Formed by a group of friends who were inspired by the way communities creatively used minimal resources and their overwhelming spirit of compassion and kindness, Palmera began as a post-tsunami relief effort.

Over time it transformed into an organization focused on supporting health and education in war torn areas of Sri Lanka. Since the end of the civil war in 2009, they have narrowed their focus to empowering the most vulnerable in war torn areas of Sri Lanka and poverty stricken areas of Cambodia by supporting sustainable livelihoods.

One of Palmera’s current projects is 43 faces – a campaign to support 43 entrepreneurs, and in turn, 43 families.

Palmera’s partner organization, ACTED, has identified vulnerable individuals who need support to create a livelihood. For each of these individuals they’ve determined a business opportunity that they can manage sustainably.

Through grants they hope to secure by fundraising, these entrepreneurs in waiting will receive training to acquire the skill set they need to run their business successfully and the necessary assets and supplies they need to get started.

By entrusting the beneficiaries to purchase their own equipment, the 43 Faces Project aims to empower them and help them find stability in their lives.

At the end of the engagement, the business owner will have the right skills, developed a business plan and have the capital to start their business and Palmera and ACTED will carefully monitor the business activities to ensure they are using their skills in the right way to have the greatest business success.