DJAMU's founder Elizabeth McCLean shares her story of empowering Indonesia's waste picker communities to create impactful upcycled products.
Following her husband's assignment in Indonesia, Elizabeth McClean moved to Jakarta with her children in late 2012. Ms McClean said she learned many new things and found life-changing experiences upon her staying in Indonesia.
Over time, the former Australia's teacher developed a special interest in the waste-picking community, which is often overlooked by the public.
"Every day for five years, I watched a man pushing a cart with rubbish out of my car;s window," she told SBS Indonesian. "I wanted to know about his life and his dreams."
That's where the idea for DJAMU emerged — a social enterprise aimed at empowering waste pickers through recycled products. Ms McClean then got connected with an NGO that introduced her to the waste picker community in Cireundeu and launched a pilot program.
As a foreigner and previously unfamiliar with the world of waste picking in Indonesia, Ms McClean's journey to introduce this project was not easy. However, her belief that education would create beneficial opportunities for the community kept her going.
"I believe that every human being deserves opportunity and a voice," Ms McClean said. "I believe everyone can learn something new."
I believe that education unlocks opportunities.Elizabeth McClean - Founder of DJAMU
How does Ms McClean's journey transform challenges into opportunities for Indonesia's waste-picking communities? What are her next targets and how will she achieve them?
Listen to the full podcast.
