Work

 

Ms. Thushara Hewage is currently a coordinator for Kantha Maha Sangamaya Weligepola, a grassroots organization whose goal is to reduce poverty through teaching healthy farming and life practices. Ms. Hewage is a field worker, working directly with the farmers in her community teaching how to reduce soil erosion and promoting organic farming. In one project they have established an organic compost system vermin-culture system for their fields and home gardens. Another project close to Ms. Hewage’s heart is her work with women and children. She has helped start a women’s development federation where they teach about community leadership, and women’s and children’s health. These activities bring the women together to learn from each other and support each other and their families. Ms. Hewage sees the current use of chemical fertilizer a big threat to health and the environment. “I want to protect our local seeds, soil and farm in an organic way for sustainability. Healthy soil becomes healthy plants and more production. If communities have food security, they are successful. I want to build quality life for my community.” Ms. Hewage’s future plan is to establish an organic farm school with youth programs and classes in agriculture and leadership.

Sending Organization

 

Kantha Maha Sangamaya Weligepola (KMSW) is one of three poverty alleviation related projects supported by the UNPD Sri Lanka. KMSW targets women and has over 2500 members in 36 village societies. In addition to working with women through training programs in agriculture, health, children’s development and micro-loans for income generation, KMSW works with the public, private and NGO sectors to strengthen the capacity of grass roots community organizations.