your family update
You Backed them and things began to change
Nilani Engunan
Donor
When we met Naleema, her eyes told a story of quiet strength mixed with deep worry. At just 24 years old, she is a mother of five children, carrying a heavy burden far beyond her years.
Naleema worked through every pregnancy, doing whatever she could to put food on the table for her family. But when her husband left, the weight of providing for her children fell entirely on her shoulders.
The costs of raising five children are high, and Naleema struggles to send all of them to school. Some of her children go without, simply because she cannot afford the fees or supplies. Her youngest child is just two years old, and sometimes there is only enough food to feed her once a day.
Day by day, things become harder for Naleema. Yet, despite all the challenges, she keeps going—doing everything she can to care for her children and hoping for a better future.
Despite these hardships, Santhirasekar and his family have hope. They have land suitable for goat rearing—a simple livelihood that could offer a steady source of income and help them improve their situation. With the right support to start goat farming, they could take important steps toward economic stability and a better future for their children.
We’ve captured their voice so you can hear their story.
Could you please share your name and tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Naleema, and I’m 25 years old. I live in Olanbewa, Kekirawa, with my five children. My youngest son is one and a half years old, my fourth child is three, the third is four, my second son is eight, and my eldest daughter is nine. We live with my mother in her house.
What have you been doing these days?
I’m mostly at home taking care of my youngest child. I’ve also been managing the chickens provided by the Palmera project.
Do your children go to school? How are things now that you’ve joined the project?
Yes, my children are attending school now, but it wasn’t always easy. Initially, I struggled to get a birth certificate for my youngest child because their father had left us. Palmera stepped in and guided me through the process, even providing financial support to get the certificate. Once that was sorted, the children were able to start school in January. Palmera also assists with bus fare for their school transport, which has been such a blessing for us.
How did things change for you after joining Palmera?
I came across the Palmera project during one of the most difficult times in my life—when I was about to give birth to my youngest son. He was born at home under challenging circumstances. Their father had already left, and I couldn’t even afford basic things like clothes for the baby. Palmera provided us with everything we needed—a baby bath basket, clothes, and even a bed for my son. They also gave us a chicken coop and chickens to start a small farm and covered my children’s bus fare for school. On top of all that, I attended the counseling sessions they organized.
How did you feel about the counseling sessions?
The counseling sessions were such a relief for me. They provided a safe space to share things I couldn’t discuss with my family.
Besides caring for your family, how have you been working these days?
I’ve been trying to find something I can do from home. I have a health condition that makes it difficult for me to work outside, especially with tasks involving water. With my mother’s responsibilities and my children to care for, I can’t leave them alone. I’m hoping to start a form of self-employment from home.
Are you able to continue with the chicken farming you started?
Yes, I can definitely continue with the chicken farming. It’s something I can manage while staying at home with my children.
Nilani has supported you. Is there anything you’d like to say to her?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Nilani. She has done so much for us, especially for someone like me who has been struggling. May God bless her abundantly and give her the strength to continue helping others.
Thank you!
