Sri Lanka Sponsor's Update, Monaragala
29/10/2007
The SOS families at Monaragala began the New Year in the usual manner by lighting fireworks at the dawn of the New Year and then followed this with religious activities later in the day. Let me briefly take you through the major activities that have taken place at SOS Children’s Village Monaragala during 2007.
The number of children in the Village has remained at 99 and they attend 6 different schools in the area. 5 children started their primary education in January this year. It was a very proud moment of them as well as for their mothers. They were very excited about joining their older brothers and sisters at “big” school.
In March this year, the results of the General Certificate of Education (‘O’ Level) results were out, the SOS families at Monaragala were very proud as 6 of their children pass this examination. They are continuing their studies in the advanced level. 2 boys who did not do so well have joined a vocational training institute.
Helping Others
125 little ones attend the Nursery School. Of this only 4 are from the SOS Children’s Village. The demand for admission to the SOS Nursery School continues and every year we receive over two hundred applications. The high standards maintained by us is the main attraction. We continue to provide good services to our neighbouring community.
SOS Youth Home
The teenagers live in a rented house in the vicinity of the SOS Children’s Village. Six youths currently live here and all are at school except for one who has completed his studies and has just started a job as a sales assistant in a shop in the town.
SOS Family Strengthening Programme (FSP)
The FSP continues to provide a valuable service to the people of this area. Under this project we have been able to help 203 in 113 families. All these families are identified as low income earning families and if it was not for the support provided under this programme, many of the children would have to give up schooling and help the parents to find daily wages to meet the needs of the family.
Under this programme, the community is encouraged to work as a unit as well as help the parents to take care of their own children. The children too are helped to identify their dreams and help them to achieve them.
SOS Vocational Training Centre
90 students currently study at the SOS Vocational Training Centre, and 30 of them board here. Courses in Motor Mechanics (including driver training), Carpentry, Electrics (including house wiring and basic plumbing), Computer Literacy, Welding, English and EcoTourism are offered to the students. All the courses are fully recognized by the State Authorities. During the first 6 months 66 students have successfully completed the courses in Computer Literacy, Motor Mechanics and Welding.
Thank You
All this has been possible due to the valuable contribution you make. We do always value your contribution and will make every effort to bring sunshine into the lives of the needy children, youth and families.
Relevant Countries: Sri Lanka.