Widowed women in the north and east of Sri Lanka lead particularly
difficult and vulnerable lives – lives that are so devastated
by poverty, violence, cultural stigma and hopelessness that it
is difficult for westerners to even comprehend. Rape and other
forms of violence and abuse are commonplace, and with children
to care for and virtually no way to earn an income, these widows
have little hope for the future.
Through
our Grace Widows' Empowerment Project, VeAhavta
is providing a ray of hope that is revealing a way out of the
dark tunnel of devastating poverty and dreadful injustice that
is crippling the souls of these neighbors of ours.
The overall goal of the Grace Widows' Empowerment Project
is to empower widows with the tools they need to become more
self-sufficient. This goal is achieved in the following ways:
-
Bringing Widows Together – There is strength in numbers
and VeAhavta encourages widows to stand together to face
the troubles that are wreaking havoc upon their lives. By
simply providing widows with a safe place to meet, these
needy sisters of ours are able to discuss their problems
and support each other. The Grace Care Center provides just
such a sanctuary.
-
Educational Opportunities – Education is another key
to breaking the bonds of poverty and dependence. At the Grace
Care Center, widows are provided with the opportunity to
learn a vocation that will help them begin to generate the
income they need to survive. VeAhavta provides them with
this education without charge.
-
Grants & No-Interest Loans – VeAhavta also provides
grants and no-interest loans to widows so that they can start
small businesses and cottage industries. This financial assistance
is micro-managed by a small peer group, all of whom are responsible
for the repayment of any loans. Providing financial assistance
in this manner encourages cooperation, not competition; it,
therefore, binds the widows together and makes them a stronger
and more effective voice for change in the community.
Since the start of the program in early 2003, the Grace Widows' Empowerment
Project has assisted over 320 needy widows to break the cycle
of poverty.
Please donate to
the Grace Widows’ Empowerment Project to give these needy
neighbors of ours the chance they need and so richly deserve.
