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Inspire Indonesia 2027

From September 10 - September 19 and September 22 - October 1, 2027, volunteers will engage with local communities in Indonesia, running an educational camp for orphans and vulnerable children, engaging with refugee communities, and taking part in community service projects, including distributing essential supplies to support vulnerable families in the region. This transformative journey provides unique insight into the region’s culture, history, and challenges.

Highlights

  • Cohort 1: September 10 - September 19, 2027
  • Cohort 2: September 22 - October 1, 2027 (Lombok)
  • Fundraising Target → $3,500 CAD per volunteer
  • Registration Fee: CAD $575 (non-refundable, required upon acceptance into the program)

Limited spots available! Applications will close as soon as capacity is reached.

Apply Today

Program Requirements

The Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program seeks participants with the following qualities:

  • Over 18 years old of age
  • Able to attend mandatory orientation sessions and all required training
  • A sincere interest in humanitarian work and global service
  • Experience and passion for working with youth and children
  • Strong leadership skills and teamwork capabilities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations
  • Flexibility, maturity, and the ability to adapt in new environments
  • Ability to commit to physically demanding activities and extended days while abroad

Background

With a population of 288 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and claims Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Indonesia has rich culture, scenery and landmarks, comprising over 17,500 islands, 100 active volcanoes, and 600 ethnic groups. Due to its proximity to the equator and the Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia is extremely prone to natural disasters including earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Namely, the earthquake in West Sulawesi in January 2021 devastated thousands of communities. This earthquake left 94,500 people displaced, 1,000 people injured and over 24,000 homes and public buildings damaged. For many households, water sources are distant, contaminated or expensive, and household sanitation is unaffordable. Lack of access to water, sanitation, and food is worsened by political instability in the Papua and West Papua provinces, where 37,000 people are displaced and in need of protection, shelter, food, health assistance, and other essentials.

Islamic Relief In Indonesia

Islamic Relief started its work in Indonesia in 2000, shortly establishing a main office in Jakarta and running operations in West Sumatra, Nusa Tenggara Barat, and Aceh provinces. We provide emergency response, WASH assistance, and livelihood development and support in Indonesia. In response to various natural disasters, like the earthquake in West Sulawesi, we provide non-food item kits, temporary shelter, medical treatment, and educational support. Our development projects consist of cash programming, disaster risk reduction, entrepreneurship, and management training.


Our work in Indonesia addresses immediate and long term needs, so we can help disaster prone and vulnerable Indonesians build climate resilient lives. Beyond responding to natural disasters, we are committed to supporting vulnerable children and families through initiatives such as our Orphan Sponsorship Program, which has provided ongoing support to hundreds of orphaned children. The Inspire Program in Indonesia aims to provide psychosocial support to orphaned children in a summer camp affiliated with the ongoing Orphan Sponsorship Program.


Since 2023, Inspire has held 7 trips to Indonesia, running educational and psychosocial support programs with local orphans and refugee children.

Check out a previous volunteer's experience! 


Main activities

  • Volunteers will embark on a 10-day journey, directly engaging with vulnerable communities in Indonesia. Activities include:
    • Running educational workshops and recreational activities for local orphans
    • Providing psychosocial support programs that foster emotional growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging for vulnerable children and youth
    • Packing and distributing food and hygiene kits to vulnerable families
    • Participating in community service projects such as rehabilitation of schools and/or homes to improve the living conditions for affected communities.


Cultural Immersion Activities
Volunteers will have the opportunity to explore the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Indonesia. Activities will include visits to key landmarks, historic sites, and areas of cultural significance, offering participants an authentic glimpse into the traditions and heritage of Indonesia.

Benefits of Volunteer Abroad Trip

The Inspire program aims to provide volunteers with a unique and eye-opening experience, where they immerse themselves in a completely different context than they are normally accustomed to. This program encompasses the “give and take” principle; it is an opportunity to give back to vulnerable communities overseas whilst learning and growing skills in an enriching environment. 

The Inspire experience continues beyond the volunteer abroad trip. Following the trip abroad, each volunteer will be required to complete a Passion Project, providing an opportunity to apply their learning and turn their experience into meaningful action within their community.

Volunteers who successfully complete all components of the Inspire program may also receive a CPD certificate, a globally recognized leadership development credential.

Upon completion of the program, letters of reference are available to participants upon request.

We also encourage Inspire alumni to continue their humanitarian journey by staying involved with Islamic Relief Canada and exploring opportunities to volunteer and contribute to meaningful humanitarian efforts beyond the program.

Apply Today


Fundraising Process

Each participant is required to raise a minimum of CAD $4,000, which directly supports Islamic Relief Canada’s community development projects in Indonesia, as well as Islamic Relief's global emergency initiatives wherever the need is greatest. Your contributions will directly empower vulnerable communities, particularly children and youth, through educational programs, psychosocial support activities, community service projects such as school and home rehabilitation, and the distribution of food and hygiene kits. These initiatives address socio-economic challenges, build resilience, and promote long-term self-reliance. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, where it is needed most.

Volunteers will be supported with their fundraising through:

  • Personalized fundraising coaching
  • Tips for community engagement
  • Digital tools and templates for outreach

Please note, none of the donations raised will be used for the volunteer’s personal travel or expenses.

Accommodations & Costs

Islamic Relief Canada will cover:

  • Accommodation during the trip
  • Ground transportation within Indonesia
  • Group meals and organized group activities


Volunteers are responsible for:

  • Flights to and from Indonesia
  • Mandatory health and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses not related to group logistics
  • Expenses related to the VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check) application

Pre-Trip Training

All accepted participants must attend mandatory orientation sessions and complete mandatory pre-trip training, which includes:

  • Orientation to Islamic Relief Canada’s values and humanitarian work
  • Fundraising strategy and planning
  • Passion Project sessions
  • Activity Planning sessions
  • Group bonding and spiritual preparation
  • Cultural etiquette and expectations in Indonesia
  • Health, safety, and travel protocols

Training sessions will be approximately 1-2 hours each. Full attendance is required.

Reflections from our changemakers 

“Despite enduring unimaginable hardships and persecution, their resilience and hope for a better future were truly remarkable. Interacting with the people of Lombok and hearing their aspirations reinforced the importance of supporting their cause and advocating for their rights.”    

"My trip to Indonesia exposed me to different people, increasing my cultural awareness and empathy.  It enhanced my personal growth, adaptability, and interpersonal skills, offering valuable career development opportunities in fields related to psychology, social work, and education.”  

"My journey with Islamic Relief's Inspire Program has motivated me to continue advocating for the rights of those who are less fortunate, raising awareness about their struggles, and actively participating in humanitarian initiatives.