Taufik Sinaga, an Aceh disaster humanity volunteer, died in Medan in March from malaria and hepatitis contracted in the field.

Taufik, 35, left a Balinese wife and 3 small daughters in very poor circumstances. In developing countries, education is a treasured privilege. Children are often pulled out of school when money runs out. In Indonesia, it is very difficult to get a job without a school certificate. By western standards, it costs very little to educate a child in Bali.

Although Taufik was not an IDEP volunteer or staff member, we share his family’s grief and concern for the future. On April 13, IDEP planned a fundraising event to establish a fund for the education of Taufik’s daughters. Linda Garland generously opened her home for the event and provided the meal. About 150 people, mostly expat residents of Bali, attended the party which included live music, presentations and a lively auction.

Within three hours, enough money had been raised to ensure the education of all of children through grade 12. The fund will be administered by YKIP.

We, at IDEP, would like to warmly thank the generous donors who have created an element of security for this little family. Money was raised from an entrance fee and auction, and from cash donations from:

Stephen Palmer
Raoul Witteveen
Ian McCauley
Graeme Stevens
Hedi Label
Rhoda Gauer
William Ingram
David Mendoza
TJ’s Restaurant
Asian Ego
IndoTraders
PT Nomade
Barandi Restaurant
Susan and Bob Behrens

For information in IDEP and its activities in Sumatra, please read our Stories from the Field and visit our Program Updates.