While spending time with some of the people I met I realised that there may be ways to make their lives a little easier. Of course a cash handout would help but in my experience people tend to use cash on immediate expenses and once it’s gone life continues while most of the benefits end. Instead of giving away money I would like to look at each person’s case individually to identify what would tangibly improve their life on an ongoing basis. For example:
- The bakso seller’s cart has significant burning on the inside and some structural damage that needs repair so I would like to either repair his current cart or have a new cart constructed, possibly with minor improvements.
- The sulphur collectors have mostly been able to replace the hard physical work of collecting sulphur with guiding tourists up the same volcano, which is more lucrative and far less destructive to their health. I believe they would benefit from being able to speak a second language so paying for language classes might be something to consider.
- The trash collectors (pemulung) did not appear to need any particular equipment however educating their children might provide a path to other employment so paying for schooling or specific classes for the children could be offered.
- Java’s cyclist becak drivers are in competition with their motorcycle becak counterparts. Rather than encouraging more motorised vehicles I would prefer to assist in providing cycle becaks with gears (they are currently all fixed gear) to make it physically easier for the driver, and more comfortable seating for the passengers to make them a more attractive option.
If you would like to contribute or otherwise be involved in helping anyone you’ve seen on the site please contact me.
