During a recent field trip to Sumatra, Forests for People Founder Leif Cocks and Project Manager Kylie Bullo visited Far Class Elementary School in the Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem.
Group photo with the delightful kids at the Far Class Elementary School
Since 2019, Forests for People has supported a food program for the indigenous Talang Mamak students in Years 1-6. The Talang Mamak are a non-nomadic indigenous community of about 8,000 who live solely in the Bukit Tigapuluh landscape.
This school food program incentivizes education by providing nutritious meals to students who attend classes, increasing participation rates and improving focus. This sustainable approach aims to reduce poverty and promote economic growth within the community. Better employment opportunities will also become available, reducing the desire to engage in illegal logging or the illegal wildlife trade, helping to protect critically endangered wildlife and providing a more sustainable future for this impoverished community.
Teachers have reported significant improvements in attendance and learning abilities since the program's inception. The children were thrilled to meet Leif and Kylie during their visit, welcoming them with a beautiful traditional dance. Leif and Kylie brought novelty pens, skipping ropes, and frisbees, and everyone enjoyed a lively game of frisbee together.
The aroma of the food being prepared was delightful, but unfortunately, Leif and Kylie couldn't stay for lunch due to a challenging 12km trek through thick mud ahead due to recent heavy rains.
Thanks to generous donors like you, the Talang Mamak children have full bellies and a brighter future.
