Small loans, big opportunities

After spending an exciting weekend in Unawatuna, one of Sri Lanka´s best-known beach destinations, and in Galle where we saw the first day of Sri Lanka´s cricket test series against India, we were all a bit sleep-deprived. Fortunately, we could afford a rather late start on Monday as nothing was scheduled for the morning.

The afternoon, however, meant quite a lot of work with three lessons including one for adults. At the same time, I went to the bi-weekly meeting of a society for women that tries to encourage development in very small steps. All members have to pay a one-off fee when joining the society, this money is then used for small loans to the members.

 These loans are in the region of £20 to £50 which does not sound like a lot, but it does make a difference in the village. The women are enabled to buy a water filter or even start their own small business to generate income, making it a little easier for them and their families to get by.