your family update
You Backed them and things began to change
Siva Sritharan
Donor
When we first met Sunethra and her family, we were moved by the immense challenges they face every day. Sunethra, a mother of four, had been left to care for her children alone after her husband left, yet she continued to care for her mother-in-law, who lives with them, showing extraordinary love and resilience. Their home is surrounded by dense jungle, where wild elephants often wander, making daily life unpredictable and dangerous. Each day is a struggle as Sunethra searches tirelessly for ways to provide for her family, worrying about basic necessities like food, shelter, and her children’s schooling.
Despite all this hardship, Sunethra’s spirit remains unbroken. Her courage, determination, and unwavering love for her family shine through every challenge she faces. What she needs most is hope and support—someone to stand with her so that she can sustain her family and build a safer, more secure future. Meeting her, it was impossible not to be inspired by her strength and moved by the quiet bravery of a mother fighting against overwhelming odds.
We’ve captured their voice so you can hear their story.
Could you please share a little about yourself?
My name is Sunethra Kumari, and I live in GoviGammanya, Nagama (Village Name), with my four children. My eldest son, who is 20 years old, stays at home after completing school, while my other three children are still studying. I have started poultry farming while managing household chores and looking after my family.
How is your family’s current situation?
I feel that things are improving now. Through the Palmera project, I received a chicken coop, and I’m happy to say the chicks are doing well. I plan to build an income through poultry farming. Palmera also provided me with seeds, and I’ve started fruit and vegetable cultivation alongside my poultry work. These activities help cover our household expenses, and we are managing better than before.
How has joining Palmera changed your life, and what benefits have you received?
Before Palmera, my home didn’t even have electricity. Life was so difficult in the dark, both literally and figuratively. But with Palmera’s support, I now have electricity in my home. Palmera supported me to start a chicken farming business with 20 chicks and a chicken coop. They also helped me connect electricity to the coop, which will help me care for the chicks better. My chicken farming has been making good progress.
I received three months’ worth of food rations and farming seeds from Palmera to support my farming. With this, I’ve started growing crops, doing agriculture, and ensuring our household is self-sustained. It feels like I’m finally moving forward.
What are your goals and vision for your family now?
My biggest goal is to succeed in the egg business and see my children thrive in their studies. I want to provide them with the opportunities I never had.
I also dream of improving our living conditions. We still face challenges with the toilet and the unstable kitchen, but I am determined to rebuild them. I also hope to expand my poultry business by breeding and selling chicks. Farming and agriculture are areas I want to strengthen further as well.
What do you think now that your dreams have come true?
Truly, this project has transformed my life. I never imagined I could achieve these goals and turn my dreams into reality, but Palmera has provided me with the resources, confidence, and strength to dream again. It’s not just about food or farming—it’s about hope. Having electricity at home has even enabled my children to focus better on their studies. I am now living a life better than I ever thought possible. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped me overcome my struggles.
Mr. Siva Sitharan has supported you. Do you want to say something to them?
Yes, I am deeply thankful to Mr. Siva Sitharan for his unwavering support. He has helped not just me but so many families like mine who are struggling. Because of him, people like us now have a chance to thrive and build a better future. I am truly grateful for the opportunity he and Palmera have given me and my children. May he and the entire Palmera team continue to be blessed for the incredible work they do.
