Together with our partner, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, we assisted more than 250 families in northern Sulawesi who had been displaced due to ethnic, religious and sectarian conflict that erupted in the North Maluku region of central Indonesia. These families had been forced to relocate regularly over a 15-year period. Being constantly on the move meant there was no housing security, poor hygiene and a lack of any ongoing employment.

Through our fundraising of $520,000, Communities for Communities assisted with house construction in Bitung - located 60km from Manado – and our volunteers took part in four immersion trips to do the hands-on building.

The project involved the acquisition of land, construction of 226 houses, a livelihood centre, a playground, and a brick manufacturing facility for economic sustainability. All the new houses were fitted with running water, individual septic toilets and electricity, which was currently lacking in their existing settlement.

The improved hygiene standards and livelihood centre, with educational resources and vocational and skills training for families, will provide the foundation for a positive future for the families and their children.