Mother, sister, warrior

Dammika was born into a poor family with parents who constantly worked to put food on the table. Life was hard, and she learned early on to put herself aside for others. 

She has two younger brothers who were both born with disabilities – they can neither walk nor talk, and need 24/7 care. The family did not have access to wheelchairs, so Dammika often had to carry her brothers in her arms or on her back. Their smiles, despite their inability to speak, were what kept her going in the difficult situation. 

Since her family was very poor, Dammika had to drop out of school in grade 10. She had dreams, but they had to be put on hold for far more important things, like putting food on the table. 

When she turned 18, she found love. She married and had 3 children, one daughter and two sons. All were born healthy, but over time it turned out that both of her sons were also sick, like their brothers. The family's situation went from bad to worse, and the marriage began to fall apart.  

Dammika had no choice, she had to find a job where she would earn more. She traveled to the Middle East to work as a cleaner. She sent all the money she earned back to Sri Lanka, hoping for a better future for her children. But, while she was away, her husband suddenly left the family.  

She had to return to Sri Lanka, broken, betrayed and scared. She now had neither a partner nor a stable income. She had to take any job she could find in the area, even working as a miner at one point. Every day was a struggle, and every night she prayed that they would survive the next.  

The turning point came then. Caritas came into her life. She received training in climate-smart agriculture, animal husbandry, composting, and organic gardening. This wasn't just knowledge, it was hope. 

With a small patch of land and a lot of determination, she created her own kitchen garden. She began growing vegetables to feed her family, and sold what she had left to her neighbors. It wasn't much, but it was hers.  

Her brothers and sons also found joy and meaning through the programs that Caritas offered. They smiled again. They moved again. They felt seen. 

Today, her garden is more than just a garden. It is a symbol of the struggle she has been through, of her pain and her dreams. Dammika never asks for much, just the strength to carry on and to see her family smile. She is more than just a mother and a sister – she is a warrior.  

Read about this year's Lenten campaign HERE

Text to 93082
Gift account: 8200 01 93433 (mark with fixed)

And you? We are always in need of new regular donors. A fixed monthly income gives us and our partners greater security, and more stability in the work we offer. You can read more about becoming a regular donor HERE .

Thank you for caring!