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Due to Covid-19, more time has elapsed than usual in between our news bulletins, but we would like to bring you up to speed on the projects and the situation in Sri Lanka. The last few months we have had to focus our efforts on emergency relief aid as it is a question of survival right now for the people of Sri Lanka. Even though the situation in Sri Lanka is very grim, we would like to begin the news bulletin with a positive message, namely the installation of Father Eugène Benedict of OMI in Jaffna. Here the contents of the news bulletin:
We have many things to share with you, so let’s get started! |
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We had been looking forward to this moment for some time! In October 2020, right in the middle of Corona, Father Eugène Benedict was installed as the new Provincial of OMI in Jaffna. We were very anxious to find out who would follow Father Edwin in this post, because we work very closely with this particular section of OMI. We are now in contact with Father Eugène once a week and this is going very well! As you will read later in the bulletin, Father Eugène has new ideas about projects he hopes to be able to begin. In short, the contact we have with him is very amiable and we are looking forward to working together. We wish Father Eugène the very best in his new position which is not without challenges, such as the problems surrounding Covid-19. |
The Youth Empowerment Centre (YEC)
The YEC project is a big success! Last year three classrooms were opened with the help of Havonos, SEHH and Wilde Ganzen. Under the inspirational leadership of Father Carowf many different courses are being offered, as you can see.
Father Carowf has asked us if it would be possible to make walls to close the sides of the building. This would improve safety and keep all sorts of winged creatures from flying through at will! To be continued…. More photo's.
The preschool
The construction of the preschool was halted for a time because workers were not allowed out of their homes due to Covid-19. At this time, some work has been resumed with caution and the workers are busy finishing and furnishing the school. There will be a play area on the grounds and the townspeople are busy leveling the ground for the playground equipment.
The Learning/Working Farm
At the learning/working farm, Father Avalin is seeing just how important their ability to help with the food supply can be to the nearby townspeople. Months later than planned, Father Avalin was able to begin building the water well and laying the irrigation pipes to be used in combination with the solar powered pump. Much land has been cleared and prepared for planting. Vegetables and peanuts will be cultivated. There will be rice paddies. Cashew and mango trees have been planted. This irrigation project has been realized with funds from foundations such as Wilde Ganzen and Haëlla. We hope that this project will be the solution to the dryness and that there will be an abundant harvest! Let the rainy season come! Father Avalin works almost night and day, but the result is fantastic. The farm has become an example for agriculture in the area, because of the sustainable projects,we are very proud! More photo's.
A Special Donation
Havonos has worked more than 15 years to help people, first in the eastern parts and now in the northern parts of Sri Lanka. This work has not been unnoticed by Sri Lankans living in the Netherlands. Chairman Sieni has kept up warm relationships with many Sri Lankans who in turn offer their help to the foundation, like Ramanan from Cuijk. Ramanan empties collection containers for Havonos at grocery stores in his area. Through Ramanan, Sieni was able to come into contact with his sister Malathy from Arnhem. Malathy also had a foundation that was active in the North of Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, because of personal reasons Malathy has had to discontinue the work of her foundation. She was very excited about the work Havonos is doing at the learning /working farm and has donated €2000 that remained from her foundation especially for the farm! We and Father Avalin are so very thankful for this wonderful donation! We can surely put the funds to good use!
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Emergency Relief Aid Covid-19 and amazing support of the grocery stores! Here in Holland we have experienced different gradations of lock-down in order to get Covid-19 under control. We are all waiting for a vaccine and making the best of things in the meanwhile. Here in Holland the supermarkets are fully stocked and we are still able to do many things. There are restrictions, but the time passes quickly and in general we are all doing pretty well. How different the case in Sri Lanka is, where there is still a complete lock-down. People are not allowed on the streets, which means no one can go to work. No work means no income. No income means no food. We can hardly imagine how hopeless the situation is in Sri Lanka. We here many stories from Sri Lankans living in Holland about the people suffering in their country. Stories of young people who take their own life out of despair. OMI is trying to help as much as possible. We are also trying to do what we can with the help of our Dutch partner ‘Foundation a Helping Hand.’ We are so grateful for the financial support that many supermarkets have given for Sri Lanka at this time. Applause!!! At the same time, we realize how much more is needed. That is why we again ask for your help! Please continue to give! We guarantee that your donation will be used 100% for saving lives. Your gift helps to spread light and hope in these dark days for Sri Lanka. |
New Projects
At this time, we don’t have concrete plans to begin any new projects, but we hope to share some ideas with you soon. Like we said earlier in the news bulletin, Father Eugène has been busy meeting new people in his area. He has spoken to many Fathers about the projects they are working on and he has met many village elders. He has listened to these people and hopes to talk with us soon about their needs and wishes. As usual, Havonos only works on two larger projects at one time. As soon as we are able to finish one of the projects we are working on now, we will begin with a new effort! We will let you know of any developments.
We have come to the end of our news bulletin and want to thank you for your continued interest and support of our work. We hope you will continue to support us as the need in Sri Lanka is great. Please specify by your donation if it is meant for a particular project or for emergency relief aid. We will be sure to use your gift as you wish. Thank you so much in advance and till next time!