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
Project Updates (2024)
New Learning Centre
A Learning Centre is being built for use as a children’s education centre & community gathering place. It will be fully funded and built by the community (families have contributed land, materials, and labour).
Water & Sanitation
The water and latrine subsidy programs continue to expand.
The Income Generation group’s soap-making project also continues to function well.
2025 Update - Project Complete
- Electricity access increased to 91% of households
- Sanitation coverage nearly tripled
- Clean cooking adoption nearly doubled
- Community members are growing new crops, and making clay pots, coconut soap, and coconut oil.
Polewali village graduated from the GHNI TCD programme in November 2025 and is now sustainably managing its own development as a self-sufficient community.
