Current

Dear donor, dear friends

Since the end of 2006, our support of small tradesmen in Sri Lanka has provided over 300 carpenters with tools, material or cooking utensils. During our visits we were reassured that through the needed support, the people were able to make visible steps towards becoming independent. Through very careful research, we were able to ensure only the truly needy receive our help. All recipients work with the given tools to earn a sufficient income to support both them and their families. It has not only economic repercussions, but is felt positively on a social and psychological level.

Thanks to your donations and support of over Sfr.60'000, we have been able to invest in this unique form of relief aid.

Workshop

We began around the end of 2006 working on a new teaching program for carpentry students. We were lucky to find an unused workshop in Matale, in the central uplands of Sri Lanka. The workshop which had been closed for many years was completely renovated and the machines and tools brought back into working order. All facilities were adapted to support the programs needs.

The neighbouring residence also had to be renovated. Sfr.8'000 was spent on renovations and the refurbishing of tools and electrical facilities. In March 2007, the first 15 apprentices all coming from areas devastated by the tsunami began their 3-month training.

The trainees were guided by a strict yet patient and caring teacher. Saman Jalage lived with them even over the weekends and cared for them like a father would. In June this first course ended with a moving and memorable ceremony which we were able to witness.

Of the 14 apprentices who successfully ended the training, 12 quickly found employment. We accompanied these students during their training period and we were amazed at how quickly they learned the required skills.

Through discussions with both the teacher and the students, we learned that the amount of material to be learned turned out to be challenging to the point of exceeding what could possibly be digested in a 3-month period of time. We noticed through the finished furniture and commodities that additional practice was necessary. As a result we decided to extend the learning period to 6 months ensuring enough time to practice and study. A further course adjustment was dividing the group into two areas of specialty: cabinet maker and carpentry. This helps these young people in their search for employment later or in the forming of their own business. As certified carpenters, they also are able to demand a higher salary.

The Second Course

In June of 2007, we started with the second group of 15 apprentices who were to receive the extended training program with focus also on social aspects.

The continued conflict between the government and the LTTE blocks almost entirely students from the Tamil regions. Travel to and from these regions is near to impossible and certainly very dangerous. Parents do not allow their children to leave home in fear that they will be either kidnapped or forced to join the rebels. This frightening situation continues to grow and if not appeased could escalate into a brutal war within the near future. The Sri Lankan army has been growing ever since with the single goal of breaking the LTTE movement.

Despite these sad developments, we still hope that the country will one day find peace. Those who have passed our training program continue as well to hope for peace and to leave behind the terror and fear which now accompanies daily life.

We therefore ask you to continue donating and thank you already for your kind support.

Reinhard Strickler-Schiltknecht, Bridge-SL

(Postkonto Nr. 60-382-488-2, «Hilfe für das Kleinhandwerk»