Vantage Foundation Partners with KDM Foundation
In a profound initiative to impact the community positively, the Vantage Foundation has partnered with the
KDM Foundation, a Jakarta-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of homeless children through education, creativity, and sustainable living. The partnership marks a transformative step towards addressing the challenges these children face daily.
A Holistic Approach to Youth Empowerment
The collaboration unfolded during a recent visit to the KDM campus, where Vantage Foundation team members were welcomed by
Sotar Sinaga, the director of KDM. He explained the organization's comprehensive approach to youth development. Unlike traditional shelters, the KDM Foundation serves as a nurturing environment that encourages children to discover their potential through activities like painting, crafts, soccer, and environmental education.
During the visit, Vantage members witnessed the impressive self-sustaining ecosystem at KDM, which features a small farm with chickens and catfish, alongside an organic waste management system. These initiatives serve practical purposes while instilling knowledge about sustainability, responsibility, and independence in the children involved.
The Art Project: 'Pepe Doll'
One particularly touching aspect of the collaboration is the
'Pepe Doll' art project, created in partnership with local brand
Tulisan. This project was inspired by the story of a young girl searching the streets for food. Proceeds from the sale of these dolls directly support KDM's mission to provide education and shelter to children in need. This artistic endeavor showcases the community's creativity while serving a noble cause.
Soccer as a Tool for Change
The influence of the KDM Foundation extends far beyond its campus. One of its most effective engagement tools is
soccer, which serves not only as a sport but also as a platform for instilling values such as discipline, cooperation, and teamwork. By organizing matches within the community, KDM builds trust and opens doors for vulnerable youths to find safety, direction, and a sense of purpose.
Sotar Sinaga emphasizes this sentiment:
"We don’t call it fundraising; we call it friendship marketing. Without friends, we cannot run our school and accomplish these life-changing projects. It is the community that keeps us going."
The Vantage Foundation delights in supporting KDM's mission to provide underprivileged children in Indonesia with a brighter future. The joy, resilience, and creativity displayed during the visit profoundly impacted the Vantage team, reinforcing the importance of investing in early, inclusive support for at-risk youth.
Steven Xie, the executive director of the Vantage Foundation, remarked,
“The environment at KDM is filled with hope and opportunities. Every child we met had a certain potential, and through partnerships like this, we can help them realize it. It is an honor to support the incredible work of KDM and contribute to amplifying their impact.”
Building Futures Together
Together, Vantage Foundation and KDM are not only constructing homes but also fostering futures, confidence, and connections. This partnership represents another significant step for the Vantage Foundation in its mission to enhance communities and create lasting change.
Founded in 2023 at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK, the Vantage Foundation is an independent nonprofit that has formed alliances with organizations worldwide, including
Grab Indonesia, the
iREDE Foundation in Nigeria,
Teach for Malaysia, and the
Instituto Claret in Brazil, to promote impactful social initiatives.
For more information about their mission and projects, visit
www.vantage.foundation.
Conclusion
The partnership between Vantage Foundation and KDM Foundation serves as a powerful reminder of the difference that community engagement and collaboration can make in the lives of those in need, particularly vulnerable children.