JANUARY-MARCH 2013
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE OF SRI LANKA
KIDS’ CAMP An Answer to a Kid’s Prayer
Shehan does not like going to school because he hasn’t any friends. “My classmates don’t associate with me. They don’t want to accept me as their friend” he explained. Shehan is 13 years old but he does not have any happy memories of fun times at school. The tears in his eyes related how much he is affected by the differential treatment he receives at school.
Shehan was one of the 96 participants at ‘Kids’ Camp’, the annual encouragement camp for children who face unpleasant and traumatic experiences because of their faith or their parents’ service in the Lord’s Vineyard.The children who attended this camp were identified from 19 districts all around Sri Lanka. The camp which is organised by the Religious Liberty Commission of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, was held from the 10th -12th December 2012 under the theme ‘Jesus is My Shepherd’.The sessions at the camp and even the handwork activities were conducted so as to lay emphasis on this theme. As most of the participants face several discouragements and difficulties at their young age, this was a great opportunity to teach the children how to overcome the obstacles they face and to help them find confidence in God’s providence. Kids’ Camp participants enjoying themselves during various activities, songs and games >> continued on Page 7
Bright, young scholarship student makes ‘A’ list Ishara Dewshani (19 years) who is a beneficiary of the Evangel Care Scholarship scheme of the Religious Liberty Commission recently emerged victorious at the Advanced Level Examinations. As a student of Ananda National School in Chilaw, Ishara studied in the Arts stream and made us proud with three A Grade passes for the subjects Political Science, History and Sinhala Language. Expressing her gratitude she stated “The money I received through the scholarship paid for my extra
classes which helped me pass the A/L exam well. I am very glad that NCEASL supported me in my education and I thank the organisation for their help.” Ishara is now following a course in Information Technology and she also expressed her desire to become a primary school teacher when she completes her studies. NCEASL congratulates Ishara on her achievement and we wish her all the best in her future ventures.
1
THIS PUBLICATION IS FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY
I s h a r a Dewshani
EDUCATIONAL TRIP FOR THE CHANGE MAKERS The Change Makers Club of Meegahagoda, Ahangama organised an educational trip for 200 children on 8th December 2012. Some of these children had never been to the city of Colombo before.The children travelled along the new highway to Colombo and visited the Museum, the Planetarium and the Ratmalana Airport. “This was an unforgettable experience for us as we have never been to these places although we have learned about them in school� said a very excited participant.There is no doubt that all the children would have gained much knowledge from this trip. MEDICAL CAMP AT DODANGAMA The Amarasiri Dodangama CDE committee organised a medical camp on 2nd December 2012.This village is isolated as there is no proper access to it and the villagers have no stable income.The medical camp was held for the children as well as for their parents.Whilst a MBBS doctor from the Karapitiya Hospital did the medical check up, ADT provided free medicines for those who had financial difficulties. Patients diagnosed with complicated health issues were referred to the Karapitiya Hospital.
2
HIV STICKER CAMPAIGN
The number of HIV positive persons in the country is steadily growing with three new persons living with the virus identified each week (Source: HIV unit of the Ministry of Health). On 1st December 2012, ADT’s Project Positive team together with ADT’s Matara regional team launched a hard hitting message through the medium of stickers especially for the benefit of those living in the coastal area. 5000 stickers were pasted on three wheel taxis, buses and other places where people congregated.The message on the stickers was ‘Let’s control our feelings! Let’s oppose AIDS! Let’s protect lives!’ In order to strengthen the message of the sticker campaign, two workshops were held simultaneously for Christian youths in Matara and Hambantota as well as for correction officers at the Matara prison. A street drama was also enacted in selected locations as such dramas are found to be a very effective medium to convey social messages.
WORLD DISABILITY DAY COMMEMORATED
ADT together with a few other partners participated at an event held for the members of the foundation for handicapped persons in Galle on 3rd December 2012. The Hon. Mayor of Galle also participated at this event. ADT gifted the participants with mosquito nets and also contributed towards their travelling expenses.
3
4
5
The 12th of February 2013 was an exciting day for all the children in Mannar even though the skies were grey and they were facing extreme weather conditions. The creaking swings and the rusty mat-slide of the old playground were replaced with new equipment. After 6 months of reconstruction and renovation work, the new playground was finally ready and they were looking forward to play on the brightly coloured swings and slides.The children were very excited and eagerly waited for the inauguration ceremony when the new playground would be handed over to them. This playground was truly a great gift to the children of Mannar.The 30 year long ethnic conflict affected the lives of many who still battle with their scars and losses.The children in war affected areas were those who seem to bear the brunt of this burden as they struggle to forget the horrible experience of death and displacement. In providing for the immediate needs of relief and rehabilitation in these areas, the children’s need for psychological support was sadly overlooked. As a measure to provide such children with psychosocial therapy and to give them another chance at their childhood, several playgrounds are constructed and renovated by Alliance Development Trust (ADT) in the North and East Provinces. The playground in Mannar was in a dilapidated state when ADT identified the need to renovate it through its satellite office in Mannar. The new playground is complete with mat-slides, swings, see-saws, a canteen, a paved exercise path for adults who like to maintain their fitness and even a mini stage for the children. The park, which is centrally located in the Mannar town, was handed over to the Mannar Urban Council at the inauguration ceremony.
Overjoyed children playing in the newly opened Mannar Park
6
Stepping up on
Participants receiving certificates
Even though the ethnic conflict concluded four years ago, youth living in the Jaffna peninsula still find it difficult to complete their education due to poverty and lack of opportunities. Recognising this need, Alliance Development Trust (ADT) has stepped in to support the youth in Jaffna through the Accelerated Skills Acquisition Programme (ASAP) conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. This programme includes skills training in English language, Information Technology and soft skills that will help them advance in their careers. The course is further carried out under the direct supervision of the regional education authorities who periodically assess the training given to the students.
These training sessions are conducted at Alliance Institute which is managed by the ADT regional office in Jaffna. At present the course has helped a total of 312 students out of which 274 students who successfully completed the programme were presented with valuable certificates. As our resource personnel receive prior training and guidance from educational specialists, this qualification is recognised and thereby it is greatly appreciated by the students who receive this skills training free of charge. The participants are grateful towards this programme which also provides them with help and guidance in securing a suitable career.
>> continued from Page 1 The staff used a skit based on the parable of the Good Shepherd to expound the love God has towards His children and to encourage them in their faith. Shehan and his friends found this message very encouraging. It taught them to depend on Jesus who will never fail His children even though other friends may abandon them. “I now know that God is General Secretary: Godfrey Yogarajah Design Layout Chandrika Fonseka Telephone: 00945511358
there for me at all times even when I face difficult situations” expressed Shehan. “The lessons that I learned at camp helped me realise how much God cares for me.” *Name has been changed.
Writers Deepthi Senanayake Melanie Pereira Chandrika Fonseka
Address: P.O. Box 113, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka
7
Editor In Chief: Roshini Wickremesinhe Email: communications@nceasl.org
www.facebook.com/ADT.Sri.Lanka
AID The impact of flood waters in Batticaloa and the distribution of relief assistance in the Galle, Matale, Puttalam and Polonnaruwa Districts.
The heavy thunder showers which were experienced in January forced
residents living in low lying areas in the districts of Galle, Hambantota, Matara, Moneragala, Nuwara Eliya and the North and North Central Provinces to evacuate as water levels rose in several reservoirs and earth slips took place in the hills. The floods marooned people and it was difficult to reach them with relief assistance. The majority of the flood victims were reported from the Batticaloa District (135,686) followed by Polonnaruwa District (11,000). Alliance Development Trust (ADT) quickly coordinated with the local government agents and Graama Sevaka officials in distributing the relief assistance of dry rations to 2256 families in the Batticaloa, Matale, Puttalam and Polonnaruwa Districts. The relief items contained rice, sugar, dhal, milk powder, soya meat, dry fish, onions, potatoes, curry powder, coconut, tea, biscuits, soap and other sanitary items as well as exercise books and stationery for 150 school children in Puttalam.
DISTRICT Batticaloa Mullaitivu Trincomalee Matale Nuwara Eliya Polonnaruwa Puttalam
DRY RATIONS (packs) 500 300 572 260 274 200 8 150
NON FOOD ITEMS (packs) 500 45 260 204 150
WELL CLEANING 50 -