At 43, Kang Jae had been navigating life through irregular work. With a high school education and limited opportunities, finding stable employment was not easy. Work came and went, bringing with it an uncertain income and an unpredictable daily routine.

But his journey began to change when the Water Program of Yayasan Rumah Energi created an opportunity for him to become involved as a maintenance technician for a rainwater harvesting system (IPAH).

The opportunity may have seemed simple, but for Kang Jae, it meant much more.

“I now have an activity, an income, and the opportunity to be useful to the people and environment around me.”

His words reflect a meaningful change. This work is not simply about earning additional income. It has given him a renewed sense of purpose and recognition—that his skills still have value and that he can contribute to his community.

Through his role in maintaining the IPAH system, Kang Jae has also seen firsthand how environmental work can create a tangible impact. By ensuring that the system continues to function properly, he helps maintain access to water for people in his community.

From there, a stronger sense of connection to his surroundings has grown. He is no longer simply witnessing changes in his village; he is actively contributing to them.

Kang Jae’s life may not have changed overnight. He still lives a simple life, much as he did before. But today, he has something that can make all the difference: an opportunity to contribute, to be needed, and to believe once again that his work has meaning for the people and environment around him.