Children of Light was formed in 1999 as a result from a direct appeal for help from Free Reformed Indonesian Churches. Their concerns were regarding their children being placed in non-Christian homes closer to their school and not attending school due to poverty.

Children of Light has sought to combat these issues by providing placements for school-aged children in Christian families or boarding-homes where they receive Biblical Instruction and health assistance.

Many students in Sumba do not finish their schooling due to illness, hunger, transport distances or cost. Their parents often have a low level of education and cannot see the benefits of sending their children to school, or they need their children to work to cover living costs.

This situation supports the vicious cycle of poverty and is compounded by a lack of inadequate financial support from the Indonesian Government. 

Non-government organisations such as Children of Light are thus very beneficial, as they provide direct aid to people’s needs.