At Surge, partnerships are at the heart of lasting change. Most recently, we’re proud to celebrate the completion of our first phase of collaboration with Liquid I.V., bringing safe water solutions to schools and communities in Sumba Tengah, Indonesia.
Together, we reached 12,751 people with improved access to clean water. This milestone reflects a shared commitment to transforming schools and communities through women-centered solutions that reflect local needs and create lasting impact.
The need for safe water in Sumba Tengah
Located in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Sumba Tengah is one of Indonesia’s most underserved regions, with high poverty rates and limited infrastructure. At schools across the region, students struggle to practice proper hygiene and attend school, all because of the lack of clean water.
By prioritizing elementary schools and working closely with community leaders, our work supports healthier learning environments where children can focus on their education and well-being.
81 schools in Sumba Tengah now have safe water!
Working alongside our local partner YLRA, Surge and Liquid I.V. brought safe water to 81 schools in Sumba Tengah.
We worked closely with schools, communities, and local government officials to assess needs and determine the most effective solutions for each school. Women and community leaders played an important role in these discussions, guiding decisions about which solutions were implemented.
These solutions included:
- 31 rainwater harvesting systems that capture water from the school roofs and store it for later use
- 4 motorized wells to supply schools and the surrounding communities with safe water
- 239 water filters distributed to 81 schools, ensuring that students have drinking water available in their classrooms throughout the school day
With these solutions, 12,751 people now have access to clean water!
More than water
Access to safe water has changed the daily experiences of students and teachers, as they can now drink clean water, wash their hands, and use their school toilets.
At six schools, newly installed rainwater tanks made it possible to use the school toilets for the first time. As a result, 833 students and teachers now have access to toilets while at school.
Mrs. Rostiana Ranja Ratu, a teacher at SD Masehi Mambitul, shared what access to clean water meant for the school:
“Our school faced significant difficulties in accessing clean water, particularly for the toilets. Students had to fetch water from the community’s homes, crossing the road and risking accidents. After receiving the water tank, it has been extremely helpful in meeting the needs for toilets, irrigation, and handwashing.”
Teachers and community members were also trained on how to maintain their water systems, strengthening local ownership and helping ensure the solutions remain functional for years to come.
A partnership creating lasting impact
While this milestone represents tremendous progress, the work is far from finished.
Our long-term goal is to ensure every school in Sumba Tengah has access to safe, reliable water. By continuing to partner with communities and YLRA, we are working to expand Water+ solutions across Sumba.
As we begin work on the next phase of our work with Liquid I.V., we remain committed to building sustainable, community-owned Water+ solutions that support healthier schools and stronger communities.
