A hand up, not a handout: what Resources For All really means

There are two ways to answer a shortage. You can deliver what is missing, again and again, for as long as the money lasts. Or you can invest in the people closest to the need so they can produce it themselves — and earn a living doing it. CJF Sri Lanka chooses the second, every time. We call it Resources For All.

One collaboration, many lives

Consider one of our collaborations: women sewing washable, reusable sanitary pads. For many women and girls, these are hard to find and hard to afford, and the lack of them costs days of school and work. Instead of shipping in supplies, we invest in the women who make them. We provide essential capital, help set up more efficient distribution, and bring in professionals who can scale production while keeping costs under control.

The result is not one benefit but several: the makers earn with dignity, the products reach those who need them, and the skills stay in the community long after any single programme ends.

You can train a person to collect water, but teach someone to dig a well and more than thirst will be filled.

Shamim Munshi, CEO, Global Incentives Manufacturing

Why it matters now

Sri Lanka’s recovery is real on paper, but it has not yet reached every rural household. Lasting change has to be decided with communities, given time, and backed by real support. That is the spirit behind everything we do — from Resources For All to our Dignity First nutrition initiative.

If you would like to volunteer, partner or contribute, write to us at info@cjfsrilanka.org.