Light seen at the End of the Tunnel in Mankulum

It is when acts of kindness multiply forming a ripple effect that humanity can take a leap of faith to achieve the unthinkable. When a nation puts a painful past behind and join hands with one another to move forward in unison, great things can happen.  The latter is exactly what is happening in the war ravaged north of Sri Lanka by merit of immensely generous donors that have joined hands with the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) to spread kindness all around.

In the flowery month of March while, people from around the world anticipate to enjoy the warmth of the Spring, innocent civilian victims of the war-wrecked Northern Province of Sri Lanka had one hope but to feel the warmth of a human heart that extends in kindness to assist them in ending the countless struggles and suffering. They were ready to find solace and strength in the kindness and generous contribution of fellow human beings to stand upon their lives as pillars of strength to face everyday life while unstable roofs of their cottages were blown away to the wind; while mosquito infections were stealing away the good health of their children and while stark darkness experienced at night had become their new found enemy. 

Judging by the appearance of their living conditions, the bitter sweet experience of surviving the war has done little to rebuild lives, speedily. Not only do they live under harsh weather conditions in a wrecked area, but they also lack the basic needs such as proper shelter, clothing and protection that exceeds beyond our wildest imaginations.  Hence why, lending a hand to recollect their lives come as a dire need in today’s Sri Lankan society. It is the same reason why, the Foundation of Goodness is so adamant to carry out its humanitarian endeavours every month to ameliorate the living conditions of fellow war-affected citizens in North of Sri Lanka.

Having generously gifted 525 school supply packs in January, 125 bicycles in February, 100 essential housing supplies and 100 cricket equipment in March courtesy of many compassionate donors, the Foundation of Goodness has yet again been blessed with more generous donations to continue this kind act of giving. Seeing the over-joyous expressions of the 525 children who received essential school supplies in January, together with kind monetary contributions received from more donors (especially, Planet Wheeler Foundation Events Committee) warranted the Foundation of Goodness to put back more smiles on 260 children in the month of April, enabling them to continue their education.

The will power shown by children from North of Sri Lanka and being able to gather themselves up from post traumatic stress, let alone walk miles and miles to a school that has bullet-drilled walls, hole-bound roofs and no washrooms, is true bravery for mighty young hearts. Given that these are the future leaders of Sri Lanka and given that these children in a future day will harness the progression of the country, what else can one possibly opt to do than to strive in a massively challenging endeavour to provide impetus and give a spark from which they can excel in life?

It is a known fact by now that, knowledge of Information Technology (IT) is imperative to conquer the world. With the belief that IT education will do justice to rural empowerment in the North of Sri Lanka, the Foundation of Goodness took the first step towards realizing its dream of paving the path to a brighter future for children in the North by means of donating one desktop computer and one laptop computer to Good Shepherd Girl’s Orphanage, in Mankulum.

In order to further the work carried out following the visit of English cricketing legends, Sir Ian Botham and Michael Vaughn distributing cricketing equipments to four schools in the area in March, the Foundation of Goodness made it possible to donate a leather ball cricket matting to the Mankulum school in the month of April.

FoG’s visit to Mankulum in May marked distribution of 125 bicycles to families that consisted of school going children who had to walk many miles to school. Having a means of transportation not only ensures that children go to school every day but it also provides a means by which parents could travel back and forth after seeking employment in the nearby areas. Together with distribution of bicycles, 125 kerosene lamps and 125 mosquito nets were given away to families so that children could complete their homework at night without fail and parents could engage in work around the house beyond daylight hours; the mosquito nets were provided so that the families can ensure protection against Malaria and Dengue fever that is dangerously prevalent in the area.

It’s heartening that within the span of five months, Foundation of Goodness along with like-minded donors have reached out to improve the quality of life of 1135 resettled families in the North region. All these humanitarian efforts would not have been possible without the kindest support rendered by the very generous donors. The Foundation of Goodness is grateful for their kindness and compassion that allows FoG to go over and beyond achieving what is humanely possible for the betterment of fellow citizens of Sri Lanka devoid of segregation by colour, creed or the language spoken.

The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”

~ Albert Einstein

2011.05.30

Sponsors of the Monthly Project in April:

Planet Wheeler Foundation Events Committee of LonelyPlanet Fame and other individual donors for 250 essential school supplies
International Watch Company – Switzerland for one desktop and one laptop computer
Mr Charles Gunasekera for leather ball cricket matting and cricket gear

Sponsors of the Monthly Project in May:
In memory of late Mr. Felix Silva (100 bicycles)
Mr. Shaktha Amarathunga (25 Bicycles)
Mr. Romesh De Silva (125 Kerosene lamps and 125 double bed mosquito nets)

Proud sustainability Sponsor of the North Development Management

PLANET WHEELER FOUNDATION