To kick-start the year, Sai Young Adults of Colombo initiated an Educational Care project to help the children of a poor community that was recently identified, living along the western coastline (Moratuwa Beach) of Sri Lanka, due south of the capital city of Colombo. The YA visited the area, surveyed and gathered requirements for more than 100 children.
The survey identified that the mothers of these kids work as laborers, and many of the fathers seemed to have lost their way and sense of purpose; this results in the children being left unattended for a major part of the day. Given the circumstances and environment, the children in this area are also forced into labour, and are found to be negatively influenced by the actions and bad habits of the parents. However, many children expressed their interest in attending school for their own progress and development. The challenge they face in attending school is mainly due to a lack of resources such as school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and even parental support.
The YA identified the children’s eagerness to study as a good first step towards developing the community as a whole, in the long term; following our beloved Swami’s declaration that “the progress of tomorrow, comes from the Youth of today.”
As an introductory initiative towards engaging with the community, school supplies (books, bags, other stationery items, water bottles) were provided for each student to attend school in the new year. This motivated many other families from adjoining communities to inquire and seek assistance from the YA to help their children attend school as well.
With a goal to monitor the children’s progress and their parents’ dedication, the child’s attendance and performance in school activities are closely monitored, with regular visits planned by YA to interact with the parents and children towards their betterment and development of the community as a whole.
The initial contribution of school supplies were also given upon the parents producing a report card, or a letter from the school principal, confirming the child’s attendance at school. This also ensured that a commitment was shown from the parents as well, towards the development of their children.
