Our Children

The heart of everything

They’re not just the reason we started.  They are the reason we continue.

From the very first encounter, it was impossible not to feel something different. 
Amid the lack of resources, they welcomed us with smiles, hugs, and contagious joy.  Their laughter, innocence, and unconditional love… that’s what changed us forever.

Because even though they have little, they give a lot.  And it’s that love that reminds us every day why building this bridge is worth it. 

When there is real connection, the rest follows.  And that love is the most powerful engine there is.

Here we introduce you to our heroes:

Wahyuni

From: Makassar

Age: 9 years

Arrival at Jabal Rahmah: June 2, 2019

Her story:

Wahyuni is an orphan and the youngest of four siblings.

Previously, she and her family lived as waste collectors with their mother.

After their home was demolished by the local government — due to a land dispute — social services took in the mother and her four children.

Later, the social services contacted Jabal Rahmah Foundation to offer them a safe place to live.

Parents: Yatim (fatherless)

Siti Salwa

From: Flores, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT)

Age: 16 years

Arrival: July 25, 2021

Her story:

Siti arrived with her cousin to continue her studies in Sulawesi, as her home village offered few and costly educational opportunities.

As the eldest child in a low-income family, she has worked hard to access quality education.

Parents: Both parents alive

Asiah

From: Makassar

Age: 15 years

Arrival: June 2, 2019

Her story:
Asiah, the second of four siblings, lived with her family working as waste collectors.
When their home was demolished by the government, social services temporarily sheltered them.
Later, they were placed at Jabal Rahmah to receive more stable care.
Parents: Yatim (fatherless)

Agus Salim

From: Jeneponto

Age: 16 years

Arrival: May 10, 2013

His story:

A shy young boy, Agus has lived at Jabal Rahmah since he was 5.

After his father passed and his mother struggled with mental health, his aunt brought him to the orphanage to ensure he could be cared for and educated.

Parents: Yatim (fatherless)

Siti Khumairah

From: Makassar

Age: 20 months

Arrival: October 13, 2023

Her story:

Known affectionately as Khuma, she was entrusted to the orphanage by her grandmother just three days after birth.

Her mother died during childbirth, and her grandmother, a widow, couldn’t care for her alone.

She hoped Khuma would receive the love and care she deserved.

Parents: Orphan

Name: Salsabila

From: Makassar

Age: 3 years

Arrival: July 14, 2022

Her story:
Raised at the orphanage since she was a month old, Salsabila was brought by a young couple who, still students themselves, weren’t ready to raise a child.
Parents: Orphan

Name: Evi Damayanti

From: Makassar

Age: 15 years

Arrival: October 10, 2013

Her story:

Evi arrived with her brother at age 4, suffering from severe malnutrition after being abandoned by her parents.

A man who found them in distress brought them to the orphanage.

Before that, their grandmother had tried to care for them but was unable to.

Parents: Orphan

Name: Aditia

From: Makassar

Age: 16 years

Arrival: June 2, 2019

His story:

Known affectionately as Aco, Aditia is the eldest of four and orphaned.

He and his family previously lived as waste collectors.

After their home was demolished, social services arranged for them to stay at Jabal Rahmah.

Parents: Yatim (fatherless)

Name: Nurfadillah

From: Jeneponto

Age: 14 years

Arrival: March 16, 2019

Her story:
Known as Nur, she once lived with both parents.
After their divorce, she stayed with her father, who was unable to care for her properly due to financial instability.
He brought her to Jabal Rahmah, hoping she would have better care and a real opportunity for her future.
Parents: Divorced

Name: Deayanti

From: Gowa
Age: 13 years
Arrival: October 10, 2013
Her story:
Known as Dea, she arrived at age 2 with her brother, both suffering from malnutrition after being abandoned.They had been living with their grandmother, who could no longer care for them.Dea now receives the protection and love she needs to grow with dignity.
Parents: Orphan

Name: Lilis

From: Bantaeng

Age: 16 years

Arrival: April 18, 2017

Her story:
Lilis Karlina Putri, affectionately called Lilis, is an orphan.
After being raised by her aunt, who later passed away, Lilis stopped attending school.
Her uncle then brought her to Jabal Rahmah so she could live safely and continue her education.
Parents: Orphan