Empowering 100 Disadvantaged Sri Lankan Girls

Dear friends and supporters,

One of our longstanding 17-year-old residents at the Heartbeat Centre has been successfully placed in foster care, with a wonderful caring foster mother, and we are absolutely thrilled for her! We've been advocating for foster care for many years and it has been wonderful to keep this severely abused young woman protected, educated and out of a remand home with criminals for the past four years.

It was devastating to lose a court case to protect an abused mother and three daughters rescued from separate orphanages a few months ago. This violent and abusive husband accused the Heartbeat Centre of keeping his family against their will, and the judge who was most likely bribed ordered them to return home.

They are now in fear for their lives but the law does not protect them. Our lawyers have no power to intervene, or make contact.

Our helpline calls from desperate women and girls who are trying to escape abusive relationships are increasing from approximately 10 – 15 calls per day, and the need for more pro bono lawyers to help poor women are badly needed.

During our CEO's visit to Sri Lanka, Senehasa Matron was warm and welcoming and said she’s lucky to do a job she loves, even though the 82 girls bring her 82 challenging and complex problems including pregnancy, family rejection and abuse.

Locking up girl victims for their ‘protection’ is not a solution. The fact is, it leads to crime, prostitution and suicide and violates human dignity and human rights. These traumatised girls need love and psychological support, not punishment, and while we’re committed to continuing to improve their education, we‘re equally compelled to advocate for family-based care as opposed to institutionalisation in 2023.

The resident monitor strolled past the TFT classroom in Senehasa which was buzzing with activity (No photos allowed). During our meeting we discussed the need for English language and as a result, classes are planned for the staff and girls in 2023.

UK volunteers are needed, so if you are interested, please email me at joel@theirfuturetoday.com to enquire.

Matron thanked TFT supporters for the Wi-Fi and technology which was installed during covid and has enabled online self-development classes. Also, the TFT bakery which she said has provided a lifeline to all of the 80-100 girls each year who enjoyed using their previously learnt cake-baking skills while the institution was closed to teachers during the pandemic.

Teaching has now resumed and it was great to hear that some care leavers have developed a real passion for baking, and are now being given the opportunity to continue vocational training at a local centre, which will lead to a positive career direction. 

Thank you again for your donations and continued support.

Warmest wishes

Joel