The social organization of Bengkel Amal was founded as an answer to the need of a form of aid distribution to Indonesia that would ensure direct impact to those in need. Bengkel Amal, literal Bahasa Indonesia translation of "charity repair shop", was named as such to illustrate the continuous efforts made to "repair" the distribution of aid and relief to the needy. Since its conception in April 1999, Bengkel Amal has continued its efforts for operational expansion through many ways, including mass and religious organizations in the United States as well as in Indonesia. Bengkel Amal's mission to help efforts that increase the welfare and the prosperity level in Indonesia, is further categorized into four strategic purposes:
- To alleviate the burdens of those affected by the socioeconomic as well as political crisis in Indonesia, especially those in need of immediate medical and health care assistance.
- To distribute aid to the poor communities in urban and rural areas, in the form of basic necessities such as clothing and food.
- To provide financial aid to students in the elementary to high school age range, in the form of child sponsorship programs, currently Bengkel Amal's biggest project, which provides education to about 600 children in Indonesia.
- To provide financial assistance to various skills and training programs that would stimulate productivity and employment.
Bengkel Amal focuses its activities to these three categories:
- 1. Education
- 2. Employment
- 3. Health Services
Distribution Program:
Bengkel Amal's current aid recipient target are people with low welfare and prosperity rates, in both urban and rural areas, who are under social or community institutions; those who have lost their source of income due to the recent crisis, and have insufficient access to daily needs provisions, such as food, shelter, and clothing.
Bengkel Amal also gives aid to educational programs operated by local facilities such as local schools and parishes; and also to individuals and social institutions with direct access to the needing communities.
Bengkel Amal ensures the reciept of its aid through its field coordinators in Indonesia, who act as Bengkel Amal's distribution extension. Bengkel Amal also monitors and updates the progress of its programs regularly through its network that includes Bengkel Amal members situated in Indonesia and its field coordinators, as well as the United States' coordinators.
Bengkel Amal continues to adjust and improve its running programs according to local conditions and needs of the communities and individuals recieving aid. However, Bengkel Amal's main objective is to stimulate the social, economic, health, and educational restoration, with hopes of improving the welfare and quality of life of the crisis-ridden Indonesian people.
