Safety net project

We would like to thank The Jakarta Post for its report on Sept. 14 which mentioned the social safety net programs implemented by our organization, World Vision International- Indonesia.

Through this letter, we would like to provide more information to readers about the programs. Since May, we have been implementing a safety net project in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. This Aus$1 million project is funded by the Australian government through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). More than 10,000 people affected by failed harvests and the financial crisis benefit from this food-and-cash assistance.

Starting this month, we are also implementing three safety net projects funded by the Canadian government through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The fund for these nine- month-long projects totals US$2.4 million. The projects are being implemented in Rote and Alor, East Nusa Tenggara, and in Banggai, Central Sulawesi. About 70,000 people will benefit from this assistance.

Unicef has also entrusted the distribution of 34 metric tons of weaning mix (vitadele) for under 5-year-olds to our organization. This is being shipped to Rote, Alor and Banggai to protect under 5-year-olds from malnutrition.

HENDRO SUWITO

Communications Manager

World Vision International-Indonesia

Jakarta