As the scenes of devastation from Haiti and Chile fill our TV screens, we are reminded of the feelings we had when watching the build up of pictures, videos, stories of those affected by the tsunami in Sri Lanka in 2004. That feeling of helplessness by many who wish they could do something to help, the few who are able to physically help with the rebuilding, the thousands who are moved to give goods, support and funding to help rebuild lives.
In 2009, one such group returned for a second time to Seenigama region, to work with village children to “put a smile on traumatised faces”.
The UK’s Dorset County Council Youth & Community Service volunteers are a team of youth workers, led by Tony Baverstock, Senior Youth Worker and Trish Walker, Area Youth Worker for North Dorset. They were determined to help the victims of the tsunami, and were put in touch with the Foundation of Goodness through a Rotary Club in Colombo.
Tony and Trish set up project in 2006 to train youth workers and teenagers to come to Sri Lanka as a team. In preparation they spent a lot of time working with young people to develop skills such as leadership, dealing with emotions and diversity training. In addition the young people took part in Duke of Edinburgh Award activities, a sponsored walk and carried out fundraising activities.
In 2007 the first group came, and took part in activities such as beach clean-up campaigns, activities in 3 local schools, painting public places and sports games at the Seenigama Sports Academy ground.
In 2009, the group- Tony, Kerry, Lisa, Wendy, Stephanie, Phoebe and Ali- returned to Seenigama once more. For some it was a return trip, while for others it was their first visit to the village.
They took part in work at the nearby turtle hatchery, with volleyball training, activities at the pre- school, teaching at the Balapitiya Anula Wijerama Girls’ Orphanage and many other activities.
This sort of project, working with 100 children a day from the rural communities, is wonderful for all involved. It is a great way to bring laughter, smiles and excitement to the villages, while also teaching valuable skills both to Sri Lankan children and to the youth leaders who take part. Tony remarked that it is hard to express “our multitude of feelings and in particular the personal rewards that we get from our visits and meeting such warm, friendly people.”
Tony continues to support Sri Lanka and recently arranged for a shipment of books to help the village libraries and to contribute to the development of Jaffna Library.
Through collaboration with Red Dot Tours, the Foundation of Goodness is looking forward to more groups who would like to spend time in the villages, learning and teaching for a better world, which is becoming the trend of travel into the future.
http://www.reddottours.com/227/community-tourism-activity-profile.htm
When we look back on the Foundation of Goodness’ journey and having built back better, we can only hope that those who face hardship today will be able to also build from the ruin and debris to have similar support such as through this new concept of community tourism.
Kushil, Founder/ Trustee of the Foundation of Goodness comments that “I once again on behalf of the Foundation of Goodness extend our heartfelt gratitude for the manner in which the lovely volunteer group made such an impact not only to improve the standards of our ongoing programs but also the kindness and care that was shown to make this undertaking that much more heart warming. It is compassion, which brings continents together, that gives hope for a brighter future. ”
“We are rich by what we give, and poor through what we refuse and keep”
2010.03.01 |
