Helping people to help themselves

Saturday, 15 June 2013 00:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

German Ambassador Dr. Juergen Morhard handed over assistance worth Rs. 4 million to community development organisations in Ratnapura, Kilinochchi and Ampara. The funds will go towards social development activities in vulnerable communities.

The Mahashakthy Federation based in Kilinochchi is one of the organisations receiving project funding this year. Mahashakthy plans to establish a coconut oil, chili and curry powder milling facility, to help generate self-employment opportunities for women-headed households in the Konavil area.

“A disproportionately large number of war-affected families are women-headed households,” said a representative from the organisation. “These women have to play the dual roles of caregiver as well as breadwinner in a difficult environment. Therefore, the addition of a mill allows these women to produce goods at which they are traditionally expert, and that are in demand within the community.”

In meetings with representatives of the implementing organisations, Ambassador Morhard said, “The micro projects initiative is a key component of Germany’s engagement with local communities. Our interest is in supporting people to achieve a better quality of life, and these grants are tangible assistance to partner projects to ensure our outreach program helps the most deserving.”

Other organisations receiving German funding this year include the Sabaragamuwa Community Development Foundation, the Pottuvil-Arugambay Development Committee and the Dayasarana Development Foundation. These funds will go towards helping women and children through projects for clean drinking water, education assistance and livelihood support in Balangoda, Pottuvil and Dehiyatta Kandiya respectively.

Every year, Germany provides Rs. 12 million worth of micro project funding as part of its efforts to enhance the capacities and living standards of the Sri Lankan people.