Call for Support: 2026 'Summer Sunflower Donation Campaign'

2026 Flyer

The nonprofit organization Friends of the Earth and Walking Together (hereinafter, LIFE; office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Keizo Yokoyama) is addressing poverty in Sumba Island, Indonesia—a remote island left behind by national development—by focusing on agricultural initiatives. As we mark our 40th anniversary in 2026, we remain committed to advancing self-reliance among local communities through sustainable support.

Campaign Details

Campaign Name

2026 'Summer Sunflower Donation Campaign'

Purpose

To raise funds for the financial shortfall of LIFE's 2026 projects in Sumba Island, Indonesia.

Duration

Until September 30, 2026

Activities

Support initiatives in Sumba Island, Indonesia:

- Organic vegetable cultivation - Lime farming - Mushroom cultivation - Water pump development

Fundraising Goal

700,000 JPY

If this amount is raised, we can continue all the above activities without reduction or suspension.

Background and Purpose

Sumba Island, where LIFE operates, is geographically distant from Jakarta and has been largely excluded from national development. Many residents live in poverty, and support from international NGOs like ours is essential to improve their living standards.

This campaign aims to cover the funding gap for our planned 2026 projects. While we utilize grants, they do not cover 100% of project costs, requiring additional self-generated funds. However, donations to LIFE have declined annually, and membership fees have decreased due to member attrition. To ensure our planned activities proceed as scheduled, we kindly request your financial support.

Future Outlook

We outline our ongoing 2026 projects and this year’s goals.

Organic Vegetable Cultivation Support

In 2024, we established an agricultural group in the Lewa region of Sumba Island, enabling organic vegetable production. In 2025, we began selling the harvested vegetables, successfully securing regular clients such as local school lunch centers and hotels. In 2026, we are developing local governance systems so that these activities can continue independently after LIFE’s financial support ends. We are also conducting cooking and processing training to increase the market value of the produce.

In 2026, a school lunch center has opened in the Lewa village where our project is based, and we are coordinating deliveries of vegetables grown by the farming group. We aim to continue producing abundant organic vegetables for local consumption and income generation.

The white bags contain organic fertilizer

Thanks to the organic fertilizer production facility established in 2024, large quantities of organic fertilizer can now be produced locally.

The farming group members

Cooking and processing training for harvested vegetables

Indonesian dishes made during the training

Lime Cultivation Support

Lime saplings planted in 2024 have grown well and are now bearing abundant fruit. Visually appealing limes are sold fresh, while lower-grade fruits are processed and sold. We are currently conducting training on lime processing.

Lime is an essential ingredient in Indonesian cuisine, adding acidity to dishes. Given its proven market demand, we aim to generate stable cash income through sales.

Abundant lime harvest ※Maria, local NGO staff

Juice extracted and sweetened to make refreshing drinks. Peels are processed into sambal, a spicy condiment.

Tomato sauce made using lime juice

In addition, in 2026, we will continue mushroom cultivation and waterwheel pump development. For mushroom farming, we aim to produce spawn locally in the village, reducing costs associated with purchasing and transporting from Java Island. Waterwheel pumps will also be installed in new village farmlands.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support.

How to Donate

Please visit LIFE’s official website.

Donation Page

Multiple methods are available, including bank transfers and credit card payments.

Thank you for your kind support.

※Donations to LIFE are eligible for tax deductions. Please contact our office directly if you require a receipt. EMAIL: [email protected]