A classroom for students in Sumba

A non-profit organisation for non-formal education (Dyatame)

Dyatame is a local non-for-profit organisation in Sumba, one of the islands at East Nusa Tenggara providing a free after school education for children. The word Dyatame means a home that is a blessing for children.  Empriani Magi founded the organisation on 25 of April 2017 when she started to teach children  English around her house. From only just a few students around her neighbourhood, now Empriani teaches children at four different villages in Sumba with a total of about 500 students. at one of the non-formal school in Mareda Kalada, Wewewa Timur District, more than 150 Student are taught. 




Now Dyatame teaches not only English classes, but also other subjects which student find hard to understand from their teacher at school. Subjects, such as maths, science, biology and chemistry are now part of the program.  The entire non-formal school is run by volunteers, including teachers. 




Education is one of the main goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal number four of UN SDGs aims to achieve inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.  Dyatame provides a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn. By providing quality education for children in Sumba, this project  directly contributes to SDG four. With the help of the volunteers and stakeholders, Dyatame aims to change the perspective of people in Sumba about education and demonstrate that children can achieve their dream when they have the opportunity to continue their education. 

Why Sumba?

The lack of education infrastructure and teachers make quality education in Sumba still low, compared to other regions in Indonesia. Dyatame provides students with books and additional class to them excel with the subject they do not understand and aspire them for further higher education. 

Dyatame does not have a building, the three classes are using local people’s property and community hall for the learning process. However, one learning centre is using an open area for the activity. During the rainy season, this is a serious challenge.  The class activities are run inside a small room in the founder's house when it is raining outside and not all student can fit in the room. 



The founder of Dyatame and local architect estimated that at least AUD 30.000 is needed to help build one big classroom with an office for Dyatame. Dyatame already had land given by the founder’s family. This fundraising aims to provide a building for the school. The proposed design is pictured below (designed by a local architect).


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Thank you everyone for stopping here and for your support.