From 2002 - 2007, IRD implemented the Student Health Improvement Program (SHIP) in Indonesia, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program strived to improve the educational status and health of 75,000 school children in 496 schools throughout five districts in Central Java and Yogyakarta Provinces.

Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
In order to improve the conditions of schools and the health of school children, IRD upgraded water and sanitation facilities in 81 schools. Under this component, IRD also conducted needs assessments, organized community water and sanitation committees, upgraded school facilities, provided peer education training and conducted operation/maintenance workshops.

Health and Hygiene Promotion
IRD also conducted hygiene promotion campaigns and training sessions to increase the percentage of children in primary schools who practice appropriate health and hygiene behaviors. In order to ensure sustainability, IRD trained community members, teachers and student peer educators on the importance of hygiene promotion, and worked with both local and international partners to develop de-worming and anemia programs for school children in Central Java.

Improved Nutrition
IRD understands the importance of ensuring that primary school children receive a healthy, nutritious diet. In order to reduce short-term hunger, IRD produced and distributed soy-fortified snack noodles and biscuits to 75,000 school children in 496 schools; attendance rates of schools receiving the fortified snacks increased, averaging 95% in all targeted districts. IRD also reduced long-term hunger and improved nutrition by educating school managers, community members and parents about nutrition. Furthermore, IRD collaborated closely with community groups to identify locally available, nutritious sources of food.

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