Teaching / working farm for war widows in Iyakachchi
In 2018 the learning / working farm in Iyakachchi (a small town in the Kilinochchi District in the north of Sri Lanka) was realized in collaboration with Wilde Ganzen. Every year 120 widows receive training to become a farmer. The training lasts 3 months. The widows learn to care for livestock, to cultivate land and to grow vegetables. But they also receive training in areas such as negotiation and smart management of finances. In addition, they receive coaching in which they, among others, learn how to deal with their traumatic (war) experiences. With the knowledge and the proceeds of their work on the farm, they can work in their own village. Here, Father Avalin is in charge and, like Father Harance, he is very active and innovative in the development of a model farm. Father Avalin introduces a new way of sustainable land use and the cultivation of new crops.
For the learning / working farm, a central area has been built, stables for cows, pigs and chickens, a slurry pit, clean water supply, and also animal feed and medicine stock is purchased. Working together and learning make the women become stronger and their self-confidence grows. They acquire a stronger position in society and a sustainable income for their family so that there is again a hopeful future for them.
During our visit to Sri Lanka in May 2018, the central building was festively opened by chairman Sieni Schouten and board member Mirjam van den Berg. In the autumn of 2018 we were able to send the final report to Wilde Ganzen.
