 George and Toni Fernhout of Edmonton, Alberta, are volunteers who have been serving the people of Sri Lanka on behalf of CRWRC since September, 2005. Their work as International Relief Managers has been instrumental in providing hope and homes to Sri Lankans following the December 2004 tsunami. Here are some excerpts from their ‘newsletters’. Feb. 06 ~ A lot has happened since we last wrote about our adventures in Sri Lanka (since arriving in September of 2005). Leaving the airport, we were relieved to find the CRWRC van waiting for us. The hour trip to the office was now a familiar one - cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles and trishaws with an occasional ox cart or cow sharing the road. On the sides of roads we could see barefooted labourers in sarongs unloading trucks and shuffling along with huge loads on their backs, and ladies in elegant saris and high-heeled sandals making their way carefully over the broken sidewalks and around the litter and dogs. School children in white school uniforms with distinguishing school ties and backpacks slung low on their backs (were seen heading home) after a day of classes. When we stepped out of the van we were greeted with the unforgettable odour of garbage mingled with the ever-present smells of engine exhaust and smoke from small fires set to burn garbage or perhaps make a meal. We were greeted with Sri Lanka’s high humidity and heat almost forgotten during our stay in Alberta. After warm greetings from our staff here we went right back to work - meetings, reports, project visits. Back to working with this great staff in getting the work done - building homes and restoring livelihoods. Community development projects were in full operation on our return - villagers were able to open up small shops, replant their fields and return to fishing. We were able to visit the projects and receive as gratitude the smiles and greetings from the men, women and children for what has been accomplished. Apr. 06 ~ On Monday we will be traveling to Batticaloa for the opening of 20 homes in Kurukkalmadam. The government District Secretary is very pleased with our work and has told us that our homes were the first to be completed in his district. CRWRC and our partners have also been commended for the work we have been able to do for the people of Sri Lanka, in the restoration of livelihoods and the community development support that has been provided.  Aug. 06 ~ We will be assisting 15 families in purchasing land and then begin the process of building their homes. On the East Coast, in the towns of Kurukkalmadam and Mankadu, the building of permanent homes continues and the micro-credit program is flourishing as livelihoods are not only returning to pre-tsunami conditions, but have been able to expand with the assistance of our local partners. The local government has nothing but praise for the work being accomplished by CRWRC: the recent completion of 20 ‘excellent’ homes, the owner-driven building of 150 homes in Mankadu and Kurukkalmadam, where houses are arising ‘like magic’ from the sand, and the thriving livelihood projects. George also had many exciting stories to share about the house construction process as the new owners are excited and involved in the building process. The vegetable farmers had seeded their next crop and between early morning and evening watering, they are busy working on their houses helping out the masons and carpenters. The micro-credit program that was introduced into the community using CRWRC funding is able to eventually help all villagers who require assistance in attaining financial assistance or materials to improve their livelihood or work. Feb. 07 ~ Our stay in Sri Lanka is now in its 18th month! We are finally seeing movement on the part of the government regarding housing grants. At a meeting with the Angulana camp residents this week, our camp workers explained the CRWRC co-financing plan. Once they are on their own land, we will assist them in finding schools nearby for their children to attend and to help them continue with their current jobs or to find new ones. We had an opportunity to speak with the principal of the school where the Angulana camp is located. He has been very supportive throughout the last two years, since the resettlement of 175 families on the grounds of the school. The school children were provided with the gifts and letters from the grade 3 students of Edmonton Christian School and we are happy to report that there were enough presents for all the children of the camp. Thank you to the teachers, parents and students who made this project a success. Thanks also to those who were able to provide a donation towards the school supplies and uniforms. Sept.07 ~ Construction of new homes is well underway for 80 of the Angulana families and they hope to be in their new homes by the end of October. To date CRWRC funding has made it possible to complete over 300 homes here in Sri Lanka with another 500 homes in various stages. We are still planning for a completion date of year end! |
