How the Go the Distance Challenge Transformed a Little Girl’s Life

Meet Fitri (pictured above). A bright light in the second grade. She stands proudly in her white and red uniform, clutching her notebook with tiny hands. With a grin, she introduces herself to the class and launches into her presentation with ease. The topic? How she and her friends learned teamwork through a fun bamboo pole game.

Now, let’s zoom out to look at Fitri’s island, Sumba (known as the Island of Promise). Surprisingly, only 57% of girls there, aged 7 to 23, get the chance to go to school. Shocking, right? And get this – approximately 14% of females over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s almost 14,500! The equivalent of a small town’s worth of women missing out on the joy of books!

Let’s rewind to two years ago when Fitri’s story took a drastic turn. Imagine a kindergartener having to walk 8 kilometers every single day just to reach the nearest school. It’s no wonder the literacy rate among females in the area is so low when attending school demands such a tremendous effort. Talk about dedication! Yet, that kind of journey drains the energy out of even the most spirited learners. As Mely, a local teacher, puts it, “Children arrive at school tired and exhausted from walking. They don’t have the energy to study anymore. Many of them have given up and completely stopped attending school. This is why so many of them struggle with basic literacy skills.”

Thanks to the generous contributions from MSI donors and participants in last year’s Go the Distance Challenge, Fitri’s village got its very own school, complete with a squad of awesome teachers. Now, learning’s a breeze for Fitri, with her school just a hop, skip, and a jump away. And let us tell you, those teachers?! They’ve got an eye for hidden potential! In no time, Fitri became a reading whiz and a stage-stealing superstar who leads worship in front of her peers.

See, it’s not just about reading; it’s about lighting up lives and unlocking potential that can change the future of an entire island. MSI teachers are tirelessly serving children in remote villages, some of which don’t even have a pin on the map. These areas are without electricity, roads, and internet access, but they are home to thousands of children eagerly awaiting someone to provide them with education and hope. Our teachers are pioneering education, spreading hope, and nurturing children. And guess what? You can too!

By joining and/or supporting the Go the Distance Challenge this June, you can advance education in isolated areas to help more children like Fitri. Our goal is to raise $40,000 to ensure that more children have access to easy to reach education and awesome teachers! Will you join us in this year’s challenge and extend a helping hand to children in need?

Oh, and don’t miss Fitri’s starring role in a Mustard Seed video (click below). It’s a touching glimpse into her village, her family, and her newfound love for school. Trust us, it’s worth a watch!