Children's Needs

Children’s Needs – School Uniforms and Shoes

Kushil and Rushmi met with the principals of the five schools in the area to discuss the rebuilding of schools and the most pressing needs of the children. The Foundation has already provided essential school items to Seenigama.

It was identified that over 364 school children had lost their uniforms in the tsunami. The Foundation has been able to begin the process for replacing these essential items. Julie Arllington and her co-worker Vanessa Aspinall (both volunteers from the UK) identified this issue and coordinated the delivery of new uniforms. Their contribution is greatly appreciated.

Thotagamuwa School

The Thotagamuwa school was totally destroyed by the tsunami and currently operates in temporary sheds at the village temple.

The immediate requirements of this school were graciously sponsored by Stewart Ritchie, a private businessman and a group of his friends who have raised funds to help
children affected by the tsunami (see FEATURE ARTICLE and PHOTO GALLERY).

On February 26th, Stewart and his family, together with some friends, visited the temporary school to hand over much-needed goods such as school bags, books, sporting equipment and furniture. They also undertook the concreting of the floors of the temporary sheds being used as classrooms, in an effort to improve the studying conditions for the children.

Stewart has also graciously undertaken to look into the possibility of building two more sheds which could be used as classrooms, as well as funding a set of uniforms for the children.

The Foundation is extremely grateful for his generous contributions.

Two other ares schools - Kalupe Junior School and Malwanne Junior School - were not damaged in the tsunami. However the schools have given a list of items needed, which has been e-mailed to the donors. A sponsor is in place for Kalupe Vidyalaya.

Uniforms for both schools are being made at the Foundation (see PHOTO GALLERY).

*Sports equipment donations

Two children who have excelled in badminton and cricket appealed to the
Foundation to replace their required equipment, all of which was washed
away by the tsunami. The Foundation purchased these items and gifted them
to Hasan Pulina Tharanga (a young cricketer who had lost his mother in the tsunami), and Janaka Ishura Rukantha.

The cost of these equipment was Rs. 11, 230 for the badminton equipment and Rs. 10,199 for cricket equipment. The Foundation seeks your kind assistance in securing sponsorships of this equipment.

*Child sponsorships

There has been a large response from people wanting to sponsor children, and the Foundation is now in the process of matching donors to the needy children. (See PROJECTS NEEDING DONORS)

*Recreation and English classes

Daily recreation and therapy programs for the children are being carried out, as well as weekly English classes for beginners. These programs are held at the Secreteriat Community center.

*Volunteer registration

With the purpose of ensuring safety of the children, as well as fine-tuning
the children's programs, all volunteers are now first expected to register
at the Foundation prior to commencing work with the children at Seenigama.

*Children’s Library

Steps are underway to organize a children's library at the community centre
and we thank the donors who have helped in numerous ways towards this
project