Project Lift
Two years ago, our journey began with a simple but profound goal: to make a lasting difference. We didn't want to just offer fleeting help; we aimed to empower communities towards self-sustainability. And so, after careful deliberation, we found ourselves in Padaviya, a rural community tucked away in the north of Sri Lanka.
What we are doing in Padaviya
Padaviya isn’t just any town; it’s a place where every corner tells a story of struggle and determination. Here, families make out a living through fishing and farming, but their main incomes barely cover the basics. Children study under the scorching sun, dreams of brighter futures overshadowed by the harsh reality of poverty. Mothers yearn to provide for their children, while fathers juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. But amidst these challenges, what struck us the most was the unwavering spirit of the people. Their resilience was the ray of hope amidst adversity.
With a deep understanding of Padaviya’s needs, we embarked on a mission to create lasting change.
Our solution
An agricultural project centred around cultivating scotch bonnets. This isn’t just about farming; it’s about planting the seeds of opportunity. The proceeds from this venture will fuel a development fund managed by the community, addressing crucial needs like the following:
- Empowering Education: We’re committed to enhancing education at both preschool and high school levels. This means not only training teachers and refining curriculums but also ensuring that schools have the necessary resources to provide a quality education.
- Fostering Women Entrepreneurs: We recognize the untapped potential of women in Padaviya. By providing financial support for their entrepreneurial ventures, we’re not just investing in businesses; we’re investing in the economic empowerment of women.
- Personalised Mentorship: Education doesn’t end in the classroom; it’s a lifelong journey. That’s why we’re offering personalised mentorship to individuals, guiding them through their educational and career development.
- Psychological Support: Mental health is just as important as physical health. That’s why we’re prioritising psychological support for both children and adults in Padaviya. By providing counselling and therapy services, we’re ensuring that everyone has the support they need to thrive emotionally and mentally.
- Youth Empowerment: We believe in investing in the future leaders of Padaviya. That’s why we’re empowering youth to develop sustainable income streams from a young age.
- Talent Development: Every child has unique talents waiting to be discovered. Through scholarships for private tutoring, we’re helping school children hone their skills beyond the classroom. Whether it’s music, art, or sports, we’re nurturing passions that could one day become lucrative careers.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Finally, we’re encouraging families to embrace sustainable agriculture as a means of income generation. By providing grow bags and support, we’re empowering families to cultivate their own livelihoods while preserving the environment for future generations.
Project Lift: Community Development in Padaviya
Here’s a glimpse into the transformative initiatives we’ve undertaken:
Agricultural Initiative:
Our agricultural initiative goes beyond farming; we’re cultivating scotch bonnet on a 40-perch
plot to nurture sustainable livelihoods and self-sufficiency. This project aims to empower the
community with a steady revenue stream and promote economic resilience.
We are also selecting 10 families to receive 40 Scotch Bonnet plants each, along with an
irrigation kit and training in modern agricultural technology. By providing these resources and
knowledge, we are equipping them to succeed and thrive.
We will closely observe their performance, offering ongoing support and guidance. As they
progress, we will fund further expansion, helping them grow and develop along the lines of
sustainable agriculture.
Development Committee Fund:
Proceeds from our agricultural initiative are channeled through the Development Committee Fund to address community needs. A local committee ensures transparent and equitable resource management,
prioritizing the well-being of Padaviya.
Family Visits:
We form genuine connections with families in Padaviya, understanding their challenges and needs. Economic hardships limit their access to necessities like medical care and sustainable livelihoods. We’re collaborating with selected families to provide personalized support through compassionate donor sponsorship, uplifting these families and fostering hope.
Mental Health Awareness and Counselling Support:
We are dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Through a series of engaging workshops and personalised counselling sessions, we aim to support individuals in their journey towards better mental health.
Student Sponsorships:
Our student sponsorship program transforms individual futures and contributes to community prosperity. Donor support covers essential educational expenses, enabling students to pursue their dreams and
succeed.
Youth of Padaviya:
Engaging with Padaviya’s dynamic youth, we offer mentorship, guidance, and development opportunities through our LAKRIVI Programme. We’re also supporting a youth-led tourism project to enhance the region’s history and biodiversity, providing planning, strategy, and initial funding assistance.
English Language Training:
We are committed to enhancing the English language skills of the community, opening doors to greater opportunities and brighter futures. Our programme includes comprehensive training sessions and personalised support for individuals who need extra assistance.
Sadarasarana Pre School:
We lay a strong foundation for early childhood education at Sadarasarana Pre School through curriculum refinement and teacher training. Every child receives quality education and nurturing support from a young age. We’ve also introduced elocution and plan to train teachers for effective delivery.
Fostering Women Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses:
We invest in the untapped potential of women and startups in Padaviya by providing financial support for their ventures, fostering economic empowerment and community growth.