Single Mom Trains Community Women
On a roadside overlooking the lagoon in Puttlam, northwestern Sri Lanka, is a glass-windowed shop full of brightly-coloured handicrafts; from teddy bears, bags and flowers to cane, bamboo and cloth products. This is a centre that facilitates the sale of products made by women.
Sri Lanka
VisionFund Lanka is a Christian owner-operated mission-driven microfinance network working with caregivers in hard to reach, impoverished locations so they can create secure futures for their children. Inspired by Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the most vulnerable families and communities regardless of religion, race, ethnicity gender, to create lasting change in their lives.
VisionFund serves low income clients living in vulnerable and rural communities by offering financial and livelihood solutions, delivered through our Network, World Vision and partners; empowering families to create income and jobs; and unlocking economic potential for communities to thrive. The products and services offered fall into five broad categories: microloans, savings programmes, microinsurance, training and education. Benefits include sustainable livelihoods, increased economic well-being, improved community well-being, decreased dependence on outside aid and restoration of hope and dignity.
Together with World Vision, we are focused on ending extreme poverty by 2030.
Client Impact Stories
Husband and Wife Team Lead to Success
Wijayangani and her husband Saman Bandara make a great team running a woodwork business in Sri Lanka. Saman is a carpenter and creates windows, doors and furniture and Wijayangani manages the creative side of it; carefully carving out intricate floral designs.
A Growing School Bag Business
Kanthi Mallawarachchi is 51 years old and lives with her sons Buddika (23) and Keshan (15) in Nikaweratiya, a town in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. She learned how to sew bags from a youth services group in her village and the business had started with one machine. Her husband found the buyers and took orders. As the business grew they had added three more machines and three employees.
Farming for the Future
Agriculture remains the main occupation for many families in Sri Lanka, including in the north-western district of Puttlam, where Chandrani (42 years) and her husband Sarath call home. They are farmers; cultivating paddy, coconut, bananas, sesame and various vegetables.