Partner with us

" My name is Mira White and I’m an International Affairs student from Brown University in the United States. Choosing Gammadda was a natural decision for me: the initiative aligns perfectly with my desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Throughout the summer, I’ve immersed myself in a pivotal climate change project, collaborating with private organizations, government officials and rural families in Sri Lanka. My focus has been on researching the effects of climate change on rural communities across the island and how through understanding these impacts we can create cost-effective, community-based solutions to bolster rural resilience.Gammadda has offered me the perfect platform to channel my passion into meaningful action. The group’s work underscores the importance of grassroot initiatives in fostering sustainable change and has been a truly invaluable opportunity. Working with local families has been an eye-opening experience that has exposed me to a reality that can only be understood by hands-on work. My experience has enriched my understanding of local challenges and solutions, which has reinforced my commitment to learning from those with lives so wildly different from my own. Speaking to and working with rural communities has been one of the most rewarding experiences, one that I will always be grateful for. These rural communities have introduced me to a world beyond what I previously ever knew and have transformed me into a person who is more knowledgeable, dedicated and curious. I could only hope to help others as much as these communities have helped me. It is difficult to articulate the true extent to which I have learned, grown and benefited from my time in Sri Lanka. In true fashion with its foundation of connectivity, Gammadda has brought me closer to the people and their challenges to deepen my passion and commitment for helping others."

Mira White

" My engagement with Gammadda has been an invaluable experience in effecting tangible change through field research. Collaborating with such a prominent organization that prioritizes the grassroots needs of the people has been both an honor and a responsibility. Two years ago, I undertook a significant project with Gammadda, delving into research on the human-elephant conflict. Even though I couldn't come to Sri Lanka due to the political unrest, Gammadda's flexibility allowed me to pivot my research to Kenya with the aid of P4CDA and Jessy Foods, leveraging their methodologies to address the conflict in Sri Lanka. Gammadda invited me back to conduct further consultative research but this time on the island. Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, I swiftly immersed myself in a community-driven initiative led by Gammadda to establish a pivotal library for communities in Galle. I witnessed firsthand the profound impact it had on the residents. The villagers were incredibly kind and grateful. This library was their first ever, and the people's sheer pride and joy for their new library was genuinely impactful. Currently, I am researching food insecurity on the island, an issue plaguing not just Sri Lanka but also the United States. I intend to take what I learn here and share some of these best practices with my home state, Arkansas, and help the people in Sri Lanka access affordable and nutritious foods. I want to leverage the knowledge gained here to advocate for evidence-based strategies in my home state of Arkansas, ensuring a more secure and prosperous future for all. I am proud to be a part of the Gammadda initiative through the Clinton School of Public Service. "

Mr. Ralph Edmand Bray