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