Appé Lanka
Appé Lanka is a development initiative focused on the sustainable transformation of the Poonakary region in Sri Lanka. Over the past 8 years, it has made significant strides in improving local livelihoods and infrastructure. The Foundation believes in the power of collaboration and partnership to scale their impact in the region.
Commonwealth Union is delighted to announce its affiliation with the Appé Lanka Foundation, a rural development project initiated to empower the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, supporting projects aimed at improving livelihoods and infrastructure. This collaboration is a testament to Commonwealth Union's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Importantly, Commonwealth Union's involvement in this initiative is driven entirely by a commitment to social impact and the organization is not seeking any monetary benefits or financial gains from this partnership. Their sole aim is to contribute positively to the community through this CSR project.
Our Story
The Appé Lanka Foundation is transforming Poonakary and Pachchiapali in northern Sri Lanka. The foundation's journey began when the founder, Shaan Corea visited Poonakary and witnessed the daily struggles of its people. She saw children walking miles to fetch water, farmers battling the dry, unforgiving land, and a community fractured by a 30-year war and unprecedented hardship. Determined to make a difference, Shaan formed the Appé Lanka Foundation, guided by the principles of sustainability, empowerment, and unity.
Water - One of the foundation’s first and most urgent initiatives was to address the severe water crisis. Poonakary’s water sources were either polluted or too distant, making access to safe drinking water a constant battle. The foundation installed and upgraded reverse osmosis (RO) plants, ensuring clean, potable water was available to all. The Appé Lanka Foundation also rallied to restore a water tank that was once been the lifeblood of the region. Over time with the support of the foundation and the collective effort of the villagers, it is been restored once again becaming a source of sustenance and sustainability.
Education – The Foundation has done significant work to revitalizing the local school, providing much needed educational materials. English language classes were introduced, using interactive methods to make learning enjoyable and effective, opening up new opportunities for the students.
Food Safety - The Foundation also recognized the importance of nutrition and self-sufficiency, transforming a barren plot in the school into a flourishing vegetable garden. This garden not only provided nutritious meals but also taught students sustainable farming practices. This project is now in expansion to the rest of the community.
Transportation - Posing a significant barrier to education, with many children living too far from the school. The foundation addressed this by providing bicycles, turning the journey to school into an exciting adventure rather than an exhausting trek. Attendance rates soared, and the children arrived each day energized and eager to learn.
Reconciliation -In a region marked by conflict, the foundation recognized the need for reconciliation and unity. By organizing sporting events and art workshops, the Foundation bring together children from different parts of the country. A community arts festival became an annual event, where children showcased their talents and celebrated their shared identity and dreams.
As the years passed, the landscape of Poonakary transformed. The village, once struggling under the weight of numerous challenges, now thrived with vitality and hope. The Appé Lanka Foundation’s work became a model for other regions, demonstrating the power of community-driven development and the profound impact of compassion and dedication. By collaborating with you or your organization, the Foundation will be uniquely positioned to scale for a meaningful impact. Learn more about how you can support Appé Lanka’s grass root projects here -
Testament to the Appé Lanka Foundation
In a world where the needs of the many often go unmet, the Appé Lanka Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community-driven development. Their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the residents of Poonakary, Sri Lanka, exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated humanitarian efforts can achieve.
Since its inception, Appé Lanka has consistently demonstrated a profound understanding of the local challenges and a deep respect for the cultural heritage of Poonakary. Their projects are not just about providing immediate relief but are thoughtfully designed to create sustainable, long-term improvements. From upgrading and maintaining RO (reverse osmosis) plants to ensure access to clean drinking water to reconstructing ancient tanks to support both drinking and agricultural needs, Appé Lanka’s initiatives address critical needs while also empowering the community to thrive independently.
The foundation’s commitment to education and capacity-building is another pillar of its success. By conducting workshops in schools and villages, they are fostering a culture of self-sufficiency and resilience. Their efforts to assess and address water needs in targeted areas ensure that their resources are utilized where they are most needed, maximizing their positive impact.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Appé
Lanka’s work is their 'We Grow Our Own Food' initiative. By promoting the cultivation of home gardens, they are not only addressing food security but also instilling a sense of pride and ownership among the residents of Poonakary. This program is a beautiful example of how small, community-based efforts can lead to significant, lasting change.
The 'Let Them Bloom, Give Them Water' program is another testament to their holistic approach. By providing essential resources like bicycles for schoolchildren, they are not just facilitating access to education but also nurturing the dreams and potential of the younger generation. These bikes symbolize more than just transportation; they represent a pathway to a brighter future.
In every project and initiative, Appé Lanka embodies the values of compassion, dedication, and sustainability. Their work is a powerful reminder that with the right support and resources, even the most underserved communities can flourish. The foundation's tireless efforts are not just transforming lives in Poonakary but are also setting a precedent for how development work should be approached globally.
The impact of Appé Lanka's work is immeasurable. Through their initiatives, they are sowing seeds of hope, resilience, and prosperity, ensuring that the people of Poonakary not only survive but thrive. The foundation’s exemplary work deserves recognition and support, as they continue to make the world a better place, one community at a time.
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