Problem analysis with community members, May 2007.
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Community mobilisation visit to Kosagoda, August 2007. Organizing the CBOs was a continuous process. Field officers and the change agents organised the people into small groups and CBOs.
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Meeting with coir millers. 10 millers in total received start-up capital to upgrade their fibre-producing mills. A fibre millers group was formed, where training was provided on quality for international markets and pricing.
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Meeting local government representatives. A strong partnership was built between the CBOs, the government and other stakeholders. Indeed, the Secretary of the District used this project as an example of best practice.
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Finance and management training for CBO members, 2007. As a result of training, each CBO opened a bank account and now follows proper accounting and management procedures.
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Valued-added rug production. The development of entrepreneurship and the value-added product were central to this project. The women who previously earned a meagre wage in the coir industry are now producing value-added items such as rugs and mats.
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Value-added rug production. Many of the women have found specialist niches and we have seen a huge diversification of products.
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The multi-purpose centre in Madampagama. It is being used for Sunday school and Montessori classes, as well as a place for CBOs and other societies to hold meetings and events. We built 7 multi-purpose centres and one Federation building.
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The women involved in this project have become role models within their communities. They are receiving increased recognition locally, which has boosted their bargaining power in other areas of life.
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New technology for the coir industry being introduced to the women coir producers.
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Amitha was given training on how to increase her profit margins. She learnt about book keeping and money management of money, as well as leadership skills and personal development.
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SAPSRI helped Deepani rebuild her coir bag-making business after she lost everything to the tsunami. She now produces for export and can provide for the household and pay for her daughter’s education.
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Dulsi says she has gained in confidence as a result of the project and is now happy to deal with people at all levels. She knows what she is capable of as well as what she is entitled to ask for.
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All 2,000 participants of the programme.
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