Anathi Project of Sri Lanka
 

Jeevananda Ashram's Traditional Handloom Weaving Center

All thread is hand-spun.

Prior to the father's death in 1994, the Jeevananda Ashram operated a handloom weaving center, both to raise money for the home as well as to train the girls in traditional handicrafts, helping them to find jobs when they leave. Unfortunately, the center closed with the father's death. In September 2004, the government reopened the weaving center, but the home currently does not receive compensation for the use of their space, although a few girls are trained and paid to use the machines. The government program here will last only one year, vacating the space in September 2005 and taking the handloom machines with them.

After the government program leaves, the Sister would like to reopen the weaving center to once again gain revenue for the home and to train the girls for jobs after their schooling is complete. Handloom fabrics are more luxurious than regularly processed fabrics, and gain a good price in the market. Handloom is also the traditional way to make fabrics, and for this Living Heritage is particularly interested in the project.

To reopen the weaving center, the home will need: -12 handloom machines (about Rs. 10,000 or USD$100 each) -spinning machines -thread barrels -materials

Things are improving for the children, although there is still a great deal of need:

  • A fridge and freezer
  • Cleaning and repair of the garden well
  • Repairs to the playground
  • The wind mill fixed
  • Outside lighting
  • A gas stove
  • Completion of the study hall
  • Funding for the weaving center
  • Funding for the Sustainable Energy Proposal

To donate to this home, please contact:
Patrick Harrigan, Anathi.org Project Coordinator
e-mail: info@anathi.org

About Father Paul