- Paavima: Important Update
- May 5, 2009 Filed under: Activities, P2P Rescue, Paavima, Projects, Tourism, War, Wildlife, partners
I’ve been quiet online of late, mainly because recent developments in Sri Lanka have been truly disturbing and difficult to dissect not just for us small-timers but also for some of the world’s largest aid organizations. I will aim to write about some of these issues in due time. For now, however, it’s a good time to bring interested people up to speed about our scuba-training and reef-restoration efforts in the south of the country. After much “back-room” deliberation, P2P Rescue project partner Paavima has decided to, at least temporarily, put a hold on new efforts. The people I met and worked with on and around Paavima are some of the most creative, inspiring, and selfless people I have ever met (both within Sri Lanka and the myriad supporters from countries around the world). These are people who volunteered a great deal of time and energy and asked for nothing in return. In most cases, they worked out-of-pocket and paid for their own flights and other expenses, just so they could help in the aftermath of the tsunami.
Along the way, I think, the southern coast of Sri Lanka in the area of Matara has become somewhat of a second home to many involved with Paavima–a place where we recognize faces, remember the walking paths to family homes, and have great memories of the meals and traditions we’ve shared as invited members of these communities.
For now, however, circumstances being what they are, there comes a time when it’s smarter to put a project “on hold” rather than labor through inefficiencies and outright dangers caused by elements far outside our control. We hope conditions in Sri Lanka change soon and that Paavima will find a suitable new environment for continuing what we all set out accomplish as early as 2005.
As usual, if you have an interest in this project or wish to learn more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. — Sean Kelly
Official Statement from Paavima (www.paavima.org):Due to the resurgence of the conflict in 2008, Paavima and its funding agents, MailMan Sri Lanka, felt it necessary for the safety of its staff, volunteers, and clients to close its offices. That being said, the founders are still active and not only keeping in touch with their constituents, but helping to guide the adventurous traveller and volunteer vacationer around the the south coast of Sri Lanka. Some of Paavima’s students have gone on to other careers, beyond the hazards of fishing the dangerous waters of the south coast. Some are now working in the diving profession, some in the shipping industry, and some in the hospitality sector. Some have returned to their profession on the south coast, despite its risks. All the students, as well as the Paavima volunteers, have enjoyed the experiences of a lifetime while pursuing our mutual goals: providing increased opportunity for employment and enhancing environmental stewardship while furthering the understanding and appreciation of Sri Lankan culture, natural resources, and people.
We at Paavima are often asked the question “What was the most challenging aspect of your work?” Many have difficulty in imagining traveling halfway around the world, only to immerse oneself in a foreign culture in order to make a positive impact. We found it hard to comprehend as well. Contrary to our initial beliefs, the greatest difficulty was not in raising funds, organizing local support, or even finding enough volunteers. The greatest challenge was to spread a message of hope: that human beings can persevere. After years and years of half-fulfilled promises by non-profits and non-governmental organizations, many in Madiha had given up hope. Despite aid from dozens of countries in dozens of forms, very little had changed for the people of our favorite village. The single most difficult task for us turned out also to be our greatest accomplishment: rekindling some human spirit that says that man is capable of bettering his situation, despite overwhelming odds. We were not wildly successful at this, but we have learned that change of this magnitude happens one person at a time. It comes not through material donation, political revolution, or the removal of hardship, but through the fundamental belief of one human being in another. As such, Paavima continues to live on in the individuals it touched and the bonds it formed, both in Sri Lanka and beyond.
All this being said, we are still here, looking forward to the day when the war ends and Sri Lanka can return to sharing its natural beauty and culture with the world. We still regularly respond to emails and are happy to share with you our inside knowledge of the south coast. Should you be interested in volunteering some time, diving (or learning to dive) in untouched locations, exploring the gorgeous south coast, or eating some of the spiciest food you’ve never had, please send us a note. We’d love to hear from you. To other organizations looking to jump start a grass roots non-profit organization in the field, please don’t hesitate to contact the Paavima team. We’re there when you need us.
- Team Paavima
