your family update
You Backed them and things began to change
Druvinka Bandaranayake
Donor
“I am all alone raising my two children.”
Tharaka is a single mother raising two children on her own in Colombo. She has been separated from her husband for 7 years. So she bares the expenses and stress of a 3 person household by herself. Her son is in Grade 1, and her daughter is in Grade 2.
For years, Tharaka and her children got by on daily wage work, but it was never enough, and she kept falling behind financially. To make up the difference and support her children, she has relied on sex work out of necessity, not choice.
Without a stable home of her own, Tharaka and her children live in a relative’s house, with little support to lean on. Food is scarce. There is barely any money to look after their health, let alone find stable housing.
Her daughter is dealing with malnutrition and needs regular clinic visits to manage it. It’s hard for Tharaka to make that happen. But she somehow tries her best, putting her needs behind those of her children.
Tharaka wants stability and dignity for her family. She wants her children to finish their education. She wants steady income that doesn’t depend on work that she doesn’t choose for herself or her family.
When she talks about their future Tharaka speaks of a safe home of her own for the kids to grow up in, and her daughter’s health properly taken care of. That is what she is working hard towards.
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.
Dear Miss Druvinka,
I live in the Colombo area. I have a daughter and a son who are of school-going age. I have been separated from my husband for about seven years. I live with my two children at an aunt’s house.
Because my children and I didn’t have any money to live, I started working at a spa. We lived off the money I made there. Even though my daughter struggled from malnutrition, I was unable to offer her any nutritious food.
(At the time we met Tharaka, her family was struggling with the deep poverty and loneliness that followed her husband leaving them. 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.)
During this difficult period in my life, I was able to become connected with Palmera. An officer from the organisation got in touch with me and spoke with me about the difficulties and problems I was facing. I spoke with her freely. At the time I had no one to open up to like that.
First, help was given to my daughter, who was experiencing nutritional difficulties, so that I could provide her with nutritious food. Secondly, assistance was given for the things my son needed for school.
After that, I was given support to begin earning an income of my own. After she realized what my talentes were, she decided to help me come up with a business plan. With the assistance I received, I was able to purchase two sewing machines and material to start stitching clothes of my own.
(Tharaka 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.)
At first, I started sewing for orders. Then from the money I received there, I purchased another machine. Now I have rented a space with other seamstresses working uder me to complete many clothing orders.
I was able to use the income I earned to improve things further and continue developing the business. I now have something stable that allows me to continue my business and move forward.
At present, my monthly income is Rs. 65,000.
It is from this income that I provide food and other necessities for my children and pay for their educational expenses.
I now devote my time to my business, and I am very happy because of the business I have.
Because I now have my own business, I don’t have to work in the spa anymore and I am very happy about it. I feel such a sense of relief that I don’t have to go there.
In the future, I hope to expand my business getting more machines and workers to help me complete more orders, so that I can open my own garment factory one day. I want my children and I to live happily and peacefully.
I received all these things because you, Miss Druvinca, helped me. Today I am able to live happily with my children, with our food and needs provided for. I am very grateful to you.
I pray that you and your family will receive blessings and that all the hopes and wishes in your hearts will be fulfilled.
Thank you.
Tharaka
Our work continues with Tharaka. 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.
