The purpose of LIGHT III Project is to assist the community with basic needs of additional income, nutrition, clean water and sanitation so that they are healthy and economically secure enough to be able to develop strong CBOs (Community Based Organizations) in each estate that can lead to future improvements.

Due to current situation of rise in world food and fuel prices, along with the high internal inflation rates in the country, the plantation community has found it very difficult to survive. The Department of Census and Statistics show that nearly 80% of the plantation sector lives below the poverty line.

ADRA is uniquely positioned in the tea plantation by having created successful CBOs in each of the target estates. In 2003 ADRA helped the CBOs to form into a cooperative society and in 2006 this society was able to register with the Sri Lanka Government Cooperative Department. The government has closely monitored the actions of the co-op during the duration of the projects. The co-op makes many of the decisions involving project implementation, including beneficiary selection, construction supervision collecting dues, operating the installed water sanitation facilities, as well as managing the waste disposal schemes. The initial phase of the
Project for LIGHT laid the groundwork through developing clean water sources, building latrines, providing hygiene education and introducing income generating activities such as cattle and goat farming. This started to improve the living conditions and built a relationship of trust and sparked hope and motivation within the community to change their situation.

Project LIGHT’s main objectives are to increase household income among plantation families and that the plantation communities have access to health, water, sanitation and proper hygiene. ADRA Sri Lanka hopes to Funded by: ADRA International benefit a total of approximately 894 households in four tea estates composing of 1,928 men, 2,125 women and 1,575 children. Among these 894 families, 363 families will be directly benefitted from pure drinking water supply in one estate, and 50 will also get assistance on income generation in such areas as cattle farming, goat rearing, mushroom cultivation and home gardening.

LIGHT III is a matching fund project funded by ADRA International and Quite Hour Ministries with 10 months duration.

 

 

 

 

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