Childrens’ Clubs
Through our local partner SOND (Social Organisation for Networking Development) we have identified the need for children's clubs and recreational activities on the tsunami affected, worn-torn East Coast. A total of 20 monthly clubs in 12 locations have been identified. The facilities include a mobile library with reading books for loan, with play materials, books and activities and a mobile film unit. The programme also includes educational film shows, support for gifted children in under-privileged families and a child awareness programme educating children on the wider world. The Ampara communities covered by this scheme include Pottuvil, Thirukovil, llayadivembu, Akkaraipattu, Addalacheni, Nintavur, Karaitivu, Sainthamaruthu, and Kalmunai.
We have raised funds run the first 4 clubs (2 Tamil & 2 Moslem) in the Akkaraipattu area over the last year. to roll out to up to 20 clubs on the East Coast to a total of 1500 children.
Bikes
We continue to raise money towards bikes for people in camps. The camps are now being used by refugees fleeing the upsurge in violence in the North East of the country. To date the 300 bikes we have purchased have gone to camps in:
o To fishermen in Pottuvil to take their catch to market and to 2 orphaned 14 year old boys, now heads of their families.
o To school children in Pottuvil area and Komari, now living in the refugee camps.
o To families in camps in Pottuvil, Thirukovil, Karaitivu and Kalmuniai.
£25 (5,000rps) will buy a Jupitar bike and £40 a popular Lumala bike in Sri Lanka to make it easier for families in camps to get to school, work and their homes.
