Empowering 100 Disadvantaged Sri Lankan Girls

Dear Friends and Supporters,

At the beginning of January this year, Lynn and I visited the Heartbeat Centre. What we witnessed was both deeply moving and urgent—a testament to the resilience of young girls breaking free from a lifetime in institutions and stepping into a future of independence and hope.

The welcome we received was overwhelming. These girls, who had spent their entire lives under state control, are now being cared for by Shamali* (not real name), a survivor of domestic violence who has transformed into a strong and nurturing ‘foster mother.’ For the first time in their lives, they are experiencing the warmth and love of a real home. It was an emotional moment to see them embracing their freedom, no longer terrified to walk down a street or enter a supermarket—simple actions that once seemed impossible. Thanks to the incredible work of our team, they are reclaiming their lives.

These young women refuse to be defined by their past. They are no longer just survivors of institutional neglect—they are becoming educated, empowered, and determined advocates for children still trapped in the system. They are writing their own stories and demanding change.

One of the most powerful moments of our visit came when a brave girl handed me a letter she had written with two others. "We want the world to know our stories," she told me. I had the letter translated—it took 12 minutes to read aloud—and it was devastating. The words detailed years of deprivation, favouritism, physical and sexual abuse, and brutal beatings so severe that broom handles would break into pieces. As we listened in stunned silence, tears poured down our faces, knowing that these are the voices of children who have suffered unimaginable cruelty, hidden away from the world.

The images beautifully capture the Heartbeat Centre's essence and the young girls' transformative journey rebuilding their lives. In the first image, we see a nurturing environment where the girls, guided by Shamali, engage in daily activities like cooking—developing essential life skills that were once out of reach. The second image reflects the strength of collaboration, featuring the dedicated team working tirelessly to support and empower these young women. The third image, a powerful piece of artwork stating "I Said No", symbolises the resilience and courage of survivors now finding their voices and standing against the injustice they endured. The final image showcases hand-painted, beaded tote bags, demonstrating the girls’ creativity and skill-building through art-based therapy. These images encapsulate the spirit of hope, healing, and empowerment that defines the Heartbeat Centre, reinforcing our mission to help these girls reclaim their futures.

We cannot and will not remain silent. Their courage demands immediate action. We must stand together to end this cycle of abuse and fight for a system where no child grows up in fear.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we will be the voices of these children until the world listens.

Warmest wishes,

Joel