Help to build a house for a family in Nias!

This is the family of Monika. They live in Nias, an island off the West Coast of Sumatra. Monika, her three children and their cats live in a shack, built from scavenged materials and waste. The entire shack consists of only two small rooms, giving about 8 square meters of living space. There is no running water, instead they collect dirty water from a hole in front of the house. They use the electricity network from the neighbors, so that they at least have light in their house. Both toilet and shower are replaced by buckets. The whole family shares on one small mattress at night. It’s impossible for the family to keep clean or dry because of a damaged roof. They tried to repair the roof, using trash, but unfortunately without success. Thick mud and rain water surround the house, making it a very hard environment to live, especially during the rainy season.

The husband of Monika passed away six years ago, after that she was left alone to take care of her three kids. The owner of the old house kicked them out, because he wanted to build a new house. Now they have been living in the shack for almost three years.

To make a living, Monika collects sweet potato leaves that she can sell to people from her village. Next to that she offers service for washing clothes. This makes her able to collect just enough money for the children to eat. Kristin, the daughter, and her brothers Kristona and Satria go to school. After school the children help their mother to collect leaves. Monika makes around 3 euros a day. If she is sick or the kids are too tired to work in the evening, they make even less than 3 euros a day.

As a neighbor of the family, we feel the need to help. We wants to raise 7500 euros. The money will be used for two things: 1) Rebuild the house of Monika’s family, providing them a safe and stable home with running water, constant electricity and beds for the kids. 2) Help them to open a laundry service business for the tourist around Baloho Beach, so Monika could get a better income.

With a small donation, all together, we can give Monika and her family a needed helping hand to change their lives.