The creativity of Koulara photo and art by the MJF Kids will be on show at the Barefoot Gallery at No. 704, Galle Road, Colombo 03, on the 27th & 28th October. Individual pieces will be offered for sale to the direct benefit of Koul Ara. Members of the community will be at the Exhibition to learn, for the first time, how to interact with consumers, and how to take charge of their destiny.

At the Barefoot Gallery in Colombo yesterday, there was a touching ceremony when the work of village potters from Koulara near Embilipitiya and the art of urban slum children were displayed. They were empowered to produce high quality products by the MJF Charitable Foundation of Mr. Merril. J. Fernando, the founder Sri Lanka’s first producer-owned tea brand, Dilmah.

During the current financial year, the foundation’s programmes are expected to cost over Rs. 250 million.

The people in the small and very remote village of Koulara are simple folk. This village community that lives in close proximity to the Udawalawe National Park used to survive on a brick making industry until approximately two decades ago. The brick making industry suffered from competition of cheaper products and Koul Ara could not compete.

However, with the introduction of a large sugarcane plantation and factory in the area, the villagers abandoned their traditional industry and started working as labourers harvesting sugar cane at the plantation. The villagers found their incomes falling after more than a decade of inadequate wages, strikes and other problems.

An MJF Charitable Foundation team visited Koulara on 29th January, 2007. Learning the extent of the problem, compounded by the community’s remoteness, the Foundation invited the involvement of IUCN, the World Conservation Union in order to explore together a solution that respected the community, culture and the environment.

The two organisations have combined resources to uplift this community through a unique endeavour known as the Animal Tracks Pottery project. The project which was introduced to the village community of Koulara in June 2007, sought to encourage the community to embrace a more sustainable and rewarding livelihood, one that involves a revival of their ancient tradition.

The fundamental MJF Foundation requirement of acting as catalyst and not donor, was fulfilled by the villagers developing their skills, utilising their effort in constructing a Craft Village, and receiving guidance on producing clay art.

The villagers are provided training in pottery through the guidance of a resource person – a professional pottery craftsman, Ajith Perera.

The project also involves the development of a ‘pottery factory’ and ‘visitor centre’ which the villagers enthusiastically constructed themselves with financial assistance towards the purchase of materials only from the Foundation and using mainly natural resources to develop an eco friendly structure and environment.

The villagers who are guided in producing ornaments and jewellery of terracotta and ceramic draw inspiration from their natural surroundings. With the support and involvement of the Department of Wildlife Conservation the villagers are being provided a sales centre at the Uda Walawe Park Visitor Centre.

The footprints of elephants, leopard and other animals could be found on many of the items are integrated artistically into individual and beautiful pieces, which also tell a story of the subject animal. Proving that every person has extraordinary inborn capability, the villagers have surpassed expectations and their dedication to their new livelihood is articulated in every item they create.

The foundation has also set up MJF Kids for a group of 120 urban slum children living in the vicinity of the MJF Group premises in Peliyagoda and Maligawatte. These children live in difficult circumstances including some who have experienced physical or emotional abuse, making it impossible for them to have a normal and secure childhood. The Foundation launched MJF Kids as part of its Mother & Child programme to nurture these children and bring hope to their lives.

The children gather almost daily at one of two MJF Kids centres for guidance by caring teachers in art, craft, leadership and vocational training like sewing. They are also assisted in their school curriculum with computer training, English, Science and Mathematics. The children also receive training in essential life skills and are provided much needed psycho-social support in order to overcome the constraints of their deprived backgrounds. They are encouraged to express themselves and build dreams. They learn about great men and women, and understand the hardships they underwent in achieving their dreams.

The MJF Kids are also offered a chance to communicate globally, through the Voice of the MJF Kids newsmagazine and interaction with children around the world through the Dilmah network.