The “4D” model proposes overall guidelines for accomplishing effective social welfare goals.
When it comes to disasters, natural or human-caused, we all carry our soft hearts in our sleeves. So, it is not unusual for a kind-hearted person to jump in first to provide the necessary financial support. At that stage, little thought goes into questions, such as what happens after fulfilling the immediate needs and the media focus has gone elsewhere.
It is a dilemma for those who support the people of Sri Lanka, especially in the North and the East. The tsunami disaster of 2004 is becoming a distant memory, and the civil war ended in 2009. Does it mean the quality of life in the North and East has improved? Certainly not. Financial difficulties among the rural communities are visible for all to see.
So, what is next? We are putting forward the “4D platform” to harness our thoughts and actions.
Whether the benefactor is a group of one or more, the starting point is to bring all the desires to the surface, whether practicable or not. After critical consideration, filtering out can take place. Finally, it should leave the individual or the group with a small selection of choices.
Here, filtering out weaker options is critical. One can always find a rationale to include an option for the action. However, filtering out an option is more challenging than one assumes. Therefore, it is essential to apply due diligence in the decision-making process.
It means that every option is vetted within the cost factor, time duration to complete that option, and, most importantly, the quality of outcomes arising from taking that option. This form of analysis (metrics) will provide the tool for ranking all the options and selecting the best for the final consideration.
Once decided, the individual or the team can start to look at all the processes and procedures to implement the selected option. It will include planning, conducting the tasks, quality control procedures, and delivering the outcomes. ‘Doing the hard work’ has been the mantra for the Optima Foundation since its humble beginning in 1996. Optima Foundation has conducted many activities in Bosnia, the Isle of Man, Romania, Sri Lanka, the UK, and Ukraine.
In 2024, notable projects, especially in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, have managed to withstand the test of time. Firstly, Optima Foundation set up an integrated model farm in Akkaraipattu for the Swami Vipulananda Children’s Development Centre. Optima Foundation acquired a seven-acre land and developed it to produce rice, coconuts, and dairy milk for the children. The second highlight is a dairy cattle project for Hari Children’s Home – Batticaloa in an exceedingly small plot of land. Once again, this project delivers milk for the children.
These outcomes came about through the dedication of volunteers in the UK with annual visits and regular telephone support on farming methods, animal husbandry, etc.
In conclusion, those with kind hearts and thoughts must apply the 4D paradigm before agreeing to a developmental project and providing finance. This platform provides a basis for a successful project where both the benefactors and the beneficiaries can reach a ‘win-win’ situation.
“Support with structured thinking and action.”
For further information, please visit our website: www.optimafoundation.org.
Ilankai Thamil Manram Florida would like to thank Dr. Thomas Jeyendran, Managing Trustee of the Optima Foundation, for contributing this article to the Manram blog.
*The links within this blog are strictly for information purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of the organizations referenced.