In a quiet corner of Bangga village in South Dolo, Sigi District, Central Sulawesi, the scent of fresh donuts tells a story of determination, transformation, and hope. Ulfa Inang, a 35-year-old mother of two, has been running a modest home-based bakery since 2021. What began as a small effort to support her family is now growing into something much bigger — one donut at a time.

Before launching her own business, Ulfa worked at a commercial bakery factory in Palu City. There, she noticed a gap — baked goods were popular in the city, but scarcely available in her own village. With this insight and a growing desire to provide for her family, she returned home and started baking. Her simple, village-style donuts quickly became a local favorite.

But like many small entrepreneurs, Ulfa faced challenges she couldn’t solve alone. Her donuts, though tasty in the morning, would harden and lose their appeal by the afternoon. Customers noticed, and sales were inconsistent. She realized that if she wanted her business to grow, she needed better techniques and tools.

At the end of 2023, an opportunity came knocking. ADRA Indonesia, through its REAF II Project in partnership with the Department of Industry and Trade (Disperindag) of Sigi District, offered technical food processing training focused on donuts and pastries. Ulfa was selected to join — and she embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly.

The training was more than just a workshop. It introduced participants to practical methods for improving product texture, enhancing shelf life, and adding creative, eye-catching designs. While the sessions centered around potato-based donuts, Ulfa found ways to adapt the techniques to her own ingredients and recipes. Her traditional donuts, once prone to hardening, now stayed soft and appealing well into the afternoon.

The change was immediate and noticeable. Customers began to compliment the improved quality. Her donuts, once sold individually, were now packaged into attractive boxes of nine pieces each, sold at Rp 15,000 per box. On good days, she sells up to six boxes — more than five times her original daily output. With increased sales, her income has grown, giving her and her family more financial stability and pride in their work.

But perhaps the most valuable gain has been her confidence. Where she once questioned the future of her small venture, Ulfa now dreams of expansion. She hopes to grow her bakery, serve nearby villages, and one day open a shop of her own.

Ulfa’s journey is a powerful example of how access to knowledge and the right kind of support can transform lives. Through initiatives like the REAF II Project, ADRA Indonesia is equipping local entrepreneurs — especially women — with skills, courage, and vision. These are not just recipes for better products, but for lasting change.

Investing in women like Ulfa means investing in families, communities, and futures. Because sometimes, sustainable change starts with something as simple as a soft, well-made donut — and a woman who dares to dream bigger.

This is how ADRA creates lasting impact — by equipping everyday people with the skills, confidence, and support they need to grow. Whether it’s in the field or the kitchen, ADRA empowers individuals like Ulfa to turn potential into progress, lifting families and strengthening communities in the process.