ABDF

• Project Completed! (See below)
• Location: Zahira IDP Camp, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
• Recipients:124 war-displaced families
• Objective:Give refugees a day of fun!
• Final cost:$45 US

Zahira is a small IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp of 124 families on the outskirts of Batticaloa. The people were displaced from their village near Sampur, near Trincomalee to the north, two years ago at the beginning of the final phase of the civil war. Traditionally farmers, they have been living in this small camp awaiting resettlement. Unfortunately, the government security forces declared their village and farms a High Security Zone, meaning that they will not be allowed to move back to their homes. The tight-knit group has been assigned land to the north of Batti, and is scheduled to be relocated next month, finally.

Life in the camp is dreary, to say the least. The camp's youth go to a local school, but there is little opportunity for the adults for either work or diversion.

Enjoying the spectacle.

One of ABDF's local partners, the Batticaloa Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) organized a day of activities for the camp, which took place on August 8, 2009. The day consisted of games, contests, and other such activities, as well as a big lunch. The idea was that these people deserve – no, needed – to let their hair down for once and just have a good time. The concept is intangible, but as Project Director Bennett Hinkley found out, the results were touchingly solid.

One day to forget all the worry and uncertainty.

SVP approached ABDF late last month. They had made the rounds collecting donations for the event; some food, prizes, etc. Unfortunately, they had a shortfall of 5,000 rupees, or about $45, in their food budget. Could ABDF cover the amount?

Zahira’s cadre of young bucks.

Normally ABDF would not give money for food and entertainment, but given our Project history with SVP; the Widow Nesamany Project, the Chenkalady SVP House Repair Project, the Valachenai SVP Roof Projects #1 and #2, and how accurate, efficient, and enjoyable working on these projects has been, our Project Director felt it only proper to give the money. And so, Bennett Hinkley was invited to participate in the fun.

Camp moms steel themselves for tug-of-war.

The event was held on Saturday, the 8th of August, and was a smash hit. The residents of Zahira had a rollicking good time; you could tell by the smiles and shrieks of laughter. Contests were held for all age groups; small boys participated in a flour sack race, the camp moms battled in a tug-of-war, even the grandmas and grandpas had their foot races. Those two races, in particular, caused a sensation in the camp, with the old ladies and men receiving wild cheering as they hustled by. It was a fantastic experience to be part of.

Grandpas getting ready to race. The gent on the far right won.

These villagers have stuck together through thick and thin, and gone to hell and back. Their future, both as a community and as individuals, is still highly uncertain and fraught with unknowns. But for this one day, at least, there was joy.

Little girls in a squat race.

ABDF wishes to thank the Batticaloa SVP for giving us the opportunity to participate in this very unique and special experience!