From Dumpster to Diploma: We're Flipping the Script on Poverty
Empowering the marginalized children of trash-pickers in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Since 2004, XSProject has been on a mission to transform lives in Jakarta's trash picker communities. But we're not just another charity. We're a bridge - connecting these hardworking families to opportunities they never thought possible.
Bridging the Gap from Poverty to Opportunity

100+ tonnes of trash upcycled
We started by creating upcycled products that provided additional income to trash pickers.

300+ children's education sponsored
Education scholarships from primary school all the way through college (university).

Happy, healthier community
Healthcare initiatives, partnering with local hospitals to provide free medical services.

Improving living
standards
Community programs to uplift entire neighborhoods, not just individuals.
How We're Flipping the Script
Needs Assessment
We pinpoint families in need within Cirendeu, one of South Jakarta's trash picker communities.
Educational Empowerment
Your donation fuels bright futures by providing comprehensive education support, from school fees to essential supplies.
Healthcare Access
We partner with local hospitals to ensure families receive necessary medical care, promoting overall well-being and focus on advancement.
Community Development
Our programs foster a supportive environment for growth, addressing various needs beyond education and health.
Environmental Innovation
Through our partner organization XSProjek, we continue upcycling initiatives, generating additional income and tackling environmental concerns.

Syfa's Story
Meet Syfa, a vibrant young woman whose journey from a trash picker's daughter to a university student is truly inspiring. Supported by XSProject since first grade, Syfa recently earned a spot at the prestigious university, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. Impressively, she ranked among the top students gaining entrance with the need of any entrance exam. Her choice to study political science aligns perfectly with her dream of becoming a journalist, offering her the skills and opportunities she needs.
Her parents' unwavering support has been crucial, cheering her at each step. Syfa’s story showcases how long-term educational scholarships can break barriers and unlock potential for those facing challenging circumstances. By investing in such support, we empower more young talents to achieve their dreams, just like Syfa. Help us continue to create these opportunities!
Testimonials

"We love working with the XSProject Team! The work that they do is invaluable to the communities that they support and to help to solve the waste problem in Jakarta. Recently, Ibu Retno ran a workshop for our Year 12 and Year 13 students to inspire them to act and react to the waste and poverty problems in Jakarta. We look forward to a continued partnership with the XSProject and their wonderful team."
Elizabeth Alwi
British School Jakarta

"UWCSEA Dover is proud to be a long-standing partner of XSProject. Our students and teachers have worked directly with the wonderful team at XSProject for over a decade and we are thrilled by the professional yet friendly service we have received from Retno and the team. We are grateful to XSProject for their thoughtful and responsive service, especially their willingness to support our educational efforts by working with our students to answer questions and share their stories and experiences."
Victoria Ferris
United World College of South East Asia
More stories
Brothers in pursuit of a better education
Akbar and Rehan are brothers, children of Sarip and Jariah who have 5 children ranging from 2 to 20 years of age. Rehan is the second child who is in Grade 7 and Akbar is the third child in Grade 3. They both go to schools just across from the community. Most of the children […]
Thank You GlobalGiving Community!
All of us at XSProject Indonesia would like to express our gratitude and a BIG THANK YOU to the GlobalGiving community for your support of our programs in 2018. Generous and thoughtful donors have contributed to our social programs for the health and well-being of trash pickers and their families, and to the better education […]
Cirendeu Home Care for a better health
In November last year, we received an e-mail from GlobalGiving that they had selected XSProject’s Generate Income & Hope from Non – Recyclable Garbage project as GlobalGiving’s Project of the Month for December 2017. The news came at the right time, when we had been thinking about what can we do more for the community. […]
XSProject at ‘Pasar Setapak’
XSProject along with other very creative artisans participate in 4 days ‘Pasar Setapak’ organized by Chic Mart. Chic Mart is a shop in Jalan Kemang Raya, South Jakarta, where you can find almost anything you can think of for gifts, souvenirs or just to find something for yourself. The 4 days event, from the 4th […]
From Hope to Reality
The hope of 3 students from Cirendeu Community for the chance of attend college in September has now been fulfilled. Here is the story of two of the students. Rustandi is studying Management and Ardiansyah is studying Industrial Engineering. Rustandi (nickname Tandi) and Ardiansyah (nickname Ardi) have started their college year last month, after going […]
New Opportunity for Aminah
Aminah is one of the Angels at Cirendeu garbage dump. She was born in Jakarta on 19th August 1983. Her parents have 6 children, both already passed away. Aminah went to school until SMK (Vocational School), she wanted to continue her education but her parents being a trash picker did not have money to pay […]
Welcome New Teachers At Jakarta Intercultural School
A great event as our products are quite popular at JIS. Special thanks to the school for giving us this oppurtunity to showcase us, and we hope the students and teachers have a great year ahead!
The 2018 Class Is In Session!
In Indonesia, the 2018/2019 school year started this month. As we have done for the last 10 years, XSProject arranged for all students living at the Cirendeu trash picker community to have new uniforms, shoes and school supplies purchased with donations from our GlobalGiving supporters. Our Kindergarten class is located at the dump site in […]
Graduation with a Future of Possibilities
As the school year draws to a close in Indonesia, four Grade 12 students in the XSEducation program are preparing to graduate. Three students are hoping for a chance to attend college in September. To be accepted, they need to pass the exams. Then it’s all about choosing a college and studying hard. Ardiansyah (Ardi) […]
The Best Gift: a Drink of Water
Over the years, as the size of the Cirendeu open garbage dump in Jakarta grew, the 7 wells, used by more than 100 trash picker families living there have become contaminated. For years the rotting garbage, with help from torrential rains and flooding, has been polluting their water supply. These families wash, cook and drink […]