Assimilation to values that are not compatible with the customary traditions of a culture is a possible side effect of humanitarian aid work. With life being hard for so many people, often ideas begin to form in the minds of the suffering that compare themselves with the foreign aid workers. People may start to question their own customs wondering if it would be better for them and their communities if they were to act or believe in the same things as the care givers. With this in mind ‘Healing Humanity’ tries to assist in projects that preserve the local tradition and provoke some fun. These types of projects can rekindle the community spirit and reestablish a sense of ethnic pride amongst its members, which ultimately leads to a more empowered and confident society.

Projects of this nature can take many forms. Some ideas include teaching young woman how to use the traditional hand looms to sew their customary clothing, or providing an opportunity for them to learn the cultural dances. Partaking in pilgrimages and festivals can also be an uplifting and joyful experience for the local people and aid workers alike. One hope we had was for a group boys and girls from four separate orphanages to take a bus trip across the country to see the capital city of Colombo and watch a cricket match. This did not transpire due to lack of funding, however, this is a journey we still hope to fulfill.

Regardless of not achieving the above wish, ‘Healing Humanity’ was able to rent a bus and take 54 seniors from the village of Kallidy on a two day pilgrimage down the east coast of Sri Lanka, stopping to visit famous towns and temples along the way. We all had a wonderful sleep under the stars to break up the long journey, along with many games and delicious food. For weeks people came crying and kneeling, so grateful that their grandfathers and grandmothers where able to get out of the village and partake in the local heritage. A greater thank you was not received by ‘Healing Humanity’ for any of its other projects.