Dear Friends ,
As you are aware , there are thousands of War Orphans in the Vavuniya IDP Camps.The Ministry of Social Services have access to these Orphans , and they are trying their level best to ensure the well being of the unfortunate children who have become Orphans.
Few seem to be interested in their well being , and there is a genuine fear that these children might be abused and misused in the longer term.
We cannot write anything more about the situation , because we dont want to make this a political issue.
The Hon Minister Doiuglas Devananda’s Secretary telephoned GOC Director Jecintha Anton , this morning , and asked her whether GOC would undertake the responsibility of 500 Orphans ( 350 Orphans with nobody ,and 150 orphans with distant relations).The Children are from 4- 14 years from both Genders).
Jecintha was speechless , and requested that she will come back to him after consulting me.When Jecintha contacted me , we decided to take on the challenge , and somehow work towards getting these unfortunate Children to Jaffna , under our care.We knew we had no Funds , but we were confident we can raise funds.Our Goal is somehow to save these children.
I instructed Jecintha to inform the Ministry about our decision.The Ministry Officials were happy , and told her that they will provide us with complete support.
We have today spoken to various Community Leaders in the Jaffna Peninsula, about the Proposed Project, and we have their assurance and support.We have also contacted the Special Needs Unit of the Department of Education in Jaffna , and they have assured full support for the Children’s Education.
We have the fullest cooperation of all the Education Officials & Religious Leaders ,in the Jaffna Peninsula , as we are already working with them.The Ministry Official told Jecintha , that one of the reasons , we have been asked , was because GOC is SECULAR.There are both Hindu and Christian Children in the Camps.
We have also contacted certain organisations for support , and are awaiting their reply , which we are sure , will be positive.
The Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) have also assured us their support.
We have earmarked a couple of large houses , owned by Expatriates (Our existing Donors) who , we are sure will provide the Houses for usage for this Urgent Project.
We are developing an Action Plan , which should be ready in a couple of days.
We also need to Hire the Services of Retired Nurses as Matrons for the proposed Facility.
We have forwarded a few proposals to a few donors today , requesting the undermentioned.
1.Assist us to set up the Children’s Home in Jaffna.
We need the following immedaiely:
Beds &Clothes Racks
Study Tables and Chairs
Dining Tables and Chairs
Cooking Utensils
Cutlery and Crockery
Linen
Pillows
Mattresses
Fans
School bags
2.Assist us to set up additional Tolilet Facilities at the locations of the homes
3.Assist us to set up Tube Wells and Drinking Water Facilities at the locations of the homes.
4.Provide us a Monthly Grant to operate the homes.
The above is for your information , and we are sharing this with you , since , you have been pillars of strength for our Previous Projects.We welcome your support & advice.
We will keep you updated.
Best regards
