CFDR is extremely excited about our new partnership with SwimLanka. SwimLanka is an NGO established post-tsunami for the children of Sri Lanka. As a result of the tsunami, many children of Sri Lanka have become afraid of the sea or have had their previous fears exacerbated. SwimLanka's focus is on helping children affected by the Tsunami through an initial "Confidence-With-Water" healing program followed by an island wide "learn to swim" campaign. SwimLanka teachers are recruited from the local area and CFDR assisted in identifying a Komari candidate. A fiberglass pool filled regularly with fresh seawater will be established at the Community Center built by our friends from Homes for Help, Inc. Approximately 140 children from Komari will trained over the course of eight weeks beginning sometime in February. CFDR will provide support to the two local teachers in coordination with the SwimLanka district coach. CFDR team member Sasikumar (Sasi) has just returned form Colombo, where he was trained as a teacher by 3 time Olympic swimmer Julian Bolling.

 

CFDR is offering two English classes three times a week at the Community Center. There is an early class for youth and an evening class being offered to adults with an emphasis on targeted participation by nursery school and public school teachers.

 

Capacitar is a curriculum designed with a focus on trauma healing for individuals affected by stress, trauma, burn-out and compassion fatigue. Using popular education rather than a therapeutic approach, Capacitar gives people simple tools to heal and transform their lives, families and communities. The methods are based on Eastern and indigenous models of healing that recognize health and wellbeing as the harmonious and dynamic balance and flow in the energy system of the person and environment. In contrast to fixing problems or curing illness, Capacitar endeavors to awaken people to their own wisdom, power and capacity in body, mind and spirit. CFDR is currently offering classes twice a week in Komari 1 and Komari 2. The goal is to identify local instructors within 4 weeks to continue the project with support from CFDR. Initial classes will target women only with consideration for opening the classes to the community at large in the future.

 

Komari School has committed to working with CFDR on collecting data on rainfall, water levels in wells and well water salinity for a three-month period to better understand the reduction of salinity in well water over time. The salinity levels have been skewed by a sudden, rapid influx of salt water at the time of the tsunami into fresh water wells. Over time the reduction of salinity in the wells should occur. This study is designed to estimate how long this will take. The students involved in the project will be trained in data collection, practical application of scientific principles and basic understanding of the development of scientific theory with an emphasis on hydrology.

 

CFDR is updating our survey of wells and toilets in Komari, ensuring that all toilets are a safe distance from wells, noting all unrepairable wells and toilets, and preparing to build new toilets and wells where needed.

 

CFDR is acting as a pass through funder for the restoration of two temples in town. The large temple is located seaside in an area completely decimated by the tsunami. CFDR believes that restoring this temple in its central location will bring life back to the area. The Komari temple committee approached CFDR for assistance and we were able to link them to two generous funders. The project is being overseen by the community committee and we are distributing the funds. The painting of the temple should be complete by March and the community ceremony is scheduled to occur late this spring. Thank you to our donors who have generously contributed and for their commitment on future projects.

 

CFDR has been Komari focused since inception. The driving factors in all decisions have been overall benefit for both individual and community. CFDR is currently developing a diverse board of Komari community members to lay the foundation for a more permanent infrastructure for future use to make community decisions. To do this, we will provide support and training around identifying community needs; provide samples and instruction on communicating with government officials and agencies; provide training on communication and reporting skills for individual and agency donors; and development of good ideas into completed projects through solid project management. Stage one of a three stage process has been completed. The council will have their first meeting as a group by February 8th.

 

CFDR continues to work with Homes for Hopeon the community center they have built in Komari. The center hosts the English, computer, and sewing classes currently, as well as providing living space for single women and orphans. A library and restaurant are planned for the near future, and soon we hope to help Komari women market their fabrics. CFDR will be building a permanent playground on site to complement the playground we have built on the temporary school grounds.

 

Funds for the CFDR effort to revive the economy of Komari in Sri Lanka are donated by people of USA. CFDR extends its gratitude all donors. Bjorn Nabozney, John Lovel, and Nick Muzik are constantly working on fetching funds for the Tsunami victims in Komari, Sri Lanka.

If you are interested in devoting your time and participating in one or more of the projects or if you have a project of your own and would like to raise money to fund your effort you may do so under the hood of CFDR. In the case, please contact CFDR prior to engaging in the endeavor.


Short Term Plan:

* Raise money to furnish the costs for short term projects

Long Term Plan:

* Raise money to setup trust funds for sustainable programs such as an education fund


KEWS - Darrin Coldiron and Nuwan Waidyanatha


School - Darrin Coldiron, Nick Muzik, Clyde Fernando, Suresh Rajavarodaya, and Nuwan Waidyanatha


Health - Carina Trembly, Senaka Weragoda, and Sawan Waidyanatha


Water and Sanitation - Nick Muzik and Darrin Coliron


Industries - Parakrama Waidyanatha, Suresh Rajavarodaya, and Nuwan Waidyanatha


ICT - Nuwan Waidyanatha and Suresh Rajavaraodaya


Energy - Darren Coldiron and Nuwan Waidyanatha


Funding - Bjorn Naboney, John Lovel, Nick Muzik and Darrin Coldiron

   
 

Home | Komari | Projects | Team | Donations | Photo Gallery | Video Clips | Contact Us

2005 © CFDR. All rights reserved. Legal Notice. Site by Infocraft.