On the morning of December 26th, 2004 the ocean appeared peaceful. But deep within its depths, the world was about to witness, what the seemingly harmless waves were capable of doing. Within an instant, wave after wave began to engulf its rage along the coasts of southeast Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, small island off the southern coast of India. Along with the waves, possessions, lives, and hope of the people were swept up, and swallowed by the ocean. As natives of Sri Lanka, Frank and Srini Perera and their U.S. born twins Niminde and Jeneeka, students of Chaminade High School, were shocked to see their small homeland become publicized for such a tragic event. The Tsunami not only gave birth to a strong motivation to help, but also to a family’s nonprofit organization, Empowered Community Services (ECS). ECS focus had begun to materialize in early January of 2005. The organization was established to give aid directly to the people. ECS opened an opportunity for the Perera family, to rebuild the lives of those affected by the Tsunami on a personal level.

How It All Began...

"Addressing Global Poverty through Education and Rebuilding Lives at a Personal Level"