THE PURPOSE

Who are they?

The people of these areas live a simple subsistence lifestyle. Many of them have never left the island of Nias, some have never even ventured to Gunungsitoli the capital.

The December 2004 Tsunami hit many areas of Nias. The Hinako Islands off the coast of Sirombu, West Nias was affected by not damaged. However the community was unsettled and lived in fear. In March 2005 an 8.7 Richter scale earthquake hit.

Homes and lives were lost and the fear of another tsunami caused most of the villagers to flee the coastal areas for higher ground. To this day, the people of the Hinako Islands have the overwhelming task of reconstructing their lives.

Who are we?

Ruby and Channa Senaratne first visited the island of Asu in the Hinako Island group off Nias, for their honeymoon in 1995, they ended up spending 4 years there.  During this time, they became involved in the life of the community, running a small cafe, holding playgroups and medical clinics and attending church.

They learnt a lot about the local culture and customs, the livelihoods and issues that affect the people. These people retained a special place in their hearts. Ruby and Channa spent a total of 8 years in Indonesia, working in the surf charter industry and owning a furniture factory. They are fluent in Indonesian language.

After hearing the tragic news of the tsunami and earthquake Channa and Ruby felt the need to go back and help the people they had come to call family. The "Holidays with Purpose" idea had already been in the planning stages for some time.

The decision was made to combine the boat trips with the rehabilitation of Nias and its industry. The March earthquake further solidified their resolve to go and help.

What?

Nias' main industry is coconut cultivation. The majority of the population is in some way involved in growing, harvesting or processing coconuts. However, due to a decreasing demand for copra, the dried meat of the coconut, this industry has been steadily declining in Nias.

The people of Nias have been suffering from reduced incomes and constant price rises for years now. The tsunami and earthquake struck a devastating blow to these people already surviving with so little.

The coconut palm has so many wonderful uses and with education in new production methods and introduction to wider markets, the rehabilitation of this industry in Nias in a reality.

Local Empowerment Assistance Project aims to do just that. To re-establish and revive the economy of Nias, one project, one village at a time.

A pilot project has begun on Hinako island where we have built a small virgin coconut oil and  factory. This small factory produces high quality cold pressed virgin coconut oil, LEAP assists by bringing the product to the Western market.

see www.sumateraoil.com

100% of the profits from the wholesale price of these products  go back into the local community in the way of development projects such as an education centre, livelihoods projects and appropriate technology workshops.

Where?

Nias is a small island off the coast of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The Hinako islands is a small group of eight islands situated just off Sirombu on the West Coast of Nias. These are areas that may seem to be forgotten by the rest of the world. See Location.

Why?

Because we believe that poverty is wrong and that as citizens of this earth it is our responsibility to help to combat this. There is an imbalance of wealth in this world and all too often money given in good will is misused or never reaches its intended destination.

We are not simply an aid project, we are about helping these communities to become self sufficient with their own natural resources. We give you an opportunity to contribute directly to a project, both physically and financially. You will see first hand where your finances are going and you will be able to stay in contact should you wish with the project and it's progress.

How?

Guests from the Holidays with Purpose charters will come into the village projects and become part of them, helping out where needed. They will contribute their energy, skills and love and in return will receive the satisfaction of personally helping to fight poverty and empower to peoples lives.

Fundraising

We encourage you to find out what the current project being run is and raise funds at home to contribute to it when you come. Not only will you come away with a wealth of beautiful memories and photos but with the sense of satisfaction at knowing that you have personally made a lasting contribution to the area.
Click here for information online donations.