Page last updated: 17-08-2006| Mark Reynolds |
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Mark Reynolds volunteered at the Foundation of Goodness in Seenigama back in February 2005. His enthusiasm and hard work enabled him to make a remarkable difference in the village and uplift the spirits of all who had contact with him. He also rallied his own employer Aker Kvaerner to sponsor 3 new homes. His thoughts about his experience and the Foundation are highlighted below in an email he sent to his colleagues. Folks, Following on from Aker Kvaerner's post Tsunami sponsorship of 3 new build houses for 3 Sri Lankan families in the village of Seenigama. Please find time to have a look at the village's website which I have linked here: The information contained within it is a remarkable testament to human compassion and the village plan is regarded, justifiably and on a global level, as a very significant role model for direct, independent action facilitating restoration and sustainable village development. Aker Kvaerner, proudly, has been a part of this direct action (See AKtive recent edition). I have also attached a leaflet, should you be interested, on sponsoring a person(s) from the village. The village based scheme will cost a minimum of ~£100 per year for a minimum term of two years. This equates to around £2 per week (less than a sarnie in the shop). The average weekly wage in the area is around £7 and many still have no livelihoods to even achieve this paltry sum. This kind of money can, believe it or not, really help an impoverished society by providing these people with school books, basic necessities like clothes etc. and would raise their living standard markedly, around 28%! From the website it should be clear that there is a huge 'funding transparency' culture emanating from the relief coordinators at this village. The headway made by these dedicated, selfless people, as you will see from the website photos and information, is the 'proof of the pudding' that funding is being channeled into real direct action to massive human, social and environmental benefit (see Livelihoods and coral mining on the website). The Seenigama model is an enormous achievement for the villagers and the relief coordinators alike with the well planned application of funds that they have received to date. If you want to help, and possibly mistrust the big NGOs dealing with your donations, then this would be the best way for you to support a very practical project. I am also going back out to Sri Lanka in December/January or there abouts and would welcome any applied, culturally accepting volunteers willing to work hard, in basic conditions and for the benefit of others to join me - sorry no moaners, slackers nor quick buck makers need apply. Just reply to this and we can, possibly, get an action squad together. You would not be paid and you would probably have to fund your own trip, however, it would probably turn out to be amongst the most fantastic holidays you'll ever have had. Thanks
Mark Reynolds
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