Elfies's Story
Elfie Krainer: A Heart for Education
As a retired teacher and traveler, I’ve always been driven by a simple vision: to make the world better by showing up for children. Since 2017, when I first joined Sahan in Akurressa, I have dedicated my time to teaching and mentoring students who need it most.
For me, volunteering is about more than education—it’s about humanity. By providing a safe space for marginalized youth to learn and play, we show them they are seen and valued. I am honored to contribute to this mission alongside a community that feels like family.
Key Contributions & Milestones
Over the years, with the wonderful support of my daughter and her partner, I’ve been proud to help bring these Projects to life:
- – Early Adventures: Initiated the first school trips via half-day car outings to local temples and beaches.
- – Cultural Growth: Organized full-day excursions to museums and historical sites.
- – Community Projects: Led the “Temple Project” and the “Housebuilding” fundraiser.
- – Education Support: Launched the mentoring program start-up.
- – Digital Access: Managed a donation campaign for cellphones, tablets, and laptops.
- -A Personal Highlight: A birthday celebration with the community—a “once in a lifetime” memory!
Planting the “Tree of Life” “A ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.” — Elfie Teacher
In February 2023, four generations of my family—myself, my daughter, her partner, and my granddaughter—traveled from Austria to the other side of the globe. Why? To attend a housewarming.
To put it simply: we had finally completed a “housebuilding project” for a member of our Akuratatha family, and this visit was the beautiful conclusion to that journey. At the end of the driveway, Udeesha, his mother, and his grandmother welcomed us with such profound warmth and gratitude that we were all deeply moved.
After a magnificent traditional Sri Lankan lunch, we gathered in the garden for a cherished ritual: planting a Thaembili, or King Coconut tree. Known as the “Tree of Life,” it is planted to bring fortune, wealth, and prosperity to a home. Each of the seven of us took turns helping set the palm in its place.
Leaving that home, our hearts were full.
We hadn’t just improved a family’s living conditions; we had witnessed firsthand that being of service—the “helping hands” of Akuratatha—is what makes life truly worth living.