I joined Tsunami-HANDAID in 2010, initially doing only small tasks. I was fascinated by the efficiency of the organization and the enriching way volunteers and locals work together. I quickly decided to dedicate more of my free time to this project and have since traveled to Sri Lanka and the Philippines several times. The collaboration with our volunteers, the local workers, the local government and our donors is an rewarding experience every single time. A famous saying declares: “Every great achievement was once considered impossible”. With Tsunami-HANDAID, I have witnessed several times how dedicated people can achieve the “Impossible”.

I was born in Sri Lanka and I am now living in Switzerland. I am a pre-school teacher at an international school. I was in Sri Lanka when the tidal wave hit the shores in 2004. My engagement in relief work started immediately. With the support of my dedicated and motivated friends, we have come a long way with this growing organization. To see the smiles on the faces of the people we work with fills me with happiness. I feel that we are so privileged to have what we have. What we are doing to help the less privileged is just a drop in a huge ocean. It is also a great pleasure to see what the volunteers gain from this experience.

I lived in Switzerland when the tidal wave hit Sri Lanka in 2004 and Sujeewa was my daughter’s former teacher. I have seen Sujeewa´s amazing engagement to help the injured and homeless people in her country and decided to help out in fundraising events and other tasks. In 2006, I officially joined the organization. In 2010, my family and I visited Sri Lanka as volunteers and helped to build a house. There are no words for what we witnessed – a unique, rewarding experience that I will remember forever, which is why I want to continue to contribute to this efficient organization as long as possible.