In the Indonesian village of Batu Lapis, Ketapang, a young man named Deli is rewriting his future, and helping to protect the wildlife and forests around him.
Deli grew up in a community where hunting and illegal logging were part of everyday life. His father relied on hunting to help feed the family, while his brother worked as a logger. Deli often worked alongside him to earn a living.
But everything began to change when Deli joined Kahiu Academy, an education and training programme for teenagers who have dropped out of school, run by our partners at YIARI.
At Kahiu Academy, Deli developed practical skills and discovered a new path towards his dream of becoming a coffee farmer. With guidance from YIARI, he began putting those skills into practice through sustainable farming, creating a livelihood that doesn’t depend on activities that threaten the forest and its wildlife.
Now, Deli wants to help others in his community make the same change. His story shows how education can ignite change and safeguard the natural world we all share.
Want to Be Part of the Team
Indonesia's rainforest is disappearing, and the orangutans and other wildlife who live there are running out of places to go. You can help change that. Join Guardians of the Forest, our monthly giving community, and your regular gift will help protect the forest and the animals who call it home.