Let’s be honest. When successful leaders plan a retreat, it’s usually about the five-star view and the next quarter’s strategy. Necessary? maybe. Life-changing? Not sure.
The 60 leaders from the EO Indonesia chapter wanted to see the wild, jaw-dropping beauty of Sumba. But they wanted their time there to mean something more than just good photos. They came looking for a story they could actually build.
The entire mission started three months before anyone packed a bag.
Working with our partner at Suka Indonesia, an NGO focused on local education, this group spent their own time and energy fundraising. They were dedicated to one specific, massive goal: changing the foundation of a community. They succeeded. They raised enough money to fully fund the construction of three brand-new PAUD schools in remote East Sumba. This means three villages now have a stable, permanent start for their future. This effort directly secured the education of 90 children and provided a full year of salary and welfare for six dedicated teachers.
the moment they stopped being funders and became builders.
The trip itself was everything a journey to Sumba should be. They explored the powerful Tanggedu Waterfalls, watched the sunset at Walakiri Beach, and sat with the elders in the traditional village of Prailiu, learning the deep roots of the local Marapu belief system and the art of Sumba Weaving Textile.
But the moment that truly changed the leaders wasn’t at a scenic overlook. It was at the school sites they helped fund.
You might expect a quick photo op and a speech. Instead, the leaders of this chapter were on their knees, planting trees around the new school buildings, right alongside the children.That moment was the real turning point. Before the trip, they were successful leaders looking for a way to connect their busy lives to a deeper purpose. After spending time on the ground, with Sumba earth on their hands, they fundamentally changed. They stopped being just funders and became active builders, gaining a deeply personal, real-life connection to the children and the community’s future.
honoring community and securing the future
The impact wasn’t just personal. The destination itself got a permanent boost. Before this initiative, three remote villages in East Sumba were missing the most crucial thing—a foundational place for their children to learn. Now, thanks to the commitment of the EO Indonesia chapter, those three fully-funded PAUD schools are open. This isn’t a temporary fix or a one-time donation; it’s a lasting foundation that guarantees a brighter future for those 90 children and their six teachers.
Even outside their formal agenda, the leaders found opportunities to contribute. After an unexpected itinerary change, they were left with a massive dinner prepared for them. To minimize food waste, they immediately reached out to Suka Indonesia and invited 60 children from a nearby orphanage to share the meal with them, creating an unplanned moment of genuine connection and kindness.
To close the event, the final gala dinner didn’t feature a celebrity. Instead, the guests of honor were the ultimate local experts: Jonathan Hani (now the Vice Regent of East Sumba) and Ardi from Suka Indonesia. The leaders weren’t there to be entertained; they were there to listen and learn from the people making real change happen on the ground. We also made sure local small businesses (SMEs) were invited to sell their products, ensuring the event’s spending went straight into the local economy.
They came to Sumba to make a lasting impact on a place. They left having a deeper, more permanent impact on themselves.
Ready to trade your usual retreat for a legacy? That’s what we call a #TravelPositive journey.
