Tupperware Indonesia and HOPE Worldwide: Empowering the Community at Risk

Since 2007 Tupperware and HOPE worldwide have partnered to empower a community in one of the poorest sub-districts of North Jakarta to improve and sustain a better quality of life.  Activities focus on women and children and are implemented with support from volunteers in the community, Tupperware employees, and others who are part the network of 7,000 volunteers in Indonesia working with HOPE worldwide.  By 2008 more than 400 children were participating in the Saturday Academy Program that complements regular school curricula.

The program has improved school performance and increased school enrolment among children in the community. The community has built a new public toilet facility, planted flowers and other greens, and cleaned up sewage.  Members have greater access to health services through a nearby clinic and mobile clinic.  Women receive training to recycle plastic waste and are producing handbags and other products that supplement their traditional employment.

A local school on land given by the community is now managed by the community.  Activities continue in spite of a devastating tidal wave in early 2009 that washed away house and a newly built community library. A neighboring community is asking the partners to replicate their approach and help it become more self-sufficient.  The partnership also supports a nationwide “Children Helping Children” program to encourage philanthropy at an early age.