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Greetings,

In February, I took part in the Sri Lanka Oxfam Challenge that included a visit to an Oxfam project just outside Polonnaruwa in the country's north-east.

On arrival, we were warmly greeted with a blessing of leaves before sitting with the villagers to share in some delicious, fresh coconut milk and listen to stories about their work which Oxfam supports.

While most of Sri Lanka is green and lush, this area receives less rain resulting in poor crops and food shortages. There is also continuing conflict between Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim groups in the district that has left a legacy of unemployment, alcohol abuse and domestic violence.

Oxfam and local partners are providing community members with training in organic farming and access to clean water to help them grow more food. They are also running projects such as soap-making to boost families' incomes and providing shelter and access to legal aid for women experiencing domestic violence.

I got a real sense of empowerment from these people as they are making positive changes to their lives and their community's well-being. I also greatly enjoyed the dance spectacular put on by the local school children!

Regards,
Amanda Schofield