Plant trees for Gaja Cyclone recovery

We handed out relief supplies and some saplings with the donations received to date (and thank you so much for yours!) but are now redesigning the project for the longer term.  Permaculture magic circles to cluster banana trees with sweet potatoes and pawpaws will offer a more immediate source of food and income as well, more efficient use of the land, and more protection against future storms.  But before starting the new program, we will hold a village workshop to explain the magic circle concept and listen to the farmers' needs and concerns, and then let each farmer choose whether to try the new approach or replant following the traditional model.  This will not only insure that they are committed to whichever method they choose, but will allow us to conduct an evaluation at the end of the year to measure and compare the results.

We'll keep you posted with our progress.  Thanks again for your support!

With gratitude and hope --

Janet Preethi G for the Voice Trust Team

Links:

• about banana circles

After the cyclone that hit the center parts of Tamil Nadu on 16th November 2018 which badly affected farmers and farm fields. We provided emergency relief supports to 300 families of Thiruvarur District. We provided additional supports in Collaboration with Apex Vidhyashram Groups, Chennai.

Villages of Muthupettai, Vadakarai, Kottur, Thirukannapuram received emergency relief goods because of your help. The goods we provided were:

• Rice (5 kg)
• Water
• Grocery
• bread
• Jam
• biscuit
• tea powder
• medicines
• sanitary napkins
• mosquito nets
• tooth paste
• match box
• tarpaulin sheets
• coils
• soap

Apart from these, 260 school students got education materials, 800 packs of dresses, 500 packs of rice (5 kgs), 300 pack of groceries along with dishwasher bar and floor cleaner.

The situation of many houses was worst so they requested for Tarpaulin sheets. We provided for 50 families.

There are many more helps to be provided to bring back them to a normal stage and manage their losses.

Few supports they requested were:

• Reconstruction of homes
• Repair for homes
• Providing long term relief by supporting them with livelihoods
• Education supports for school Children
• Proving of Agriculture supports for their damaged goods.

Many of them seek for our support. We will continue to give the best along with you.