After the tsunami of December 2004, the island of Sri Lanka was forever changed. The Sri Lankan people lost everything. These sconces are a direct result of some men choosing to work to support their families and choosing to rise up as leaders of their families. Several men, as well as one part-time employee, make the sconces. These sconces create a job opportunity allows men to work to eliminate their debts completely.

The business is also setting aside $1,000 for food relief to Internally Displaced People that are temporarily housed in camps in our area. These people have been displaced by the civil war currently being waged in the North and East of the country. Upon completion of this project, these four men will travel to the displacement camp and give very badly needed food aid to these displaced people. The IDP are Tamil (a minority in the country) and they are currently suffering the most from the war.

Some success stories:

Aless: Aless is a man who has $750 in debt. He was unable to pay the debt when he lost his previous job, and now he is employed by our small business. Aless is no longer enslaved to the 20% interest of his loan, and completely debt free.

Shantha: Shantha took out $1000 in loans for a home and starting a small business. Shortly after taking the loan, the tsunami hit and washed away all his materials and his fishing boat. Having lost his means of making a living, along with all his possessions, he was also unable to pay his debt. Shantha is also debt free.

Asoka: Asoka works hard and is very responsible. He has quickly become a leader in our group and he is one the men consistently defer to for big decisions.

Nuwan: Nuwan has always had a very strong work ethic. His income will get him out of the $350 debt he currently has. Nuwan's income provides for his small family of 3 as well as for his in-laws and their unemployed children.

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