IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY...

Operation USA Honors An Inspirational Woman: Margaret Rajarethnem

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in the field of relief and development is the opportunity to be continually inspired by individuals who, in the face of daunting and overwhelming circumstances, display selfless dedication, compassion and strength. On International Women's Day, Operation USA honors the work of Mrs. Margaret Rajarethnem, a volunteer in Singapore who has been supporting Operation USA for more than two years.

Margaret first came to Sri Lanka with Operation USA field staff in February 2005, following the December 2004 Tsunami. Margaret was immediately able to rely on her existing contacts in Colombo to set up key meetings, as well as coordinate the logistics of field visits to Southern Sri Lanka. From that point on, Margaret has been invaluable to Operation USA, identifying reliable local partners, keeping in contact with program directors and hosting donors and staff that visit the region.

Working with Patricia Clark, another volunteer who worked with children in Sri Lanka, Margaret helped mobilize women to organize independent fundraisers that eventually funded an entire preschool in Paiyagala, Sri Lanka (US $25,000). Margaret's loving spirit, optimism and commitment to those in need, both in her local community and abroad, make her the type of woman Operation USA is fortunate to have the support of and someone who is an inspiration to me and many others.

In her own words, Margaret tells us about the women that inspire her and how her engagement in humanitarian aid has shifted her outlook...

"After having actually seen the Tsunami disaster I have come to realize the phrase, 'I have no Time' is just a useless excuse. One has to make full use of each second in life to achieve meaningful results and, even if it is just a tiny bit of help, it will make a difference.

One of the women who inspired me most, other than my mother, is Mrs. Champa, the principal of the Paiyagala preschool. When I first met her after the Tsunami, she held my hand with a big smile but with tears rolling down, and said she must somehow continue to help the children. She showed me that as long as one had one's life, one had to live it and make the very best of it and not waste it."

Nimmi Gowrinathan
Director, South Asia Programs
Operation USA
3617 Hayden Avenue, Suite A
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 838-3455
ngowrinathan@opusa.org

To read more about the preschool in Paiyagala, Sri Lanka, please click here.

To read more about Operation USA's immediate and ongoing Tsunami relief efforts, please click here.