CoronaWhile fortunately the measures regarding the corona crisis are becoming more flexible again, this is by no means the case in Sri Lanka. There is a complete lockdown. The result is dramatic and almost physically painful: people are not allowed to take to the streets. That means people cannot go to work. No work is no income. No income is no food. The famine is now life threatening. The messages from the Fathers OMI are alarming. |
 |
|
In one of our latest reports, we wrote to you about the crises we faced in the wealthy Netherlands. Now, March 2020, our world is upside down by the Covid-19 virus. We are experiencing on of the most unreal periods in our history. The world has come to a standstill and we are no longer allowed to go to work. Staying at home is the urgent advice, social contacts are kept to a minimum. In this difficult time, we realize how important contact with our loved ones is. Wonderful initiatives have arisen to protect and care for each other. Connecting with each other is more important than ever. We live in a country with one of the strongest economies in the world and we should be grateful for that. It gives hope and confidence that we will recover together, partly thanks tot the support for each other and from our government. |
 |
|
A new year has begun and the first month has already passed. We hope that you have all enjoyed the holidays and that the new year will bring you everything you wish! The New Year has also begun in Sri Lanka. The teaching/working farm is expanding. You can read about that and many other items in this newsletter:
We hope you have an enjoyable read! |
 |
Crisis.
It is a word we use more and more here in the Netherlands, one of the richest countries in the world: nitrogen crisis; climat crisis; crisis on the housing market (yes, we even speak about disaster); refugee crisis. Still we celebrated Saint Nicolas. Retailers had immensely high sales. And now, with Christmas to come, we already write down our wishes for presents and we are wondering what to eat….
Crisis.
Next Chrismas it will be fifteen years ago a disastrous Tsunami took place in Sri Lanka. Messages from Sri Lanka are telling us that the country is again under the spell of militaryism. After the attacks at Easter this year there’s a great fear for new attacks at Christmas. Armed soldiers are ready to intervene. Safety measures overshadow the Christmas celebration and people are living in constant fear. Yet all fathers do their utmost to make it a beautiful celebration. Photos
Crisis.
Many people and especially children in the North East of Sri Lanka survive every day. Surviving means that there’s a simple meal, sometimes only once a day. An unexpected expence, for example for medicines for a sick child, is already a huge problem. So it is impossible for them to afford something extra for a nice meal or to give gifts to others.
Crises.
What does this word means, living in a war zone, where frequent setbacks such as floods occur. Being poor and not calling it a crisis, but experiencing it as a daily crisis? We would love to give them a real Christmas party. But also continue in 2020 with the projects we have started because self-reliance is after all the biggest engine for coming out of a crisis!
You gave generously last year, are you participating again this year?
On bank account number 1206.18.923 in the name of Havonos
Bring a little light into the darkness of people on the other side of the world.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a loving and healthy 2020 in the run-up to Christmas and the new year.
With warm regards,
On behalf of the Havonos board,
Sieni Schouten
p/s Do you want to stay informed of the progress of the projects that have been started and realized with your contributions? Take a look at our website www.havonos.nl where you also can see what happens with your donation.
|
Summer has flown past! We hope you enjoyed the beautiful weather. For us it was a very busy time keeping all the projects running! We have been able to finish a number of projects as well as starting up new initiatives. In this newsletter we would like to share some information on the following topics:
Have fun reading! |
 |
