Project Report
| Oct 10, 2011
Another Loan, Another Happy Family
By Shera Fowler | Project Leader
![Asanar Janufa and one of her new sewing machines]()
Asanar Janufa and one of her new sewing machines
CERI’s Microenterprise Program is continuing to have great success! Here’s another story about how people are being helped in Sri Lanka.
Asanar Janufa is a foster mother to a 14-year-old boy in CERI’s care named Ibrahim. They live in a low income community in Eravur, Sri Lanka. Ms. Janufa’s first loan was for $65, which she used to buy a sewing machine to start a dress business. She produced and sold an average of 9 dresses each month which yielded an income of $27 a month. Even after the massive flood that destroyed her business, Ms. Janufa continued diligently onward with the help of another loan of $600 from CERI’s Microenterprise Program to buy two motorized sewing machines. Ms. Janufa said, “With CERI’s help, I learned a lot, sharpened my knowledge and skills and developed my confidence greatly to speak with the people of different income levels.” Just last month, September 2011, Ms. Janufa made $450 selling her homemade dresses. She uses this income to support her foster son. Ms. Janufa is a wonderful example of how CERI’s Microenterprise Program helps improve the livelihoods of poor rural families.
Please make a difference today in the lives of the less fortunate by giving to CERI’s Microenterprise Program.
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Sep 14, 2011
Bridging Business for Local Entrepreneurs
By Shera Fowler | Project Leader
![Women's Small Group Sign]()
Women's Small Group Sign
This 2011 summer brought new opportunities for CERI’s Sri Lankan foster parents who have their own businesses. “Bridging Business in Batti, Trade Fair 2011” was held for 3 days in July and featured 150 stalls displaying the products and services of several companies, including local, national, and international entrepreneurs. The event was supported by the Central and Provincial government and mainly focused on the products and services sector for markets involving agriculture, livestock, fishing, and tourism. There were participants from various sectors including farmer organizations, trade associations, milk producers, corporate businesses, service sectors, school students, and entrepreneurs both local and national. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) helped to sponsor the event and invited CERI’s Women’s Small Group microenterprise program to exhibit their self-employment projects. Mrs. Shanthakumary and Mrs. Subaitha had the opportunity to display their products at the exhibition. The event was such a great success that even the Chief Minister, Mr. Santhirakanthan, visited the women’s pottery hut and got some details about their pottery business. Thank you for supporting these women with foster children to succeed with their small business ventures. Please continue to help women like these succeed by giving today.
![Women's Small Group Setup]()
Women's Small Group Setup
![Women's Small Group Buying Crowd]()
Women's Small Group Buying Crowd
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Aug 2, 2011
A Woman with a Dream
By Shera Fowler | Project Leader
![Mrs. Shanthakumari and her family]()
Mrs. Shanthakumari and her family
So many people in the world need help that it sometimes feels overwhelming. But when you meet a woman like Mrs. Shanthakumari, you realize that small steps make a huge difference. When CERI’s staff met Mrs. Shanthakumari, we knew she had promise and would use the money we gave her to restart her pottery business wisely. She initially started her business in the 1990’s, but faced major losses of her house and possessions due to the civil war within Sri Lanka. Through all the hardships, she never became discouraged. Mrs. Shanthakumari is very active in the community and, after raising three children of her own, she took in a foster girl who had been abandoned by her family as a result of a physical impairment. These great qualities gave CERI confidence that she was a worthy candidate to help succeed. We gave her a loan of $100 in June of 2010. She profited greatly in that year, repaid her loan, and even made a $200 profit in a single sale. After the destructive flood earlier this year, CERI gave her another loan of $250 to rebuild her business again. Through the profits of her business, Mrs. Shanthakumari plans to repair and improve her home and continue to take care of her 10-year-old foster daughter. These small loans are often the difference between a life of poverty and struggling to make ends meet and meaningful employment which restores dignity and self-sufficiency to families. There are many more worthy candidates like Mrs. Shanthakumari, and your gift can provide them with an opportunity to succeed!
![Mrs. Shanthakumari and her pottery]()
Mrs. Shanthakumari and her pottery
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