The Indonesian Education Promoting Foundation (IEPF) was established in April 2000 and works on education, the environment and child support in Indonesia. It became a general incorporated association in March 2015 and has its office in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture.
In 2010 it set up a local education foundation in Indonesia and built a primary school for local children and a kindergarten to prepare them for it (Hikari Kindergarten and Primary School). It is a general education school rather than a religious one, run by local people and funded by government subsidies and donations. The school aims for self-reliance but still needs some support.
IEPF has also worked on a JICA Partnership Program project through which the subject "Environment" was introduced in primary schools in South Tangerang, activities using digital teaching materials on remote islands (Timor, Flores and Bali), and waste bank and composting activities supported by the Japan Fund for Global Environment. Its website also introduces support for local children with disabilities and their families, health checkups at primary schools by volunteer medical students, and study tours.
Key points
- Built a kindergarten and primary school locally and supports their operation by local people
- Education and environment projects supported by JICA Partnership Program and the Japan Fund for Global Environment
- Works with local universities and education offices through MOUs
Why this organization's work stands out
Its work spreads from building schools to environmental education and digital materials on remote islands, all centered on education. Agreements with local universities and education offices show how it works together with local partners, which is a useful reference.
Besides donations, there are chances to learn about the field, such as volunteer recruitment for medical students and study tours. Its record of public projects and awards, including from JICA and the Minister of the Environment, is also published and helps people learn about its work.
Editor's comment
It shows what long-term international cooperation looks like, with a Japanese organization nurturing a school together with local people and spreading environmental learning as well.
The latest activities and volunteer information are on the official website. Please take a look.