We thought it would be timely to provide an update on FODAD’s recent activities as many of you will have seen that Sri Lanka is currently facing a devastating economic crisis and resulting political instability.
We have not been able to visit Sri Lanka since the end of February 2020. The nationwide curfews continued through much of that year and into this. At the time of writing, the President has now resigned and fled the country, which is bankrupt, after months of protests. There are no foreign reserves and as a result there are few imports. This means there are few drugs available – not even basic pain killers and certainly no drugs to treat severe illness. There are constant power cuts, and every social class is severely impacted. Despite all the unwelcome news, we have experienced smiles and positivity. We are told that the mass peaceful demonstrations have resulted in a unity of the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim communities that has never been seen before.
The need for FODAD support in the village has been greater than ever.
Education
2 British friends in Sri Lanka helped us with the distribution of new uniforms and school shoes for all the children.
The schools have opened and closed and opened and closed again. All in all, the children will have lost a whole year of education. There was no online teaching for the non-private schools though some had lessons by telephone. Our own schoolroom re-opened in May 2022 having only been open for a few weeks in 2021.
Chamika, whom we have known since she was a tiny child, got her A levels. Her life ambition is to be a police officer and we are funding her through university. This is what she wrote (sic):
Hello 😇
I'm Chamika from Sri Lanka.One of those who had the opportunity to get your valuable help.How are you all doing.I hope you are all well and safe.
I sat for A/L examination in October last year.The results were little late due to the epidemic.However I passed the exam well.I have 2 A passes and 1 B passe. Aulthough I went to accounts class with your help, still I have B passe for it.But Im very happy with that, because I was very week in accounts subject.Somehow I was able to pass the subject as well.I think I qualify for univetsity too.If I get selected for univetsity I hope to go.
I always have something to say, in fact you are behind all my success, I will never forget the help you did.A lot of people helped me get into this situation and you are special.Really thank you so much for all the help you have given me.For all that you do, you have to live a healthy and happy life everyday.Finally thank you so much , may god bless you and stay safe
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Chamika receiving her funding for university. |
Natasha who was born in the village after the Tsunami has passed her O levels and we are funding her further education.
Kishmi, Udaya’s daughter has taken her A levels and we wait patiently for her results.
Smith, whom we have supported since 2005 and who has a tragic family background, became a teacher this year. He is in his probationary year and earning a little money of his own. Through his own grit and determination, Smith has realised his dream to become a teacher. We could not be more proud.
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Smith teaching his class Distribution of dry food rations This has been needed even more so this year. In the past calendar year, we have sent over £16,000 in relief money for dry food rations to the village. |
Annual Christmas party for the children
Udaya, the fisherman who is FODAD in Sri Lanka – we have no staff/no overheads – arranged a wonderful Christmas party for 43 children on the beach and we put money in the savings accounts we had opened for them.
Supporting local livelihoods
The fishing boat we originally donated was no longer seaworthy and so in the Spring of this year we bought a new boat and a new engine. Sadly, at the time of writing there is no oil for the engine, but we hope that in time things will change and it will help bring self sufficiency to the village.
