomes, and in many cases children's education becomes less of a priority - children are often are removed from school to work to supplement the family's income.

Development in progress

ChildFund in Indonesia offers Sanggar Anak - Child Centred Spaces - which have safe, friendly environments for children, allowing them to receive the full benefit of ChildFund's assistance.

Strengthening and encouraging youth leadership skills are a key component to ChildFund in Indonesia's programming.

Children can also choose to focus on specific interests, such as studying journalism and writing for a local child bulletin, or learning about locally appropriate farming techniques at the School of Agriculture Development.