When the December 2004 tsunami hit the coast of Sri Lanka, the country was devastated. The tsunami, triggered by a 9.0 earthquake, took the island nation completely by surprise. No warning meant that nearly 40,000 people lost their lives and more than half a million were displaced. Complete villages were wiped out; families were torn apart and hope for the future was washed away.
HOPE International has been working with the poor in Sri Lanka since 1982, with projects such as: improving living conditions, creating educational opportunities, supporting small businesses, and promoting peace. In the wake of the tsunami, HOPE immediately responded by providing relief assistance to the devastated communities. As the attention and generosity towards the tsunami victims started to fade, the hard work of rebuilding lives began. HOPE is now involved with tsunami relief efforts that are helping over 3000 families reestablish a sustainable livelihood. For Yasoda this means that she is able to learn a trade and provide for her daughters. Likewise, for Babu this means he is able to purchase a fishing boat and earn an income to support his growing family.
A one-time donation of $620 will provide enough money for a fisherman to purchase a boat and recapture his profession. This money is provided as a loan so that these people can maintain a sense of dignity while regenerating their livelihood. Once the loan is repaid, the money will be lent to another struggling fisherman – perpetuating your gift. Sri Lankans who are rebuilding their lives are not looking for charity, but simply need your help to access the skills and equipment in order to improve their situation.
Click here if you would like to partner with a family from Sri Lanka and help them get back on solid ground.
