MEETING PLACE
Foundation recognized the importance of the women to have a place to meet and discuss their grievances & stratergies . This Hut  was sponsored and built by the 
FSDHV as a meeting hall for the women to meet on regular basis.  


ACHIEVEMENTS.

Most notable are the sub-projects along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, in the villages of Thiranagama and Patuwata which are close to the tourist resort of Hikkaduwa.  The communities in these villages were badly affected by the tsunami of 2004 and suffered loss of livelihood and income through the loss of tourist trade and depleted fisheries. The women who were totally dependent on their spouses suffered unable to make ends meet to feed their households and take care of their children.
 
FSDHV supported three (3) projects 
 
Two(2) in Thiranagama - named . Sri Wanitha 1 and Sri Wanitha 2 
One (1) in Patuwata named. Diriya Wanitha.  


All together the three projects supported about 100 members, which meant supporting 100 households. (We hope to increase this number in the future)

Supported Livelihoods -Their livelihoods included the crafts of making carpets (carpet weaving), Hand sewn table cloths , Ready made women and children’s cloths, clay flower pots, extraction and bottling of coconut oil, Preparation of perishable  food,sweets, canned fish and sundry fish , and local spices such as cinnamon,  They also engaged in trade of food items and clothing. 
A recent activity which is popular among many women is making sandals and slippers with synthetic material. Their market has been limited to the neighboring areas such as Hikkaduwa and Gall. Currently they are seeking to establish their own market.

Well Being of the Community

Besides the provision of equipment and training, FSDHV also provided annual medical check ups, women are encourage to take charge of their physical and mental health by taking prevention,pre screening,counseling.
 
Scholarships: Annual scholarship was established and given by FSDHV for the children of members to encourage higher education and learning. 

Exhibitions : The groups get together in holding annual exhibitions ,a community fair  these sales are popular among the local communities as well as the tourist and visitors.

Micro-Finance Scheme

A specific achievement of the groups is the establishment of a micro-finance scheme by the FSDHV. All members participate in this scheme which now has almost $9,000 (nine thousand US $) available as small loans for the members to improve existing livelihoods or to help start up new activities. 

Peer Pressure and Self Motivation.

Peer pressure helps in ensuring 100% repayment of the borrowed amounts. The  pride of self achievement and  the joy of saving for the future and for their children has motivated the women tremendously.

 
In the past five years since FSDHV first started the project there has been a tremendous change in the life style, and well being of the members which also 
reflects positively  in the community spirit.