The Youth Of Sri Lanka Need your Help

My sincere hope is that this e-mail finds each and everyone of you in good health and high spirits. My gratitude to everyone is maximal, for despite my recent lack of communication, a steady flow of donations has continued to flow into our account, and as always, this money is highly needed.I wish to take a brief moment now to beseech you all for you help with a certain objective The Foundation for a United Humanity has set for itself. Remember that help can come in many forms, from fundraising initiatives and networking, constructive criticism and insight into how we can achieve this.

Hari Boys Home is a center for young orphans who were most certainly destined for combat as child soldiers in Sri Lankas civil war. Through the intervention by a group of proactive local leaders in Batticaloa district, these boys are now in a safe environment, receiving quality education, health care and food. More on the history of Hari and FUH’s role in assisting them can be found on our web page. A current initiative by FUH is creating self sufficient orphanages through out Batticaloa district and thus far the program has been a glowing success. We now wish to focus all our fundraising energies on doing the same for Hari. Although FUH has been able to provide them with a new building, since the government threw them off there last piece of land, a vast vegetable garden to assure a more balanced diet for the boys, and 250 CAD a month to cover a fraction of their living costs, Hari is still struggling greatly. They basically live hand to mouth, and in the words of the president Mr. Chandrakumar, “We are still no better than beggars.” His gratitude for our efforts is endless but the reality is that keeping this home afloat is a constant struggle, and Hari’s committee is endlessly searching for aid from locals and international charities alike.

They have a dream of acquiring a bus, with which they can operate a private transportation service that would yield them enough profits to never have to rely on hand outs from others again. This is the goal in FUH’s self sufficient orphanages program. Hari would be able to largely enhance all there services to the current 80 plus boys staying with them, accept more children, pay for more qualified tutors and educational options, and even have remaining money to open saving accounts for these children. Their business plan is solid and the need for the extra transportation route through the region is needed. If the hope for this bus materializes, the self worth and dignity gained by becoming masters of their own financial future is absolutely priceless. FUH realizes that this is an expensive dream, but we are also certain in our belief that anything is possible and when working for the benefit of others, there is no limit to the potential of accomplishment. The bus will cost roughly 35 000 USD and the inevitable question that arises is why spend so much on one home when the funds could be distributed around to many others.

Hari is not just another home for children, it is an institution, and it’s not hard to see why it has gained unprecedented admiration and respect in the community where it operates. Co-existence, forgiveness, peace, discipline and quality education are the pillars of its philosophy. Things in Sri Lanka are slowly changing in the aftermath of the defeat of the main resistance army, the Tamil Tigers, but there is still a lot of discontent and social economic issues at hand. Not to mention an array of other militant groups still running loose. Decades of war have left deep physiological scarring and it will take quite a bit more time befor the violence ends. Within all this are some very intelligent people who understand that the only way to bring about true, lasting peaceful change is by giving the next generation an alternative to war. Indeed anybody in SriLnka under the age of thirty has never lived during a peaceful period of time and it is of the utmost importance that the leaders of tomorrow have the opportunity to follow there hearts and inspirations instead of be marched of to die in the battle fields. Before coming to Hari, these young boys had a future of two possibilities, one was to die as a child soldier, the other a short miserable life of extreme poverty. Now they have the chance to become doctors, engineers, teachers, musicians, social workers or what ever they want. Help Hari ensure their vastly important work continues and flourishes. In any way you can. These local grass roots programs need to know they are valued. Give Sri Lankas next generation a chance. Any help possible brings us one step closer.

Thank you for your time.

Jordan Korth
The Foundation for a United Humanity
www.aunitedhumanity.org

Donations can be made to

Healing Humanity
P.O. box 490
Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
T1S 1A7

A Brief Look Into The Foundation for a United Humanity

Before delving into the history and evolution of our humanitarian aid group I must declare my deep gratitude for the interest that has grown around us, and that has been expressed by various local businesses and organizations. Polar Spa and the Okotoks Minor Lacrosse League to name two. For me, this is proof that we are doing beneficial work and that there are caring and proactive people back home who are vested in helping to carry our mission forward. It never fails to warm my heart when people rally around a home grown initiative to effect permanent and peaceful change in a community half way around the world.

FUH has been operating in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka for the last four and a half years. I arrived to this impoverished region six months after the 2004 tsunami had devastated all the coastal communities on the island nations east coast. My intention was to complete a journalistic study of how exactly the millions of donated aid money was being spent to assist the victims of what was the largest natural disaster in modern history. Two major factors lead to the transformation of research and writing to fundraising and the distribution of care. First, I was appalled at how the massive corporate charities were misusing their funds, arguing amongst themselves and the total lack of communication and connection with the local leaders and common folk. If something was being done it was approached from a 'we know what is best for you' enforcement onto the shocked and confused locals rather than a 'how can we assist you to put your own lives back together' partnership. I was shocked as I saw this to totally rob the locals of any self empowerment, accomplishment and confidence. The second reason being that I had a very serious battle with addiction, that had dissolved a year and a half prior to my first walk along the devastated beaches. When the tsunami shattered the coasts of South and South East Asia on Dec.26 2004 I was exactly 100 days sober, and had developed a new spiritual dimension in my life. The only thing missing was a purpose, something inspiring for me to devote my days to. I thought this to be journalism, but when i came face to face with the humblest of people, who were starving, had no tools, cloths or shelter but were willing to share themselves fully and completely a full circle moment thumped me on the head. My purpose was discovered. I was going to raise money, bypass the disaster capitalist nature of the aid industry and see if I couldn't assist the people in need directly. Thus, The Foundation for a United Humanity was born.

In the beginning FUH focused on doing simple but important projects for individual families. This included the building of toilets and wells, roofing, support in starting small businesses and the purchase and distribution of tools to working classes in an attempt to get people back to work at their trades. This soon evolved into more all encompassing projects that benefited the community as a whole. An aruvedic doctor was given supplies to assist the multitude of sick and wounded people lined up at this door, a toilet and well was constructed at the fisherman rest house in an attempt to get the areas major industry flowing again and we were able to complete a community hall that had offices for the elders society, the mental health unit and tutoring classes for the village children, not to mention a place for the leaders to meet and organize.

Over and above the severity of the tsunami disaster, the people of Sri Lanka have been caught up in the middle of a bloody civil war, which has lasted for over 25 years and caused death, destruction, economic and social issues on a scale for exceeding that of the tsunami. This provoked FUH to focus not only on disater relief, but also the promotion of peace. We have been able to assist many refugee families, and constructed an orphanage named Hari Boys Home that now provides safe accommodation, education and three square meals a day to young boys who would otherwise have been left extremely vulnerable to militant recruitment. FUH believes education of the poor and disenchanted to be a fundamental cornerstone in combating extremism and terrorism, and the Hari programme is a fantastic example as now between 60 and 85 young boys now have an opportunity to follow their dreams instead of being thrown into battle.

The importance of working with youth was made apparent through the Hari project, and has now become a foremost priority of FUH and we have embarked on a mission of promoting self sufficiency in other pre existing orphanages around the region. Many boys and girls homes have been donated large and beautiful buildings with well painted and displayed signs showcasing who constructed the home. This is all good and well save the fact that the poverty issues were totally bypassed. These children have a roof over their heads, but no school books in their hands, shoes on their feet, or food in their bellies because there is simply no money. FUH has been able to improve this situation by setting up various small business initiative at different homes. This is a way for the orphanages to become empowered as they now have a steady income that their respective committees can operate themselves. They can now earn there own bread without dependence on the government or international charities. These projects have included the creation of a large vegetable garden, a chicken farm, fishing nets and a bakery. Four homes that were at the point of having to release children back into the streets and fields can now feed, cloth, educate an even accept more children into their gates. FUH is continually working with two boys homes and five girls homes. Over 350 children who have been birthed into extreme war and either orphaned or abandoned because of it now have a fighting chance to at a decent life.

FUH has big plans on the horizon as it wants to expand to more children's homes. The only thing blocking this is a serious lack of funding. One idea is to get a bus for Hari Boys Home. This would take the home to a whole new level of abundance as they could start a private busing company with the possibility of earning a minimum of 800 USD a month. Buses aren't cheap and I only share this to show that FUH is capable of handling large scale funding as well as smaller donations. We put alot of thought and research into each project. We never rush into anything and only begin to spend donated money after much consideration, communication and organization. Also, we have absolutely no administrative costs or other overhead. Therefore we can assure that 100% of all donated money reaches the people in need and it is used in an appropriate way.

Donations can be made out to:

HEALING HUMANITY
p.o.box 490
Okotoks, Alberta
T1S 1A7

Thank You for you time and interest in our work!!
though the projects completted this year are not yet posted, you can find out more at www.aunitedhumanity.org

Jordan Korth
President and Founder
The Foundation for a United Humanity

Healing Humanity

Hello friends, peace lovers and budding philanthropists!! In my last e-mail I tried to convey my sincere thanks to all of you for your support of this work, and I hope my gratitude is still resonating deep within you. Not only are you creating educational opportunities, sustainable incomes and a higher standard of living for the people of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, you are also greatly contributing to the fulfillment of my own personal inspirations. This work brings me suck joy, and I will never be able to express what an important and integral role your donations and words of support have made on myself and my Sri Lankan friends.

There is so much to do, and Healing Humanity is currently at a bit of a stand still as all of our funding has dried up. So if it is possible, please continue your generosity. Unless the immigration office grants my request for more time on Lankan soil, I will only be here for another month and a half, so please do not sit on the fence. Your money is needed now!!

One of my goals this trip was to visit as many orphanages as possible, and asses their needs, while establishing contacts for the Human Harmony volunteer initiative. I have to admit, despite the hard work of the care givers, I have been appalled at what I have discovered. Many foreigners come to visit these boys and girls homes. They bring with them toys, note books and pens. Foreign religious groups will pay to have large and lavish buildings erected to house these children, as long as they worship the correct God, of course. This is all fine and dandy, but as my dear friend Raju says. "None of this stuff matters, toys, crayons, stuffed bears, large rich looking living quarters. Sure it is needed, but right now….it is all pointless. None of it matters as long as these children have no food in their bellies."

Now I've never been one to try and induce guilt in people with the hope of raising money. So please do not misunderstand what I'm about to say next. You more than deserve you place at the top of the global financial ladder. But nobody can tell me these innocent children aren't worthy of a portion of your hard earned money. I only wish I could take you by the hand and bring you to these orphanages. Behind beaming smiles you will see the yellow eyes of hungry children. Don't mistake their blotted bellies to mean they have just finished a large and filling meal. Malnourishment as made these boys and girls appear pregnant. They reach out with tooth pick arms and some can hardly even stand on their boney legs.

Hand outs are good. The toys and books bring instant smiles and momentary comfort, but the truth is they are soon forgotten. They end up scattered in the dirt with the rest of the rubbish and the books are often used as fuel for the fires that heat their morning breakfast, which usually consists only of tea, if they are lucky its milk tea, and even luckier, a biscuit or two to start them on their day.

I feel so passionate about creating self sufficient orphanages, that it is going to become the focal point of Healing Humanities many efforts. With out a steady income source these boys and girls homes will never be able to provide both a physically and mentally healthy environment. These children have already been through so much, loosing there parents, fleeing the violence of war, surviving in the dog eat dog worlds of street life and refugee camps. Many are lucky they haven't been forced into militant recruitment or thrown into the sex trade. We need to show these children they are loved, they must know people are vested in their well being. The folks, who have dedicated their lives and sacrificed so much to protect these children and try and provide them with a decent life, deserve our help. In fact I think they deserve a lot more. These care givers are true heroes. Effecting a positive change in the chilren's life all starts with a warm meal, and that warm meal can't be a one time thing. By creating small businesses, gardens and farms, the care takers of these homes can make sure the children receive the quality food that every human being deserves and needs.

It is essential to the success of such projects, that the leaders of these orphanages choose their own way to generate income, and believe me they have the ideas ready, but lack the funds to make them manifest. Healing Humanity is not about dictating what they should do, but rather giving them the means to accomplish what they already see as beneficial. Here are a few examples. Shakthi girls home has 36 girls aged 8-15 years old. I first visited Shakthi in 2005 and it has always remained in my heart, for I had the most amazing experience spending a day playing games with the kids. They orphanage, along with two others was inaccessible for me in 2007 as it was right in the middle of a severe war zone. Believe me I tried to reach them but was denied as I went to take the ferry boat across the lagoon by the army with a stern "no foreigners allowed." This year, as I said in my last e-mail, the district is going through I time of relative peace and the army has granted me accesses to the impoverished village. At Shakthi they want to construct a bakery that the president claims will not only fill the children's bellies but also provide simple things like soap and tooth paste, things they have gone without for months. Healing Humanity has already begun construction of the bakery but has had to put the construction on hold. Just like the children have no food in the belly, we have no money in the bank account.

Another home, Jesu Ashram, with 25 girls aged 11-17 already has a fishing boat, but they have no fishing nets. They also have requested an auto rickshaw which would double as a means to transport the children to the hospital in emergencies and serve as a taxi for hire in Batticaloa town. Manthiniyum girls home has 80 girls from 4 years to 20 years old. This is a substantial amount of mouths to feed. They have plans for a vocational training sewing center, which they could sell their homework to local stores and schools, and a meditation center as they have a wise old guru eager to teach peace from within for a small fee to both tourists and locals alike. For now, all they want is help establishing a farm. They have the buildings already in place; just need the chickens, cows and goats to make it successful.

Any one familiar with Healing Humanities work knows of our crown achievement thus far. An orphanage we have built called Hari Boys Home. The transformation that is still occurring at Hari is a massive source of inspiration for me. There are currently 65 boys staying here and the doors are always open for children fleeing the war across the lagoon, which can erupt again at any moment. We are currently supplying them with a vegetable garden and hope to also deliver some cows. I would love to fulfill the directors wish to get a bus he can then use as a private busing company, which in turn would solve all there financial worries. If the bus comes through, then Healing Humanity can move on from Hari with complete knowledge that we not only built an orphanage but gave the care takers the means to be fully self sufficient.

I want to make it clear that Sri Lanka has tough child labor laws and Healing Humanity has many friends who will continue to check up on all it's orphanage projects to ensure that no child is being forced to work instead of study and play. Also the orphanages are all part of a vast networking and profit sharing plan. Basically they help each other out when times are tough. Karma is a very real belief here and the caregivers know the pains other homes can go through.

To accomplish all the above stuff, and the few other smaller scall things that we could easily finish, about 50 000Cad is needed. This would also leave a nice sum to get things going next trip. Of course this is a lot of money, and it is including the 30 000 grand for the Hari bus. The point Im trying to make is that we can handle large donations, so by all means feel free to throw us 10 000 or so. But please don't shy away from smaller donations as well. I can't even begin to emphasize how far I can make a 100, 50 or even 5 dollar donation stretch. Don't be shy, even one pennie is that much closer to accomplishing something.

I have given four examples of homes and ways we can make these safe zones for the neglected children of Batticaloa able to care for them selves. Of course there are many more homes in need, but Healing Humanity would rather focus on one at a time and ensure their successes then spread ourselves to far and to thin, then have to shatter hopes of following through on any promises by informing them that we can't complete our work, something that we have already done to Shakthi. As I've said many times before I'm learning as I go and this in itself has been one of my most important lessons.

Again I wish to emphasize how important it is that our funds continue to grow. Without abundance we can't do anything, and this depends on you, so, if you are able please do give, if not then at the very most remember us in your prayers.

Thank You for your time.

Jordan Korth
President and Founder
The Foundation for a United Humanity

May your forehead be calm, your eyes serene, your lips grateful and your heart aglow.

Healing Humanity

Hello everyone!!

I sincerely hope this e-mail finds each and every one of you in good health and great spirits. My attempt to continue the humanitarian aid work in Batticaloa district of eastern Sri Lanka is well under way this year, and I send this e-mail with the intention of sharing my deepest respect and gratitude for you previous support of this cause. Before I begin explaining our current projects and what sits on the immediate horizon, I need everyone to understand that without your generous donations none of this work could have been, or will continue to be possible. I must take a moment to make it very clear to all of you that just because you shared your hard earned money with me and my Sri Lankan friends before, I have no expectations that you must continue to donate. Of course money is highly needed and needed now, but there are other ways you can assist beyond financially. Contacts and networking are essential so please spread the word, forward, my e-mails to others, speak of what we are doing, and remember us if and when you come across any philanthropists or people looking for a trustworthy charity. I am also in need of finding folks back home who are global minded, proactive, and vested in the welfare of the people whom are suffering in our world. Fundraisers, advertisers, accountants, people with knowledge and experience in the humanitarian aid fields and anybody inspired to create change in others lives are more than welcome to become part of the team.

Although the ethnic war has intensified greatly in the northern regions of Sri Lanka, the eastern province of Batticaloa is now experiencing a time of relative peace. There is still the odd bomb blast and soldiers and tanks still line the streets, but in comparison with my two previous journeys here in 2005 and 2007, things are very tame. There is a new sense of optimism in the air, and I believe this to be a marvelous time to reach out and effect change in the local people’s lives.

I am more than humble enough to admit that I am learning as I go, and for this reason we will be focusing on community based projects this year, rather than supporting individual families’ separately. Although some families are obviously in greater need than others, to provide for one and deny another due to any number of reasons can lead to resentment and disharmony in the community.

Currently we are building a toilet and a well at the Kallidy village fisherman’s rest house. Another toilet and well are going up at the same villages rural development societies community center, which we are helping to establish by completing it’s construction, providing computers, desks, tables, chairs, fans, and lights. Our efforts of build an orphanage last trip have proven very worthy and now we are creating a large vegtible garden, three cows and a little house for the care takers, in our effort to have the orphanage self sustainable. These projects have utilized all our funding, but there are many more important initiatives waiting for the go ahead. The only thing lacking is more money. Within the next few days I will be sending out a more detailed description of what we still plan to accomplish. For now, I merely wish to reintroduce our mission to all of you.

Due remember that this economic crisis is a global one and many countries are experiencing it’s grip in a much tighter way than the richest nations are. Thank you dearly for your time.

Peace and Love

Jordan Korth
President and Founder
The Foundation for a United Humanity

May your forehead be calm, your eyes serene, your lips grateful, and your heart aglow!!