ABDF

The promise of ABDF.org is unlimited in its potential to make change in the lives of those who live in post tsunami Asia. Setting ABDF.org apart from so many good organizations trying to alleviate poverty and spur development is its commitment to three core values: (more…)

• Project Completed Update! (See below)
• Location: Vantharumoolai, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
• Recipients:1,500 students
• Objective:Computer lab for rural school
• Final cost:$1,030 US

The old Vantharumoolai administrative building, built around 1925.

Vantharumoolai (Van-TAH-roo-moo-lie) is a village about 18 miles north of Batticaloa, on the road to Kaluwankerny, site of last year’s computer lab. The town is mostly made up of rice farmers, a handful of small shopkeepers and craftsmen (mechanics and such), and a few employees of Eastern University, which is some 5 miles south.

• Project Update! (See below)
• Location: Mamangam, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
• Recipients:19 disabled children, 3 teachers
• Objective:Trishaw rental
• Final cost:$1060 US

The kids at Puhalidam!

Traditionally disabled children in Sri Lanka are seen as shaming their families, and were frequently hidden away from outside contact. Not only did this exacerbate the child’s mental and physical problems, it prevented them from developing the social skills that would otherwise enable them to be productive members of society.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Hi Everybody!

I’m writing you from the beautiful garden at the Shangri-La, the guest house in Unawatuna (u-na-WA-toon-ah) owned by my friend Mally. I’ve mentioned both Mally and Unawatuna in previous letters, both this year and last. Unawatuna is just outside the southern city of Galle (gall) which is probably one of the most historically picturesque places in Sri Lanka and one of my personal favorites. But I’m getting ahead of myself, and ought to start where I left off, back in Batticaloa.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Hi Everybody!

Wow! Since I last wrote you a lot has happened. It’s hard to know where to begin.

Well, I might as well begin with the New Year. It started sundown on Monday the 13th and lasted until sundown the 14th. However, shops began closing as early as last Friday, and by Monday almost everything was shut down, except for necessary services such as hospitals and pharmacies. For me that meant a lot of planning ahead; stocking up on bottled water, food, cell phone minutes, and generally trying to anticipate anything I might need for the next five or six days.