Tsunami Housing in Moratuwa
A ceremonial Field Visit to the project area took place on April 26th 2006. 4 Families moved in their new houses that have been constructed with their participation.

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Livelihood Restoration for Tsunami Affected People
Tangalle Trade Fair & Exhibition - As part of the Tsunami Recovery Programme a Trade Fair for affected people was arranged on April 8 & 9th, 2006, with many stalls, entertainment and a bridal show and competition.

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STRENGTHS project like a 5 year old tree – more benefits to come
The 5-year institutional strengthening STRENGTHS project finished on March 31st 2006. The external evaluation calls it a ‘success story’

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NFPO/STRENGTHS Exhibition & Seminar
An exhibition and seminar to celebrate the end of the STRENGTHS project and the start of a new network phase was held on March 6th, 2006 at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI), Independence Avenue. 13 NGOs exhibited their work.

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Solid Waste Management - A new approach 
Details about NFPO's successful Solid Waste Management project have been put together in a video. If you are interested in Solid Waste Management or have a Solid Waste Management problem please contact us.

NFPO Annual report 2006 – 2007
This is now available in English versions. Contact us for a copy.

Livelihood Restoration for Tsunami Affected People
Tangalle Trade Fair & Exhibition April 6th, 7th and 8th, 2007

A trade fair and exhibition was organized for participants in the Sathkara Tsunami Relief and Rehabilition Project with the objective of helping people to market the products created in livelihood restoration programmes. The event also helped to publicise the activities and to build connections between the beneficiaries as producers.

It took place at Tangalle Townhall and had a total of 79 stalls.

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From STRENGTHS to Strength
Exhibition and Seminar, March 6th 2006

A colourful show of learning, capacity and engagement on behalf of the country’s disadvantaged. The STRENGTHS project members put on a colourful, informative, varied and impressive display showing their strength and capabilities. Models of Tsunami housing, shoes and handicrafts manufactured in Income Generating Projects, resettlement village models and organization vision/mission etc. could all be seen at SLFI on March 6th.

More than 600 NGO members, CBO members, beneficiaries and INGO/ Donor/ Government representatives attended.

Mr. Senthurajah, Founder SWOAD, opened the exhibition. Special guests, Mr. Willie Gamage, founder NFPO and visionary of the STRENGTHS project, shared his reflections on capacity building in the first speech at 11:00. Mr. Julian Wilson, Head of Delegation, European Commission, congratulated the participating NGOs on their displays and encouraged them in continuing their vital work. The EU provided the majority of the funding for the 5 year long project. Mr. Clive Ingleby, VSO Country Director, Sri Lanka, concluded the morning's reflections by highlighting the innovative nature of this project and expressing his belief that the positive impact of the project will continue to grow, creating a ‘ripple’ effect not just in Sri Lanka but beyond.

A souvenir brochure is available.

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STRENGTHS Project a 'Success Story'
Evaluation

One of the last activities of the STRENGTHS project was the evaluation of 5 years of its work in institutional capacity building in Sri Lanka. The external evaluation team spent 4 weeks in February and March meeting and interviewing the 14 NGOs, Project staff, beneficiaries, current and former volunteers and counterparts about STRENGTHS.

The objective of the evaluation was to assess the STRENGTHS project’s outcome and to find out what lessons can be learned for future efforts.
 

The evaluation covered over 40 points, following the original project proposal closely.

One major conclusion is that each NGO has benefited from STRENGTHS; many feel they are better able to serve their beneficiaries; several are now in a better position to work with and attract donors. Connections have also been forged between and among NGOs through joint exposure tours and exchange visits.

Some challenges of the project have been the sheer complexity due to duration, number of NGOs involved, the languages in use and the geographical spread and the number of interventions. The main challenge, however, as identified by many stakeholders is sustaining the project’s achievements, which is now in the hands of NFPO and the NGOs.

“Everyone knows that the STRENGTHS project ends on March 31st, 2006, but the process and the results don't end there. The project is like a 5 year old tree, still growing and with many benefits to come.” as the Manager Tilak Karunaratne puts it. Its positive impact will continue to grow and will be felt by many for the years to come.

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