#Indonesia #Jakarta #Vantage Foundation #KDM Foundation

Empowering Street Children in Jakarta

In a significant move towards social impact, the Vantage Foundation has teamed up with the KDM Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Jakarta that is dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless children through education, creativity, and sustainable living practices. This collaboration marks an essential step in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable youth in Indonesia's bustling capital.

Recently, members of the Vantage team visited the KDM Foundation's facilities, greeted warmly by the director, Sotar Sinaga. During their visit, they were introduced to KDM's comprehensive approach to youth development that goes beyond mere shelter. KDM provides a nurturing and supportive environment where children can explore their abilities through various activities such as painting, crafts, soccer, and environmental education.

The visit allowed the Vantage Foundation team to witness firsthand KDM's thoughtful and self-sustaining infrastructure. Among its features are a small farm raising chickens and catfish, as well as a waste management system for recycling organic materials. These hands-on initiatives not only ensure the community's sustainability but also teach children crucial lessons about responsible living, accountability, and independence.

One particularly moving aspect of the visit was the presentation of the 'Pepe Doll' art project, developed in collaboration with the local brand Tulisan. This project was inspired by the true story of a young girl wandering the streets in search of food. Each doll sold contributes to KDM's mission to provide education and a safe haven for needy children. KDM's efforts reach far beyond their facilities; one of the most effective ways to engage these vulnerable children and youth is through soccer—not merely as a sport but as a vehicle for teaching discipline, teamwork, and camaraderie. By organizing matches in local neighborhoods, KDM builds trust and creates pathways for at-risk youth to find safe spaces, support systems, and renewed motivation in life.

Director Sotar Sinaga eloquently states, "We don’t call it fundraising; we call it friend-raising." He highlights that without friends, KDM wouldn’t be able to operate its school or continue the projects that change children's lives. The community’s support is pivotal for their initiatives.

The Vantage Foundation is honored to work alongside KDM in fulfilling its mission of creating a better future for children enduring difficult circumstances in Indonesia. The joy, resilience, and creativity displayed by the KDM team during the visit left a profound impression, reaffirming the importance of proactive involvement in supporting at-risk children and youth at critical junctures in their lives.

Steven Xie, the Executive Director of Vantage Foundation, remarked, "The environment at KDM is filled with hope and possibilities. Every child we met carried the spark of potential within them, and through partnerships like these, we can help nurture that potential. It is our privilege to support the exceptional work of KDM and help expand their impact."

Together, Vantage and KDM are not only creating safe havens but also fostering confidence, relationships, and futures for these children. This partnership signifies another important step in Vantage Foundation's journey to support communities and foster sustainable positive change.

About Vantage Foundation

The independent charity Vantage Foundation was established in 2023 in McLaren's technological hub in the UK. The foundation collaborates with various organizations worldwide, including Indonesian company Grab, the Nigerian iREDE Foundation, Malaysia's Teach For Malaysia, and Brazil's Instituto Claret, supporting meaningful social initiatives.

For more information, visit www.vantage.foundation.