The Purpose

Who are they?

The people of these areas live a simple subsistence lifestyle. Some of them have never left their island homes many have never even ventured to the city.  In some areas you can see people who have lived the same way for hundreds of years. Indonesia is made of of hundreds of races of people. The Nias people are a unique race with their own distinct customs, history and  language. They are predominately Christian and are one of the poorest regions of Indonesia with a history poor education and health care.

Who are we?

Ruby and Channa Senaratne first visited the island of Asu in the Hinako Island group off Nias, for their honeymoon in 1995, they ended up spending 4 years there. During this time, they became involved in the life of the community, running a small cafe, holding playgroups and medical clinics and attending church.

They learnt a lot about the local culture and customs, the livelihoods and issues that affect the people. These people retained a special place in their hearts. Ruby and Channa spent a total of 8 years in Indonesia, working in the surf charter industry and owning a furniture factory. They are fluent in Indonesian language.

After hearing the tragic news of the 2004 tsunami and 2005 earthquake they felt the need to go back and help the people they had come to call family. The "Holidays with Purpose" idea had already been in the planning stages for some time.

The decision was made to combine the boat trips with the rehabilitation of Nias. 

What?

The foundation that Ruby and Channa set up in 2004 LEAP ( Local Empowerment Assistance Project) has implemented a number of different projects. These have included the establishment of a virgin coconut oil factory; a fibre glass canoe building workshop and microcredit fund, and two pre-schools.  They have installed of 55 community water pumps;established organic gardening projects, run medical and educational programmes and the support of an orphanage on Nias. Holidays with Purpose guests have played an integral part in all of these projects.

Where?

Nias and the Hinako Islands are small island communities off the coast of West Sumatra, Indonesia. These are areas that may seem to be forgotten by the rest of the world. See Location.

Why?

Because we believe that poverty is wrong and that as citizens of this earth it is our responsibility to help to combat this. There is an imbalance of wealth in this world and all too often money given in good will is misused or never reaches its intended destination.

We are not simply an aid project, we are about helping these communities to become self sufficient with their own natural resources. We give you an opportunity to contribute directly to a project, both physically and financially. You will see first hand where your finances are going and you will be able to stay in contact should you wish, with the project and it's progress.

How?

Guests from the Holidays with Purpose come into the village projects and become part of them, helping out where needed. They contribute their energy, skills and love and in return will receive the satisfaction of personally helping to fight poverty and empower peoples lives.

Fundraising

We encourage you to find out what the current project being run is and raise funds at home to contribute to it when you come. Not only will you come away with a wealth of beautiful memories and photos but with the sense of satisfaction at knowing that you have personally made a lasting contribution to the area.