Cargill supports primary school children’s health through water, sanitation and hygiene improvements 

(JAKARTA, INDONESIA), August 1, 2018 – Cargill and CARE International have successfully completed the construction and improvement of sanitation and clean water facilities in 20 primary schools in Banten and Makassar. This initiative is part of a two year commitment in Indonesia through the  Promoting a Sustainable and Food Secure World (PROSPER) program, a global collaboration between Cargill and CARE USA . The program’s objective in Indonesia is to improve the quality of life of primary school-aged children through nutritional education and access to clean water and sanitation to reduce diseases primarily triggered by lack of sanitation facilities and contaminated water conditions. In addition, poor water and sanitation conditions are responsible for the high stunting rates among Indonesian children.

The Regent of Serang, Mrs. Ratu Tatu Chasanah, inaugurated the sanitation and clean water facilities located at SDN Warakas 3 Lamaran Village, Binunang Sub-district, Serang Banten. In her speech she expressed her appreciation toward Cargill and CARE program which positively improves healthy behavior and hopes to be imitated by other parties to encourage efforts to accelerate improvement of public health. Also attending the inauguration were representatives of partners from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Education and Culture; the management of CARE International; Cargill employees and students of 10 primary schools in Serang, Banten.

Arief Susanto, corporate affairs director for Cargill Indonesia, stated, "Cargill is committed to helping the communities where we work thrive. Our partnership with CARE connects us to the communities and people most in need, allowing us to deliver on our purpose of nourishing the world. Access to sanitation and clean water as well as nutrition enhancement in schools, will encourage children's health and raise the spirit of learning. We also work closely with the local Government, NGOs, parents, teachers and communities to ensure the long-term success of this program, raising nutrition and access for years to come. "

In addition to the construction of sanitation and clean water facilities for students and teachers, the program includes capacity building for government officials, non-governmental organizations, teachers, parents and communities so that they are able to promote healthy and clean behaviors as well as improved nutrition. The program provides training for over 400 “little doctors”  on sanitation, health and nutrition enhancement, so they can provide the knowledge to their peers. A total of 50 master trainers in the field of nutrition have been trained along with nutrition training for teachers, students, food service providers in schools and communities.

Helen Vanwel, country director of CARE International Indonesia, stated, "Cargill and CARE are mutually supportive partners and we are delighted to work together with Cargill to promote the Sustainable and Food Secure World Program (PROSPER) Program to improve water, sanitation and hygiene services to schools in Banten and Makassar City. CARE appreciates Cargill's support for schoolchildren in Indonesia as it demonstrates Cargill's vision and commitment to support the health of Indonesian children.”

Globally, Cargill and CARE International have collaborated for over 50 years. Together, Cargill and CARE have been able to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Central America, Africa and Asia.The partnership program will continue to focus on increasing farmer productivity lives by increasing market access for farmers, improving food security and nutrition and strengthening governance and education of the community.