After a visit paid to the nearby slum area in Wellawatte, we identified two families who were below the poverty line and who need immediate attention due to the demolition of their neighborhood by the Government to make apartment complexes. The two families have been relocated to newly built apartments, but to gain ownership, they have to make a down-payment of Rs. 50,000 within 3 months or risk eviction. In addition, they have been asked to pay Rs. 4,000 a month for 20 years or Rs. 3,000 a month for 30 years.

The first family comprises of a single woman and her three school going sons and she receives Rs. 7,000 monthly as child care support from her estranged husband. She works as a domestic aid and earns Rs. 350 per day but, this is not sufficient for the entire family.

The second family faces difficulties due to the head of the family being paralyzed and his wife earns an income of Rs.12,000 per month yet, this income is inadequate for a family of three. Due to the financial problems faced, their son couldn’t continue his studies.

The two interns: Ms. Nia Brathwaite from Barbados and Ms. Jana Freund from Germany were able to fundraise 1293€ (Euros) which amounts to Rs. 216,322 to help these two families.