Saab Shares is a not-for-profit organisation working to reduce poverty and increase support for marginalized communities in Indonesia through children’s education, healthcare access and women’s empowerment programs.
Saab Shares is an extension of an initiative that Sabrina Bensawan launched when she was 16 with the support of her sister, Elena, who was then 14. The two sisters were listed in Forbes’ 30 under 30 – Asia – Social Entrepreneurs in 2019. Sabrina was also recognised as EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2018.
Sabrina remembers when they first ventured into the slums of Jakarta. “During our secondary school years, we would spend our afternoons in the slums of Jakarta, listening to the stories of the families there. Our goal now is to improve their quality of life and break the cycle of poverty.”
Saab Shares currently runs 28 “Rumah Belajar” (House of Learning) for underprivileged children across Indonesia. “To equip them for the future, we focus on character building and skills training, such as public speaking, leadership and computer skills,” says Elena.
In an effort to empower women, the organization has established four training centres where underprivileged mothers can not only learn new skills matched to their passions and interests but also participate in mentorship programmes.
By the first quarter of 2023, Saab Shares has helped over one million beneficiaries.
