Alliance News July - September 2014

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE OF SRI LANKA

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2014

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eenithambi is a silver-haired grandfather who can now afford to enjoy quiet afternoons strolling through the fields of Valakkalai, a rural village in Batticaloa which Seenithambi calls home.

However, he chose not to be a burden to his children and with the aim of contributing towards their household needs Seenithambi joined a special project conducted by Alliance Development Trust (ADT). A total of eight persons were selected for training on compost making. They received a comprehensive training and advice on how to collect dried leaves and other organic material from their surroundings, the amount of moisture and heat required for the composting and the period of compost incubation.

ADT further assisted them in creating the necessary links with the regional office of the Department of Agriculture so that these small scale manufacturers will be able to sell the compost they produce.

Seenithambi has already sold his first batch of compost to the agriculture department at Rs. 10 per kilo. “I gather dried leaves and food items into two compost units in which I can produce almost 500 kilos of compost within a period of 2 months” he explained. According to Seenithambi, the agriculture department is hoping to increase the price they pay him to Rs. 15 for a kilo. This would mean that if Seenithambi produces 500kg of compost he could earn Rs. 7500 every other month.

Read more on www.adtlanka.org

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“This steady flow of income has helped me to contribute to my family and live happily without being a burden to my children”.

Seenithambi Valakkalai Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

The community of Kilikunjumalai comprises of villagers who were displaced by the ethnic war. It is a very long time since this community celebrated their cultural festivals and traditions that go along with it because for many years they lived as displaced persons in poverty due to the war.

30 YEARS OF DISPLACEMENT END WITH CULTURAL CELEBRATION Participants of Resource Mapping Seminars held islandwide

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he Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated by most Sri Lankans in April each year. It is a time when families, friends and the whole village gets together to welcome a new year by performing various traditional and cultural acts of fellowship.

This year the Kilikunjumalai community in Trincomalee initiated an event to celebrate the New Year festival. There was a lot of excitement in the air as the villagers made preparations to make this event a great feat. The success of the training programmes conducted

by ADT’s Community Development Education (CDE) team was visible as the village committee meticulously planned and executed the celebrations along with the children of the Change Makers club who helped with the organisation of the games.

On 5th May 2014, the whole village comprising of 62 adults and 56 children gathered at the village grounds anticipating a time of great fun and enjoyment. Some of the popular cultural games enjoyed by the young and the old were breaking clay pots blind-folded, pinning the eye on the elephant, musical chairs, bun eating contest, duck race, passing the ring and a family marathon. The day’s celebrations culminated with a beauty pageant.

There were visitors from other surrounding villages who also came to witness the fun and games taking place at Kilikunjumalai. The participation in all the entertainment activities was high as children, youth and adults enthusi-

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astically joined in the fun.

The festival celebrations united the villagers of Kilikunjumalai and it fostered great comradery amongst them. “This is the very first time we organised a New Year celebration. It brought back happy memories of how we spent the New Year during our childhood” explained an elder of the community.

“Because of the war we haven’t celebrated the New Year for many years. Our children never knew the customs and traditions attached to our New Year. This event helped our children to identify with their cultural values through the various customs and traditions that were displayed. I am happy because everyone contributed in some way” he added.

As the District Secretary was unable to attend this event he sent a message of good wishes and encouragement to the villagers of Kilikunjumalai.

“We are very happy to see this community settled down.

Even though you still face many hardships you have learnt to progress with the resources you have. You are a good example to other neighbouring villages” were the sentiments expressed.

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Making way for FoRB in Education

hirty-five year-old Suhunakumari from Ampara is one among a group of 30 volunteer teachers who are teaching in schools where there are no teachers for Christianity. Since the State took over schools managed by Christian missions and other religious organisations during the period 1960-1961, these schools were required to maintain a percentage of the religious ratio which was present at the time of take over.

However, despite the circular issued by the Ministry of Education including this clause, each year, the implementation of these laws have been weak and overlooked. In several instances Christian children who attend state schools that have a majority of either Buddhists or Hindus are not taught Christianity.

The Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) of the NCEASL in its monitoring and documentation of the incidents of intimidation and violence against Christians, has come across several other discriminative practises that violate the freedom of religion and belief (FoRB) in the education sector. These practices range from, refusal of school admissions on the basis of religion to penalty or punishment for the non-observance of religious rituals or practices that was not according to the student’s belief. This is despite Sri Lanka’s constitution and other legal provisions that ensure students’ right to practice and observe their faith.

The NCEASL identified this need 6 years ago and initiated a support scheme for teachers who volunteer to teach Christianity in state schools where there are no teachers. “Since I started teaching Christianity in 2008 the school has seen immense progress. The Christian students who didn’t have a teacher to instruct them are now given the opportunity to have their own assembly and a time of prayers once a week.” Suhunakumari shared her story with us at the Teachers Training Conference organised by the RLC of the NCEASL, from 26th to 28th of August 2014.

Twenty three year old Mercy from Vavuniya had a longing to change the situation in the school she studied in. “Even though I’m a Protestant, I had to learn Roman Catholicism because there were no teachers for the subject. I wanted to change this situation.” Mercy continues to further her training and education as a teacher. Jebamalai from the Nuwara Eliya district had a similar story to share.

“In the up country area, regardless if they

Participants at Teachers Conference enjoying the sessions

were Roman Catholics or Protestants there were no teachers and there was a lack of awareness among the teachers concerning its importance.” Jebamalai soon went on to to change this situation. He has now served as a teacher for the past 8 years.

Teaching Christianity comes naturally for Jeyanthini who comes from a strong Methodist background in Mannar. She is extremely thankful to NCEASL for the support she received through the Teachers Sponsorship Programme. Jeyanthini now serves in an area where she was most needed, without compromising the needs of her family.

The conference offered an opportunity for the participants to learn more about the NCEASL programme that supports them as well as to learn from external resource persons on the biblical basis of teaching, teaching skills, etc. It also created awareness amongst participants of problems faced by students particularly in the South. The participants were also briefed on what constitutes child abuse

and the international provisions such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. A forum was opened for discussions giving an opportunity for the teachers to share the inspiration behind their work and role models in their life.

The session conducted by the RLC of the NCEASL was most significant as it highlighted the legal provisions and regulations that guaranteed the right a child has to learn his or her own religion.

While encouraging volunteer teachers with basic support, the Teachers Sponsorship Programme has also created an opportunity to raise awareness among the teachers of the significance of their service in the context of the escalation of violence and intimidation against religious minorities through this conference.

Read more on www.nceasl.org

Participants at Teachers Conference listening intently to the programme

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WHO IS ABUSING OUR CHILDREN?

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lliance Development Trust (ADT) works closely with the community of Suhadapura with the aim of securing a sound future for the children. These children face several issues such as the fear of travelling alone to school as well as standing up against bullying and other problems they face at school. It was further revealed that the children do not confide about these issues with their parents, which increases their vulnerability. In a bid to create awareness among the parents about these problems and other concerns, ADT conducted a special child protection programme on 18th July 2014 for the parents in the community.

The resource person advised the parents to be more alert to the child’s emotions which would indicate if their child had faced a traumatic incident.

“Sometimes children don’t have time to talk with their parents since they rush for tuition classes after school or because their parents are at work” she said. “At school certain children are wrongly framed and punished for things they don’t do. Parents should always gently inquire into such issues without accusing and punishing the children a second time.” The parents’

attention was drawn to several issues the children face while at school through a video clip on school boys fighting in the classroom. “Pay attention to who your child associates with” she reiterated.

The issue of little enterprises that attract children was also addressed. For the first time, the parents realised the dangers of businesses that focus on school children such as the sale of sticker cards, movies and drugs. They understood that even seemingly harmless franchises such as the sale of toys and stickers can nurture vices in children such as theft and jealousy.

The resource person also went on to speak about child behaviour; she requested that parents pay adequate attention to hyperactive children.

“Children who seem uncontrollably naughty need care and attention” she explained. “Always see the positive side to such situations. Make arrangements for such children to engage in sports and dancing as an outlet for their energy.” She went on to advise parents to permit children who are overly emotional to engage in writing or drawing as a medium to express their emotions and to guide and encourage them to

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engage in arts and crafts. “Nurture your child’s inborn skills and talents” she said while stressing on the fact that it is the parents’ duty to remove obstacles that prevent children from reaching their fullest capabilities, such as malnutrition and bad dental health. The parents were further advised to permit their children to continue their education up to a tertiary level or provide them with vocational training. “It is the responsibility of the family and the entire community to protect the children and provide a secure future for them.”

This programme was not only appreciated by the 18 parents in attendance but also by the 40 children who were present. Topics such as the dangers of social media and the violence they are exposed to through inappropriate children’s cartoons contained important advice for the children. “Very important issues were discussed today” the parents expressed. “We are now aware of concerns that we as parents overlook and even the children took to heart issues concerning themselves.”

Read more on www.adtlanka.org

DISCIPLESHIP

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hen Jesus commissioned His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations”, the disciples had been with Jesus for nearly 3 years. By that time the disciples had left their homes and families in order to spend nearly every minute of their lives with Jesus; they ate with him, travelled with him, watched and experienced the miracles of healing, raising the dead, calming the storms and feeding the multitudes. They were not only made Jesus’ closest disciples but they also experienced on a firsthand basis what it meant to be discipled.

Each and every one of us has received the same calling to be disciples. But what does being a disciple really mean? Mr. David Lee from the Mathetes Centre, Singapore held a 1 day seminar on discipleship in Colombo in order to explain this query. 17 participants including pastors and church workers attended this seminar which was held on 14th July 2014 at the NCEASL auditorium.

‘Mathetes’ is the Greek word for disciple. The aim of the Mathetes model is to help those following the programme become a disciple of Christ. At the outset of the seminar, Mr. Lee explained to the audience the attributes of a disciple. A disciple should be a ‘learner’ not just a hearer who forgets what he has learnt. Also a disciple should be knowledgeable on God’s ‘Word’. In the role of a disciple there are many instances where the disciple needs to teach the Word of God

and lead others to Christ. A disciple is characterised by his ‘love’ for others. Mr. Lee also explained that a disciple bears ‘fruit’ drawing examples from teachings of Christ. A disciple should also have a commitment; he should not go after worldly possessions. Above all this, a disciple should be able to make disciples of others.

The lessons were made memorable with drama skits and activities. Mr. Lee together with three other representatives of the Mathetes Centre explained comprehensive approaches which were very simple yet practical.

“The sessions were very interesting and thereby clearly and easily understood. We learnt effective tools and new approaches to reach out to non-believers” said a participant.

“The presentations were really appealing and memorable. I really liked the new aspect to discipleship which I think is very practical in our context. I think this is an excellent way to reach out especially to the youth” added another participant who is actively involved in youth ministry. Following the successful 1 day seminar in Colombo, the Mathetes Centre would conduct a more extensive follow up seminar to a wider audience in the near future.

Read more on www.adtlanka.org

Graphic credit: Sarah Rudkin of the Noun Project

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he small community of 52 resettled families living in Madukulam learnt to survive in difficult and tough times which arose during the ethnic war. Now with the war behind them, a new sense of peace has dawned upon them. However, due to their poverty, the children have not travelled beyond Kilinochchi, which is approximately 25 km away from their small village. The only time they visit the big town in Kilinochchi is when they accompany their parents to the Kilinochchi hospital for medical attention. In school they learn of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms and historical sites. These great cities live on only in their fantasies and dreams as they seem so far away for these little children.

However, the children of Madukulam were soon to see these great cities with their own eyes. The Change Makers children’s club of Madukulam requested to visit a few historical places of interest as part of their annual educational trip.

Soon all arrangements were finalised between the Alliance Development Trust team and the Madukulam community development committee. On 26th April a group of 48 children and 21 volunteers eagerly boarded a special bus which took them on a day’s excursion to Kandy. Since they had to travel a long distance of over 200 km they set off from Madukulam at 2 a.m. It was the first time these children had been on an educational trip of this nature. They had no idea what to expect; they only knew it would be a trip of a life time.

It was still very dark when they set off from Madukulam. As the bus sped through the bumpy plains of the North Eastern province the children soon fell asleep. They stopped for a quick breakfast at 6.30 a.m. and continued their journey. The children realised they were now in a different terrain of beautiful hills, green landscapes, cool and crisp air.

This alone was something marvellous. All their lives they had never seen such green scenery and felt such cool air. By 7 a.m. the bus reached Kandy town.

The first stop was to the Dalada Maligawa also called the ’Temple of the Tooth’. The children walked through the temple and experienced the grandeur of the temple, the statues, the wall paintings and the miniature golden dagoba where the Buddha’s tooth relic is stored. As a temple guide explained the historical facts and events, several children took down notes to take back to their schools. Thereafter they visited the National Museum of Kandy which is located next to the Temple of the Tooth and is part of the former Royal Palace of Kandy. The Kandy Museum displays historic artefacts made by artisans of old. Some of the artefacts on display are weapons, jewellery and various tools which were used during the Kandyan Era and the British Colonial era. The next stop was for lunch at the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, also known as the Royal Botannical Gardens. The children were highly excited as they had never seen such an expanse of flowers and trees. Even though it was lunch time, the children even forgot their hunger. They only wanted to play and roll on the green turf and take in the beauty of the gardens. However, as they had a long trip back home, the group left Kandy soon after lunch. The children were tired and sleepy as they reached Madukulam at 11.30 p.m.

There was not one child who had not enjoyed the trip. It was a life time experience which their parents could not afford to give them. ”This is the first time I’ve been out of my village. Kandy was such a beautiful city. The historical places I’ve learnt about in school suddenly sprang to life...

We saw the relics and artefacts with our own eyes... All the children in my village went on this trip and this is the first time I had fun with all my friends.” These comments resonated from the mouths of all the children.

The ADT’s Child Centred Community Development programme facilitated the children of the Change Makers Club to enjoy this educational tour to Kandy.

CHILDREN OF MADUKULAM MAKE A JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

Graphic Credit: Luis Prado of the Noun Project

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A little Change Maker being attended to at the medical clinic in Madukulam

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MEDICAL CARE TO THEIR DOORSTEP

he villagers of Madukulam face a great dilemma when it comes to medical care. They live in a village that is around 26 kilometres away from the Vavuniya town where the hospital is located. Adding to this difficulty, the bus service operating to and from the village runs only twice daily.

As most of the villagers are either farmers or daily paid labourers, they usually forego the trip to the hospital as they would then have to neglect their work for a whole day.

Alliance Development Trust brought the doctors from the government hospital to their door step, Daniska’s father was one of the first parents in line to attend to his children’s health needs. A total of 16 children’s illnesses and health issues were checked and attended to free of charge at this medical camp which was held on 5th and 26th July, 2014.

Not only did Daniska and his siblings receive a complete check-up but their parents’ medical needs

Daniska’s father who is a labourer often leaves home in the early hours of the morning in order to sell his labour to those who are transporting their wares to the marketplace. His working hours end when all activity at the marketplace dies down and he returns home weary, long after Daniska and his siblings have gone to bed.

He hardly knows when his children fall ill and is unable to take them to hospital as that would cost him a day’s wages. However when

General Secretary: Godfrey Yogarajah Design and Layout: Chandrika Abeysekera

Telephone: 00945511358

Email: communications@nceasl.org Web: nceasl.org adtlanka.org facebook.com/ADT.Sri.Lanka facebook.com/NCEASL twitter.com/nceasl

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too received attention. “We are very happy to receive this medical check-up” said Daniska’s father who only spent the morning hours to attend to his family’s health.

“Sometimes we parents don’t notice our children’s health needs because we come home late. We are very grateful that our children’s health issues were seen to and that this camp was held so close to our homes.”

Read more on www.adtlanka.org

Writers: Jovita Arulanantham Deepthi Senanayake Melanie Pereira Chandrika Abeysekera Address: P.O. Box 113, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka

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or many years Persons affected by Leprosy have been ostracised by societies which abandon leprosy patients for the fear of contracting the disease. Even in the Christian communities, those who are detected with the disease are often looked down as sinners.

Reaching out to touch Persons affected by Leprosy

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owever, the example set by Christ (Matthew 8:3) and the advancements in medicine encourage us to accept persons affected by Leprosy as we would our own brethren. As the number of Sri Lankans detected with leprosy is on the rise, there is now a great need to raise awareness on leprosy and reduce the numbers as well as, accept and reach out to those living with leprosy.

Rev. Leo Sebastian who serves in Nuwara Eliya recently attended the Touch National Leprosy Conference which was conducted at the MAS Fabric Park in Thulhiriya from 8th to 10th September, 2014.

He was among the 130 pastors and church leaders who participated at this conference organised by Alliance Development Trust (ADT) in order to equip the Church in Sri Lanka to

create awareness on the symptoms of the disease and against the stigma while also providing the necessary aftercare for leprosy patients. Dr. Nilanthi Fernando, the Director of the Anti-Leprosy Campaign of Sri Lanka, who graced the conference as the Chief Guest joined the other Guests of Honour to discuss the medical facts and findings, the stigma and the legal aspects of the disease. Dr. Jehan De Silva, Senior House Officer, University Surgical Unit, Lady Ridgway Hospital, gave the participants the Christian perspective of how persons affected by Leprosy can be treated with more empathy.

Rev. Leo found this conference quite educative. He learnt the importance of creating awareness of the facts about leprosy such as that it is completely curable, early medication can prevent deformities, the disease

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spreads through respiratory droplets and that patients who take the necessary treatment can lead a normal life. “This conference also helped me realise my responsibility and obligation to return to my village with this message for my congregation. We are very grateful to ADT for this wonderful programme� expressed Rev. Leo. All participants who represent the 25 districts of Sri Lanka returned to their homes empowered to spread awareness on leprosy and also with the training necessary to train others .

Read more on www.adtlanka.org

Inset shows Chief Guest, Dr. Nilanthi Fernando, Director of the Anti-Leprosy Campaign of Sri Lanka and main picture shows a group of participants dicussing ways by which leprosy is not transmitted.