Building Community
writer: daniele bora
photographer: Richard Koechlein
(story synopsis)
* to protect individuals, some
pseudonyms have been used. |
Amantni* offers a friendly welcome. photo | courtesy of Richard Koechlein |
Two and a half miles from the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lankan communities that were devastated by the 2004 tsunami have finally found a home in Panwila/Rathgama. This newly built village was constructed on land donated by the Monrovia Estate, a former coconut and cinnamon plantation.
To accommodate residents’ needs, a learning center with a library, Montessori school, technology facility and public meeting space was developed and has become the hearth of the village. This is the successful result of an unlikely partnership between two groups located halfway around the world from Sri Lanka: the Minnesota chapter of Architecture for Humanity (AFH:MN) and the Minnesota Sri Lanka Friendship Foundation (MNSLFF). Their brainchild, created in Minnesota and manifested in Sri Lanka, has shown participants, donors and beneficiaries alike that groups can combine their talents to efficiently meet a variety of needs.
Acknowledging that privileged lives and educations are fruits of circumstance, the members of AFH:MN and MNSLFF were drawn together to give back. |
New homes were constructed for families by MNSLFF in 2005. photo | courtesy of Miranda Bryant
Residents gather at the new learning center. photo | courtesy of Richard Koechlein |
Traditional Sri Lankan dancers perform at the opening of the learning center. photo | courtesy of Richard Koechlein |
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(story synopsis)
ONE
WORK
GENEROSITY
HOME
FUTURE
HEALTH
COOPERATION
KIDS
DIALOGUE
CONTRIBUTORS
ORGANIZATIONS
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