By Joel Stanier | General Manager
Dear Friends and Supporters,
The economic downturn in Sri Lanka has resulted in an alarming rise in desperate calls received by our helpline at the Heartbeat Centre. Mothers and grandmothers, unable to feed their children, seek orphanages as a last resort. Some have even told us that they are contemplating leaving their children behind to pursue job opportunities in the Middle East.
To ensure the well-being of vulnerable child victims, we have continued to legal action by representing them at the Children's Court. This enables us to obtain court orders, allowing the Department of Probation to supervise their progress in the new Alternative Care System.
A crucial part of our efforts involved 29 law students who actively participated in essential Alternative Care Training Programmes. Their involvement strengthens our ability to provide effective support and care to these children.
In addition to our comprehensive programs, we have initiated a bakery training course for the children at our facility. Last October, our bakery teacher carefully selected 10 more children from among the residents to participate in this course. The training encompasses a range of tasks and practical activities, with a strong emphasis on time management skills, which were tested on a quarterly basis.
Under her guidance, the children have displayed remarkable dedication and have successfully carried out the assigned activities. They have become adept at using mixers and electric ovens to create a variety of bakery products. Their knowledge and skills in baking have flourished throughout the course.
Looking ahead, she was delighted to share that she is currently in the process of recruiting a new group of children to participate in the bakery training course. She said" I'm committed to providing them with my expertise and making a significant contribution to their future activities within the course. By empowering these children with valuable bakery skills, we aim to equip them with practical knowledge that will serve them well in their future endeavors".
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported our mission of providing shelter, hope, and a chance at survival for girls affected by gender-based violence. Together, we strive to empower these young girls, helping them not only survive but also thrive in the face of adversity. In addition to our comprehensive programs and the Alternative Care System, the inclusion of the bakery training course further enriches the lives of these children, equipping them with valuable skills by building a brighter future.
Warmest regards,
Joel
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