Germany funds micro projects in Kilinochchi, Ampara and Ratnapura
Helping people to help themselves: Germany funds micro projects in
Kilinochchi, Ampara and Ratnapura
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The German Ambassador with representatives of the Mahashakthy
Women’s Federation. |
German Ambassador Dr. Juergen Morhard handed over assistance worth Rs.
4 million to community development organizations in Ratnapura,
Kilinochchi and Ampara. The funds will go towards social development
activities in vulnerable communities. The Mahashakthy Federation based
in Kilinochchi is one of the organizations receiving project funding
this year. Mahashakthy plans to establish a coconut oil, chili and curry
powder milling facility, to help generate self-employment opportunities
for women-headed households in the Konavil area. “A disproportionately
large number of war-affected families are women-headed households,” said
a representative from the organization.
“These women have to play the dual roles of caregiver as well as
breadwinner in a difficult environment. Therefore, the addition of a
mill allows these women to produce goods at which they are traditionally
expert, and that are in demand within the community.”
In meetings with representatives of the implementing organizations,
Ambassador Morhard said, “The micro projects initiative is a key
component of Germany’s engagement with local communities. Our interest
is in supporting people to achieve a better quality of life, and these
grants are tangible assistance to partner projects to ensure our
outreach program helps the most deserving.”
Other organizations receiving German funding this year include the
Sabaragamuwa Community Development Foundation, the Pottuvil-Arugambay
Development Committee and the Dayasarana Development Foundation. These
funds will go towards helping women and children through projects for
clean drinking water, education assistance and livelihood support in
Balangoda, Pottuvil and Dehiyatta Kandiya respectively. |
