SURFAID | Breathe Bell Tents gives $2 from every sale to a life-changing project

Through Surfaid Breathe Bell Tents is helping to bring clean water and nutrition to Rote.

In remote Rote Island communities, clean water is scarce and poor nutrition is a daily challenge. 

Behind the beauty of Rote, Indonesia with its rolling waves and sandy coves, lies a harsh reality: 1in 5 children experience stunted growth.

For years, SurfAid has been walking alongside communities here, building two powerful programs: one to improve access to clean water, and one to fight child malnutrition. And both have worked. Families now have gardens growing in front yards, new water sources within walking distance, and locally trained health workers delivering vital education.

But as we listened closely—to mothers, to community leaders, and to our own field teams—one truth became impossible to ignore: These two challenges are deeply connected. And to truly change lives, we need to tackle them together.

For the past two years, SurfAid has been working hand-in-hand with communities in Rote through two separate programs—an established nutrition program, and a new clean water initiative. The progress unfolding across the region is powerful. But we’ve learned that the most lasting impact happens when these efforts are combined.

That’s why we’re launching the next chapter: a fully integrated approach that brings water, nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene together in one community-led program.

This is not just a new way of working—it’s a smarter, more connected solution to the real challenges families face. Together, we can help communities grow food with clean water, protect children from disease, and nourish a healthier future for Rote.

WHY COMBINE WATER AND NUTRITION?

You can’t grow food without water.
You can’t wash hands without water.
You can’t break the cycle of childhood stunting and malnutrition without water.

Knowledge about nutrition means little if disease from dirty water keeps kids sick. These challenges are deeply connected, and so are the solutions.

In this new chapter of Rote Malole, SurfAid will unite our water infrastructure and climate resilience work with community nutrition training, health system strengthening, and family food security efforts.

It’s a bold move and one that could change the course of health for thousands.