SECONDAID makes small, effective contributions to the economic recovery of local entrepreneurs and their coastal villages while minimizing bureaucratic overhead costs. Our operational concept is simple: with funds raised in the U.S. and Germany, we provide in-kind donations and revolving, interest-free loans to repair shops, vendors, fishermen co-ops, canteens, and other small businesses that have lost their equipment and have no money or access to credit to replace them. We will also give grants and technical assistance to worthy communal projects. Identification of needs, purchase and distribution of goods, and administration of loans is though trusted individuals and local organizations, such as the Methodist church in Tangalle. As SECONDAID grows, we will cooperate with other groups, who are helping tsunami victims.

Short-term Goal

Our initial goal is to raise $30,000 for direct aid. With typical needs of businesses in the $100 to $500 range, SECONDAID will help many family businesses to start back up and the families, to rebuild their lives. During this initial phase, all project members are donating their time and expenses to the project, thus, there are no overhead costs. With no shortage of local needs and an effective distribution network in place we expect to continue our work beyond that goal.