Hope for Differently Abled - Northern Sri Lanka

1. Introduction

In this reporting period, Save a Life extended its support to the Nuffield School for the Deaf and Blind in Kaithady through two impactful initiatives:

1. Donating essential personal hygiene and washing items to promote health, cleanliness, and dignity among differently abled children.
2. Organizing a creative mime drama performance focusing on Menstrual Health Management (MHM) and breaking the stigma around periods.

Both initiatives worked toward strengthening health, awareness, and dignity, ensuring the students’ overall well-being in both academic and residential settings.

2. Key Activities

a) Donation of Hygiene and Washing Items
Recognizing the importance of hygiene for health and quality of life, we provided students of Nuffield School with items such as soap, toothbrushes, and washing products. These resources help the children maintain proper personal hygiene and ensure clean clothing, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for their studies and daily life.

The donation was warmly welcomed by the school administration, who highlighted the significance of these supplies in supporting the students’ basic needs.

b) Mime Drama on Menstrual Health Management (MHM)
The Save a Life marked a meaningful new chapter with a creative mime drama performance at Nuffield School. The performance exclusively focused on Menstrual Health Management and breaking the stigma surrounding periods.

Through expressive, visual storytelling, the students easily understood the importance of menstrual hygiene, dignity, and open conversation. The children connected with the message and shared encouraging feedback, showing how inclusive art can challenge taboos and spark positive change.

We are truly proud of our Vaagai Team for using performance art to break silence and reshape mindsets.

3. Challenges Faced

• Sustaining Regular Supply: While this donation addressed current needs, hygiene and washing items are used daily and require consistent replenishment to maintain the benefits.
• Financial Constraints: Providing long-term support for these essential items and expanding awareness activities requires continuous donor contributions and partnerships.

4. Impact on the Community

• Improved Health and Hygiene: Access to soap, toothbrushes, and washing supplies encourages healthier habits, reduces illness, and ensures cleanliness in the school environment.
• Support for Differently Abled Children: Providing essential items and awareness activities contributes to the students’ dignity, comfort, and focus on education.
• Breaking Menstrual Stigma: The mime drama created awareness on menstrual hygiene and dignity, empowering students to embrace open conversations and challenge taboos.

5. Plans for Next

• Continue supporting Nuffield School with regular donations of hygiene and washing items.
• Conduct structured awareness sessions on personal hygiene and menstrual health to strengthen healthy habits.
• Explore opportunities to extend similar support and performances to other schools for differently abled children in the Jaffna District.

6. Thank You

We sincerely thank our donors, whose generosity and commitment made these initiatives possible. Your support is helping us create a healthier, cleaner, and more inclusive environment for the differently abled children at Nuffield School. Together, we are working towards a future where every child can thrive with dignity, care, and confidence.