Tangerang, August 27, 2024—Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and AXA Financial Indonesia (AFI), through their AFI Berbagi initiative, organized the Closing Ceremony of the Financial Literacy Program & Waste Management Training and the Kick-Off of the Clean Water Facilities Renovation for low-income families in Kedung Dalem Village, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency on Tuesday (27/8).

From May to August 2024, a series of successful programs were conducted, providing financial literacy and household waste management training to 120 adults, health check-ups for 67 elderly individuals, and financial literacy training and health check-ups for 137 children. These achievements are a testament to the potential for positive change in Kedung Dalem Village.

The primary financial literacy training for housewives covered distinguishing between wants and needs, household financial management, handling online loans, and introducing them to official financial lending institutions.

Additionally, financial literacy training for elementary school children included understanding money and the importance of saving, aiming to help them make wiser spending decisions and build the habit of saving from an early age.

AFI Berbagi’s practical actions continued by empowering the community with the knowledge and skills to manage household waste. The literacy training included initial processes such as storage, collection, sorting, reuse, and final waste processing, all designed to be easily implemented by the community.

AFI Berbagi also launched a program to revitalize clean water facilities in the Kedung Dalem Village residential area as part of AXA Financial Indonesia’s ongoing CSR efforts. This step was taken to enhance the community’s access to clean water, essential for improving the quality of life.

“AXA Financial Indonesia is committed to making a tangible and sustainable contribution to empowering communities through AFI Berbagi. AFI strives to support good health and well-being, quality education, and clean water and sanitation access. We engage in community capacity building, health check-ups, and improvements to public sanitation as part of our involvement to provide financial literacy, environmental awareness, and improve the health of the surrounding community, ensuring a better life,” said Niharika Yadav, President Director of AXA Financial Indonesia, during the event at SDN Kedung Dalem 02, Mauk, Tangerang Regency.

Susanto, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, added, “We welcome the collaboration with AXA Financial Indonesia through the financial literacy & waste management program, education and health check-ups, as well as the clean water facilities revitalization program in Kedung Dalem Village. This initiative improves the quality of life and daily well-being of the community and provides better access to sanitation facilities, which will positively impact their lives and health. Through this joint effort, we hope this program will support inclusive and sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life for residents.”

Through strategic collaboration and sustainable programs, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and AFI believe they can continue improving the community’s quality of life, health, and well-being, particularly in Kedung Dalem Village. This initiative is a tangible step in strengthening support for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals while opening up opportunities for similar partnerships.

In 2016, Mrs. Khusnul began her journey as a reseller in the women’s fashion industry. She aimed to increase her family’s income and support her factory laborer husband.

Initially, Mrs. Khusnul sold women’s clothing straightforwardly, relying solely on word of mouth. However, in 2019, with great courage, she decided to open her small boutique.

At that time, the boutique was quite modest. Mrs. Khusnul utilized a small, makeshift space with walls full of holes and faded paint. The dim atmosphere made it difficult to attract customers, but she remained optimistic that her business would eventually thrive.

Amid the challenges of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, and Mrs. Khusnul’s income plummeted. However, she found hope in the support of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. With the help of donors and volunteers, Habitat Indonesia assisted in renovating her boutique, transforming it into a more presentable and appealing space.

They revitalized her once-drab boutique into a modern and inviting shop. The walls were repaired, glass doors were installed, and the essential business fixtures, such as cabinets and display cases, were provided.

Additionally, Mrs. Khusnul received valuable entrepreneurship training, including financial management and product marketing, which significantly contributed to the growth of her business.

“I can’t express my gratitude enough to the Habitat donors who helped me reach where I am today,” she said with deep appreciation during an interview at her newly renovated boutique.

Today, Mrs. Khusnul’s boutique has evolved from selling just women’s clothing to offering abayas and children’s wear. Her income has grown to two million rupiahs per month, and her boutique has expanded into online sales, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.

With renewed enthusiasm, Mrs. Khusnul is determined to continue expanding her business. She is now focused on saving to develop her business further and plans to open a new boutique.