Collaborative Efforts of Vantage Foundation and KDM Foundation Transform Lives of Street Children in Jakarta

Vantage Foundation Partners with KDM Foundation to Aid Street Children in Jakarta

In a notable partnership aimed at fostering significant community impact, the Vantage Foundation has joined forces with the KDM Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Jakarta dedicated to transforming the lives of street children through education, creativity, and sustainable living.

During a recent visit to the KDM campus, team members from the Vantage Foundation were warmly greeted by Sotar Sinaga, director of the KDM Foundation. He showcased the organization’s holistic approach to nurturing the potential of young people. The KDM Foundation operates more than just a shelter; it provides an immersive environment where children are encouraged to discover their potential through various activities such as painting, crafting, football, and environmental education.

The visit revealed KDM’s impressive self-sustaining ecosystem, featuring a small farm with chickens and catfish, along with an organic waste management system. These initiatives not only fulfill practical needs but also teach the children about sustainability, responsibility, and self-reliance.

A particularly moving aspect of their collaboration is the “Pepe Doll” art project, developed in conjunction with the local brand Tulisan. Inspired by a real-life story of a young girl scavenging for food on the streets, proceeds from the sales of these dolls directly support KDM's mission of providing education and shelter to those in need.

KDM’s outreach extends far beyond its campus walls. One of its most effective engagement tools is football—not just as a sport, but as a platform for teaching discipline, cooperation, and teamwork. By organizing community matches, KDM fosters a trusting atmosphere and opens doors for vulnerable youth to find safety, guidance, and motivation.

Sotar Sinaga expresses this aim beautifully: “We do not call it fundraising; we call it friend-raising. Without friends, we cannot keep our school running or carry out these life-changing projects. It’s the community that enables us to continue.”

Through this partnership, the Vantage Foundation is proud to stand alongside the KDM Foundation in its mission to create a better future for disadvantaged children in Indonesia. The joy, resilience, and creativity witnessed by Vantage team members during their visit left a profound impact on them, reinforcing the importance of investing in early and inclusive support for vulnerable youth.

Steven Xie, the executive director of the Vantage Foundation, highlighted, “The environment at KDM is filled with hope and opportunity. Every child we met had a spark of potential within them, and it is through partnerships like this that we can help them realize it. We are honored to support the incredible work of KDM and contribute to amplifying its impact.”

Together, Vantage Foundation and KDM Foundation are not just building shelters; they are building futures, trust, and connections. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Vantage Foundation's ongoing journey to improve communities and create lasting change.

Established in 2023 at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK, the Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organization that has partnered with various organizations worldwide, including Grab Indonesia, iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach for Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil, to implement high-impact social initiatives.

For more information, visit www.vantage.foundation.