Sean Downs

Aired the week of 08/02/07 - #0731

Sean, a successful entrepreneur and surfer, answered a mid-life call to do something for others. While searching for the perfect wave, and for life’s purpose, he visited the western area of the Indonesian island of Sumba, a culturally unique yet very poor and underserved area. He discovered that nearly 40% of the children die by age 8 from diseases like malaria and dysentery. He was struck by the friendly people who had so little. He started the non-profit Sumba Foundation in 2002 in order to bringing much needed health care, clean water, and improved schools to this area. Since their start, The Sumba Foundation has provided 15 wells and water projects, improved 4 schools, begun a model malaria control program, built and staffed 7 health clinics, and airlifted over 4 tons of medical supplies and equipment to the island. Over 18,000 islanders have so far been positively impacted by the ongoing work of the foundation.

Website: http://www.sumbafoundation.org
Email: sean@sumbafoundation.org