A project that supports marginalised communities in Jaffna District is progressing well and exceeding its first year targets.
The five-year economic empowerment project started in April 2024 and aims to improve the lives and dignity of fishing and farming communities in the country’s northeast region. Working in a funding partnership with Sanmarga Trust, we are supporting 300 people, mainly women, by helping them set up and run their own businesses. An estimated 1,200 family members will also benefit from the programme.
Training programmes
The beneficiaries are selected from up to 14 villages in Jaffna District in the northern province. These communities have been marginalised for decades and were severely impacted by the Sri Lankan civil war, which ended in 2009, and the tsunami in 2004. Sanmarga’s implementing partner, Forum for Rural Income and Environmental Development Services (FRIENDS), is engaging with the communities and providing training programmes geared towards the new businesses. These include poultry farming, livestock rearing, sewing saree blouses, producing washing up liquid and making brooms with palm leaves. By the end of January 2025, all 85 beneficiaries had prepared business plans, received their grants and loans and started their businesses.
Long-term support
FRIENDS provides training, support and marketing, and creates a support network to increase awareness of alcohol, drug abuse, gender and children’s rights. A core component of the project is the formation of a Community Society. This has now been set up and registered with the local government. An elected committee will co-ordinate its functions and activities, including holding group sessions with beneficiaries and their families to increase awareness of its benefits. Ultimately, the society will provide long-term support to the beneficiaries, ensuring the project is sustainable beyond five years.
The programme is modelled on a successful similar project currently being completed in another district by Sanmarga Trust and FRIENDS.
You can find out more about this project here.
Photo credits: Sanmarga Trust
