"Education is the most powerful weapon we can use
to change the world."
- Nelson Mandela
In 2013, we met a remarkable family from a remote village on the island of Borneo and this chance encounter changed us forever.
Bathing in Borneo the only way possible,
as the locals do! |
Despite living without electricity, sanitation or fresh water, this family is healthy, happy and striving every day for a better life.
They are some of the most resilient people we know, however, they are just one accident or illness away from dire consequences and whole-heartedly believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. The closest elementary school for this village is about a 1 hour walk. There is no middle or high school close by. |
Albern studying by candlelight
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Once we shared a meal and learned more about these amazing people, we couldn’t forget about them. After returning to the U.S. - with all our first world comforts - we knew we must take action. Thus, in 2014, we formed the not-for-profit organization, Braeburn, with the apple logo symbolizing education and we offered Lukman, the 5th child of 7, the opportunity to attend college in Indonesia or the U.S. - leaving the choice up to him.
He courageously chose to move to the U.S. and enrolled in courses at Pueblo Community College in Durango, Colorado for a year before transferring to Fort Lewis College (a four year institution). In 2019 he became the first college graduate in his family. He now has a Bachelor's in Environmental Studies and a minorr in Communication Design.
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On May 5, 2014 Lukman arrived in Durango, Colorado. First stop was a hamburger with Alec. The abundance of food here was just one of many "firsts" Lukman would experience over the coming months and years.
Breaking the cycle of poverty is a big undertaking and there are many competing needs. To create realistic goals, Braeburn's focus is on partnering with Lukman’s extended family (about 70 people) to provide educational opportunities, social capital, and other resources necessary to move toward economic self-sufficiency and greater wellbeing.
If there is a person in this family who seeks education, we are committed to help them
with scholarships, advising, and other assistance to achieve their goals.
Even with this narrowed scope, this is a multi-generational project.
If there is a person in this family who seeks education, we are committed to help them
with scholarships, advising, and other assistance to achieve their goals.
Even with this narrowed scope, this is a multi-generational project.
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Some of the children in Lukman's family and village who need support in order to gain education past 5th grade.
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Shortly after Lukman started college, Braeburn was able to also offer a scholarship to his younger sister, Suciani, covering tuition and all living expenses. Suci attends Interstudi University in Jakarta and she is majoring in Broadcasting and Communication.
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Suci with Tonya and Rachel on recent trips to Indonesia.
With our educational partnership, this family is better positioned to tackle other challenges such as improving health care & nutrition, farming and food-supply challenges, prenatal and infant care, and more.
We are better humans because we are partners with this family. They have taught us so much about simplicity, gratitude, and love.
They have transformed the way we see ourselves in this world.
We are better humans because we are partners with this family. They have taught us so much about simplicity, gratitude, and love.
They have transformed the way we see ourselves in this world.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs
Indonesia is a special place. If you or your company has a connection and would like more information about partnering with Braeburn to develop a CSR, please contact us: [email protected].
A special thank you to the many NantEnergy employees who donate via auto-deduction each pay period via their CSR.
Our goal is to help develop a “critical mass” of educated leaders in Lukman’s family. We want to provide an environment where they can choose their own destiny including making sustainable improvements in their quality of life. We believe education is a right, not a privilege and every child, no matter where they are born, should have access.
As you think about your choices for philanthropic giving this year, please consider joining Braeburn in adopting this extended family.
You can be assured your tax-deductible, charitable contribution will be used transparently, and, if you would like to sponsor a specific child or young adult, we can match you.
Although world poverty is a huge issue, you can make a big impact by joining us to assist this family.
Terima Kashi...Thank You!
You can be assured your tax-deductible, charitable contribution will be used transparently, and, if you would like to sponsor a specific child or young adult, we can match you.
Although world poverty is a huge issue, you can make a big impact by joining us to assist this family.
Terima Kashi...Thank You!
Tonya with Lukman and Suci's parents, Gadik and Akeo at their home in Borneo.
Although we must communicate through translators, their love and appreciation for your assistance comes through very clear.
Some things can be said without words.
Although we must communicate through translators, their love and appreciation for your assistance comes through very clear.
Some things can be said without words.
Where is West Kalimantan?
Indonesia is made up of about 17,000 islands.
Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, and Papua are the largest islands.
Bali is a smaller island, but perhaps most well known.
Jakarta, a city of about 30 million people, is on the island of Java (the largest US city is New York with about 8.5 million people).
In Bahasa (the official language of Indonesia), the island of Borneo is called Kalimantan.
West Borneo is called Kalimantan Barat.
Borneo has the world's third largest rainforest after the Amazon and the Congo.
Banbam Rancang is a village in the Kalimantan Barat rainforest.
Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, and Papua are the largest islands.
Bali is a smaller island, but perhaps most well known.
Jakarta, a city of about 30 million people, is on the island of Java (the largest US city is New York with about 8.5 million people).
In Bahasa (the official language of Indonesia), the island of Borneo is called Kalimantan.
West Borneo is called Kalimantan Barat.
Borneo has the world's third largest rainforest after the Amazon and the Congo.
Banbam Rancang is a village in the Kalimantan Barat rainforest.