Polewali Village TCD Project
In 2020, Better World Initiative fully funded a 3-5 year GHNI Transformational Community Development Project in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Funding Partnership
Initially funded by Better World (2019-2021), the final stages (2022-2024) are now supported by our partner charity, CTT Trust.
Income Generation: Soap Making
Background & Challenges
Before intervention, Polewali struggled with limited income opportunities and a critical lack of infrastructure. Most families depended on breadwinners working far away, school attendance was low, and the primary water source was a shared stream. Only one latrine existed in the entire village.
Project Updates (2023)
Economic Development
Building on the existing palm oil trade, we have introduced a Soap-Making Cooperative. Local women use coconut oil sediment to produce bar soaps for sale on Java and are expanding into liquid detergents.
Future initiatives include a shift toward sustainable livestock production (poultry).
Water & Sanitation
Five new water sources have been drilled, successfully moving the community from river-dependence to faucet-access. Latrine construction is underway, funded by a community-pooled resource model supported by GHNI.
"Members can now access clean water from faucets instead of trekking to the river."
Kiki's Story
Kiki, a mother of four, spent her days walking back and forth to the river. With the new faucet installation, her time has been freed. She now weaves and sells two "sarongs" a week, generating direct family income.
Her family is now saving to build their own private bathroom, a direct result of the TCD health and hygiene lessons. Read more at GHNI
