COVID Appeal 2021
We began the campaign with an aim to raise $10k and reach 1,600 people. Because of the overwhelming support, we have increased our goal to $25k and will reach 3,400 people. You will be updated on the impact so thank you for your support!
The need
In Sri Lanka, a new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, disrupting every aspect of life, from the economy to education. The number of COVID-19 deaths is nearing the 2,500 mark, while nearly 30,000 current active cases are inundating hospitals (in total the country has seen nearly 250,000 cases).
Palmera works with the most vulnerable – they are the most likely to plunge into deeper and protracted poverty as the Sri Lanka government announces extended lockdowns (the country began lock downs in stages from April and then country wide from May and some forecast that the lockdowns may continue till the end of July).
During this time families, especially those who rely on daily labour, struggle to access a living wage. They struggle to have enough to meet their basics and many then resort to high interest loans, which plunges them into deep debt and poverty. Your support can change that.
Our Solution
We will provide 1 month of a diversified range of food relief items for over 3,400 of the most vulnerable. In addition, we will be working with families to establish their home gardens – critical to ensure nutrition is sustained for children and families as the uncertainty continues.
Where we will work
While in the communities where we have worked for several years we have seen strong resilience and minimal external support, in our newer villages and surrounding villages the need continues to grow. We will focus on the regions where we have, and continue, to work to ensure that our relief work reaches those most in need.
| Mullaitivu – Puthukkudiyiruppu | Mullaitivu has the second highest poverty rating among the 25 districts in the country. Puthukkudiyiruppu is ranked the second poorest among the 6 divisions |
| Kilinochchi – Poonakary | Kilinochchi has the highest poverty rating among the 25 districts in the country. Poonakary is ranked the poorest among the 4 divisions |
| Batticaloa – Vavunthatheevu | Vavunthatheevu is the poorest division in the country |
| Pollonaruwa South | A vulnerable area that has the highest rates of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) which has impacted many parts of the country. Prevalence of CKDu is 15.1–22.9% which places a large burden on the most vulnerable. |
How we will deliver the support
Our relief efforts will be focused in areas where we have a strong existing presence. This will allow us to leverage our ground team to ensure relief, training and market connections for home garden inputs is provided. We will work closely with the local governments and coordinating mechanisms to ensure no duplication of relief efforts. Palmera does not work informally and has established itself as a strong actor in these districts of the country to ensure that our work is coordinated and effective, reaching those most in need.
