In a truly inspiring episode of the Moringa for Life podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Dama Joan Lee, a passionate and innovative ambassador for the “miracle tree.” Dama’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, the magic of Moringa, and a unique approach to community empowerment that blends education with engaging media.
Dama’s path began in 2017 when she met Mariko, a pivotal encounter that ignited her passion for Moringa. This led her back to her ancestral home in Sri Lanka, where she embarked on a mission to establish a Moringa farm and a transformative training initiative. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that inspiration, education, and motivation are the three pillars of sustainable change. Dama quickly recognized the critical need for proper education around Moringa cultivation to prevent common mistakes and financial losses for growers.
One of the most captivating aspects of Dama’s work is her innovative use of media to reach a broad audience. Understanding that traditional educational methods might not resonate with everyone, especially those with limited access to formal schooling or markets, Dama created a bilingual music video. Available in Sinhala and Tamil, with an English version on the horizon, this video aims to encourage people to grow and consume raw Moringa in an accessible and entertaining way. As Dama shared, “Everyone has a phone, right? Everyone has to have a phone.” This insight drove her to leverage mobile technology to deliver her message directly to communities.
Beyond the rhythm, Dama also produced a comprehensive documentary. This film delves into the A-to-Z of Moringa, from its cultivation to its profound nutritional and medicinal benefits. The documentary not only educates but also inspires, as evidenced by the profound impact it had on the film crew themselves, who became fervent advocates for Moringa.
Dama’s ancestral home in Trincomalee has been transformed into a vibrant Moringa farm and training hub. This location was chosen not only for its personal significance but also for its historical role as a center for education. Here, Dama fosters a dedicated community of learners, emphasizing hands-on training in soil development and cultivation. Her staff aren’t just workers; they become “ambassadors,” sharing their knowledge and passion with their families and neighbors, creating a ripple effect of health and awareness throughout the region.
Her outreach extends far beyond traditional farming communities. Dama has successfully engaged diverse groups, including police personnel, beauty salon workers, and temple communities. Her strategic thinking is evident in initiatives like planting Moringa trees along roadsides at police stations, a brilliant form of “urban pruning” that encourages public interaction with the plant. As she recounted a seemingly benign conversation with a police officer about a traffic offense turning into a donation of 20 Moringa trees, it’s clear that Dama possesses a unique superpower: turning ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities.
Looking to the future, Dama’s next ambitious goal is to reach children in schools. She envisions integrating Moringa into school breakfast programs, believing that engaging children in cooking and healthy eating from a young age will foster a healthier nation. This vision aligns perfectly with the Moringa for Life mission, and we are excited to collaborate on this vital endeavor.
Dama Joan Lee’s journey is a powerful reminder that with creativity, dedication, and a deep connection to the “miracle tree,” one person can truly make a profound difference in the world.
We, at Moringa For Life, wanted to further honor Dama, by sharing a bit of her story on the back of our Moringa Leaf Powder packaging.
Click here to Watch the FULL podcast episode on our YouTube channel