your family update
You Backed them and things began to change
Mehala
Donor
Sumithra lives in in Sri Lanka’s Kilinochchi district, with her husband and their three children. Her husband works in the electricity sector. But his income isn’t enough to make ends meet
Sumithra rarely leaves home or joins any gatherings in the village. She feels ashamed to face the neighbours she borrows money from, even though she works hard to pay back the debt they have.
She spends her days at home looking after the children, with no savings of her own and no trade or skill she could use to earn an income, she still makes the best of the situation.
At one point, the family had pawned some of Sumithra’s jewellery to get by on cash they needed. She has nothing to build anything of her own with or to fall back on. But she is determined to change these circumstances, for the sake of her children.
Sumithra wants to learn a trade of her own, build some savings, and see her three children do well in school. She wants them to find good jobs that give them a steady income and a better future.
Please note for many women sharing in written form is not easy. We sit with women to support them to share their story and have added context so you can weave together what you have made possible.
Are you well? I am well. My name is P. Sumitra. I live in Pallikkarada village in the Kilinochchi district. I have three children. They are studying. My husband works in the electricity sector. My husband, my children and I are now living happily. Because of you.
(At the time we met SumithraPiratheepan, her family was struggling with the deep poverty. With yours and Palmera’s support, she found the strength to save her own money and start a business, helping her family recover and rebuild their lives.)
Before joining Palmera’s village savings group, I did not go to any meetings or gatherings. I would just stay at home looking after the children. But then, I joined the Annai group. Through joining, today I am meeting different women. I share with them. Because of this, I feel happy in my heart. Along with that, I have also saved Rs. 30,000 in my name.
(Palmera established the village bank in her village to develop financial literacy, a place to save and revolve their savings as loans to reduce their debt from predatory lenders. Through the village bank women come together each week to talk, to share what is going on and support each other. This is the foundation for change because change happens in community and that is exactly what these structures support.)
Through this program, by contributing to our savings, we can take loans. In that way, I took a loan of Rs. 30,000 and redeemed my pawned jewellery that was at the bank. My husband helps me with this. Also, based on the vocational training they give, I participated in the tailoring training programme. Before, I did not know any trade. But now I sew clothes and have reached a good level of progress.
(Sumithra previously was not engaged in earning a living income but today through continued mentorship and training she is able to engage economically and this has allowed her income to increase and to meet her basic needs.)
Along with that, we rear chickens and do home gardening. I am raising 15 chickens. I have also started a home garden with things like brinjal and beans. I use the eggs from the chickens for our consumption, and I also sell the extra eggs. With the money I get from that, I save Rs. 300 weekly.
(For food security, Palmera supports women to establish home gardens and small poultry farming. This is becoming more challenging with wild monkeys, limited access to seeds, and increasing pests due to changing climate. Because of these challenges, many do not engage in home gardening and poultry. Through your support, we are changing that, helping families grow their own food and earn an income from what they produce.)
Additionally, I also make and sell a nutritious mix. People from the community and members of the group buy it.
Before, I used to be afraid to even talk to anyone. Now, I unite our group members and act as a representative for our group at the monthly meetings held at the start of the month. Now, I can speak clearly and without fear to anyone. In this way, this program was the reason for good things like our courage, mental strength, and motivation to develop within our homes.
The credit for transforming me, who was just a woman inside the house, into a woman with the strength to earn, goes to Palmera and to you. I pray to God that you live well. I conclude by expressing my heartfelt thanks to you for providing support and helping my family.
Thank you,
Sumithra
Our work continues with Sumithra. She has begun the journey to stand on her own, but lasting change takes time. We will walk alongside her for one more year before letting go of her hand. It is this continued accompaniment that makes all the difference. And this is possible because of you. Thank you.
