your family update
You Backed them and things began to change
Sinthujah Balasubramaniam
Donor
When we met Vanisri, we met a mother whose heart carries the weight of her entire family. She lives with her husband and two children in an unsafe, fragile house with no permanent roof and no doors, where even the simplest needs are a daily struggle. Her husband works as a daily wage laborer, but work is irregular, and many days they return home with empty hands, unable to afford even a single meal. Both of their children are studying, but the financial strain makes it increasingly difficult for them to continue their education. Despite these hardships, Vanisri never loses hope and dreams of a better life for her family.
The family owns a small piece of land, and with the right support to grow crops, they could provide food for themselves and cover their basic expenses. Your sponsorship could be the lifeline that changes everything—offering them security, access to education for the children, and the dignity of a stable home. By helping Vanisri’s family, you are giving hope, strength, and the chance for a future where they can thrive rather than simply survive. Your support can turn their struggle into opportunity and transform their lives forever.
We’ve captured their voice so you can hear their story.
My name is Vanisri. I live in Manikapuram village. Two years ago, we were in a very difficult situation. We did not even have enough money for food. I have two children, and both of them are studying. My husband worked as a laborer, but the money he earned was not enough to cover our daily food expenses. My mother-in-law also lives with us. She has a problem with her foot, and we take care of her as well. Life was very hard for us.
A Village Savings Bank was started in our area through Palmera, and I joined the group. I began saving regularly.
(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)
Palmera staff visited our home and saw our difficult situation. I told them about our hardships. We have land, but we did not have the money to start home-based fruit and vegetable cultivation. Although we had a water source, I was unable to fetch water properly. Through Palmera, they provided us with a water motor. After receiving the motor, I started cultivating fruits and vegetables.
(For food security Palmera supports women to establish their own home garden, this is getting more challenging with wild monkeys, limited access to seeds and increasing pests with changing climate, because of all these challenges many do not engage in home gardens. Through your support we change that).
I began growing long beans, okra, eggplant, cassava, and spinach. Through this, we are now able to meet our food needs. My husband, my children, and I now eat three meals a day. I sell the remaining vegetables to nearby shops and use the income to meet other household expenses. I also increased my savings and now save every week. I do not have savings in a formal bank, but I am very happy that I am saving through the Palmera Village Savings Bank.
I also took a loan from the Village Savings Bank and helped my husband start a fish-selling business. Through this, he earns around 2,000–3,000 LKR (approx. $14 AUD) per day. We saved that income, and with those savings, I am now cultivating one and a half acres of paddy and producing rice.
What would you like to say to the family that helped you?
We were in a very difficult situation. Thank you so much for the help you gave us during that hard time. We do not know you, and you do not know us, May all the children in your family live a blessed life. We are deeply grateful to you.
