Group Photo - Ariyalai Campus, Jaffna
An initiative has been undertaken by a local grass roots NGO (Non Governmental Organisation)
The Jaffna peninsula having borne the brunt of the war and the tsunami, over the past two decades, is populated by a majority of poverty stricken families, who solely depend on subsidies provided by International Non Governmental Organisations such as the World Food Programme (WFP), World Vision, UNICEF, UNHCR and Save the Children Fund. However, due to the escalation of the violence in the region, some of them have abandoned the Jaffna Peninsula. Medical and Nutrition subsidies have and are being provided by expatriate professional organisations such as the International Medical Health Organisation (IMHO- USA).
It is a piteous situation that a community once recognised for its enterprise and hard work, has to now depend on subsistence and handouts. In an attempt to move away from this phenomenon, the Gods Own Children Foundation a grass roots non profit organisation operating special needs schools in the Jaffna Peninsula intends to start up an employment skills training centre for disadvantaged youth, and is seeking support and funds from International NGO’s, Western Governments, Expatriate Organisations and the Diaspora.
The skills training centre would encompass, providing training in skills such as, Sewing, Handicraft Making, Pre-school and Nursery Teaching, Animal Husbandry, Poultry Farming, Building and Construction, Plumbing and Electrical Wiring etc.
This initiative is timely given that many disadvantaged children from the Gods Own Children Special Needs Schools would graduate in a few years seeking a role in a society, and, this will also provide some hope to some of the hundreds of disadvantaged youth idling at home presently.
It should be noted that Gods Own Children Foundation has been pledged support and funds by the European Union, to conduct an art exhibition in Jaffna and Colombo on International Children’s Day, to encourage and motivate the children. The Princess Diana Institute of Peace has also granted a merit award to GOC for its management excellence based on well focussed objectives, dedicated, caring and committed staff and volunteers, well stream lined administration, and a clear vision and purpose.
Gods Own Children Foundation: http://www.godsownchildren.com/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
