The Smiles and Hope Blooming from Children in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Economic Crisis: 3rd Emergency Relief Effort
In September 2024, the 3rd JTS Sri Lanka relief effort took place. JTS activists from Korea collaborated with local Sri Lankan volunteers, who were introduced in our previous report. Park Young-sook, the JTS Secretary General, participated in the relief efforts alongside JTS activist Kim Yoon-mi.
△ JTS Sri Lanka volunteers and Korean activists on the move for relief activities
△ JTS activists conducting an on-site survey talking with village residents
During the relief efforts, JTS activists closely examined the conditions of villages near the activity areas. To identify residents in need who had not yet received assistance, they conducted on-site surveys by actively exploring the area and assessing the situation first hand.
△ The number of households and students supported in the 3rd round of 2024 assistance
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In this relief effort, JTS provided school supply kits to a total of 3,000 students and 20 kg of rice to 4,000 people in need. Now, let’s take a look at the preparation process!
In Sri Lanka, JTS focuses on supporting students, particularly elementary school children. JTS activists personally visit each school, observing the students’ living and learning conditions first hand, identifying their needs, and selecting recipients. Curious about the foreign activists, the young students gazed at them with bright, playful eyes and cheerful smiles. Their smiles were truly beautiful.
△ The smiles of the students we met during the preliminary survey
△ The smiles of the students we met during the preliminary survey
Based on the on-site survey conducted during the second relief effort, Sri Lankan local volunteers once again took the lead in preliminary activities, including identifying recipients, conducting market research on relief supplies, and managing distribution logistics.
△ A JTS volunteer examining students’ backpacks
△ Discussion with a school official about the recipients
△ Volunteers at the distribution site packing school supplies
Based on thorough preparation, the distribution of relief supplies began in four regions. Despite the large crowds, Sri Lankan students and residents stood in an orderly line, waiting their turn. It was truly heartwarming to see people joyfully receiving their bags and rice after they presented their coupons. We were genuinely happy to be able to stand by them in these challenging times.
△ The representative of the volunteers and the JTS Secretary-General giving a greeting
△ Distribution of relief supplies
△ Students showing their coupons
△ Priority distribution for the elderly
△ Children smiling brightly as they receive their backpacks
△ A JTS activist delivering relief supplies
Even during the relief efforts, we did not forget to conduct ongoing local surveys in the surrounding areas. We carefully checked if there were any places that had not yet received help, and conducted research for future relief activities. Many people were struggling with hunger, barely able to have one meal a day. Yet, the warm welcome extended by the local people who met the JTS activists was heartwarming. Poverty had not taken away their kind hearts.
△ A JTS activist taking notes while surveying the site
△ A village resident expressing gratitude
After successfully completing this activity, JTS Sri Lanka local volunteers and Korean activists reflected on the JTS relief efforts in Sri Lanka over the past two years. Unlike two years ago, when things were unfamiliar and awkward, the local volunteers now participated in the relief activities with skill and confidence, safely dividing roles among themselves.
△Local volunteers and JTS activists reflecting on two years of relief activities in Sri Lanka
These individuals, remembering JTS’s philosophy of providing support to anyone in need, regardless of race, religion, gender, or ideology, expressed their commitment to continue relief efforts with JTS in the future. We will always remember the strong support of the Sri Lankan JTS members who work alongside us.
It has now been two and a half years since Sri Lanka declared a national bankruptcy crisis in May 2022. Although a new government has taken office, the people continue to struggle due to unstable prices and ongoing inflation. Until they can return to a more stable and comfortable life, JTS will remain by their side. We extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers and supporters who have stood with us. JTS’s activities will continue in the future.
△ JTS Sri Lanka and Korean activists taking a short break
