We met up with the wonderful team yesterday. Sister Concepta and beula, plus Shyamini who has join the team to lead on the coordination and monitoring of Asha projects. Shyamini is already thinking of ways to build the work between the partners and improve the monitoring and financial systems that are being used presently. she's going to be a great asset to us.

We took a walk around Athidiya, there are still in the ''temporary '' houses awaiting to move into the new brick built houses . It must be about 2 years they have waited now. They were told they would move on 27th July , but then the MP, had to go up North for the election , so it's been but off for 4 weeks.

The new houses are very small so where everyone will go is a bit of a mystery. On the positive side each unit has it's own toilet which will be like luxury compared to the 2 standpipes and 2 latrines that they have to use presently.

One on the big concerns is that many people cook inside they homes which is causing a lot of respiratory problems. In the new homes there will be less ventilation so this could become a much bigger issue. So today Radhika and I visited ''Practical Action'' a NGO that works to find solutions to these types of issues using locally solutions. It was dead interesting talking about some of the options. Some are rather complicated and will need a fair about of community engagement and education, but there is a simple solution which allows 2 pots to be cooked at once and uses less fuel . This could be promoted very quickly and we may well be able to assist with cost (which is small about Rs300 , less then 2 pounds , but for some this is a days wages)

The team at PA are keen to come and visit Athidiya and meet the whole team and see how they can support this, which is just great!!

The stove looks a bit like this.

We are travelling to the hill country tomorrow and then to the best beach in the world at Mirissa. The group arrive on the 15th and we are going to spend time at the school, teaching English through games and sports and drama etc. We are ging to have alot of fun. We will also spend some time at the 'Asha' centre in the hreat of athidya... this can be a lottle overwelming when you see the acute levels of poverty that some of these people endure. But everyone speak so positivly of the people they meet , of their generousity of spirit and openess.

I will keep you updated .

Steve