Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Rescue, rehabilitation and empowerment of vulnerable slum girls under the age of 15
The project partner is the Christian Audio Visual and Literacy Services (CAVALS)
We started initially to support ten girls vulnerable girls in the age group 3 -16 from the slums in Nugegodo (Colombo). Children in these slums grow up without love, care and supervision. They are abused even by their own parents. The majority of them have never been to school.
The aim of our project is to protect the girls from physical, sexual and mental abuse. Girls who would otherwise be child prostitutes are rescued from the streets and slum environment, and provided with shelter, a healthy and safe environment, food, education, and security, where they can reach their true potential and grow into responsible young women.
Updated Report
This year the number of girls rescued from the street has reached to 30.
The youngest is a four years old girl from a gypsy community. She came with wounds on her feet, as she did not had shoes on her feet and had hardly had any food. She has got no father and the mother is illiterate.
One of the oldest girls Lakmali from the shelter was successful in gaining enterance to a leading private shool in Colombo - Ladies College, having affiliations to Ladies College at Cheltenham. This was a tremendous opportunity for Lakmali.
A hightlight this year, was moving into a home of their own - a longstanding dream was realised when the girls got thier own home. They have more room, better facilities and are so happy to be in their brand new home. Most of all the girls feel secure as now they do not need to move from one rented house to another.
The CAVALS has completed the gound floor, which can just accommodate the 30 girls. The next floor would not only provide study room, counselling rooms and a computer room, but will also enable them to take in a few more girls.
We need to raise funds for the running cost and completion of the second floor of this project.
Activities and progress report through the last year:
1) Education
- All the girls in these homes were now in state schools.
- As the girls were backward in some of their subjects, they were offered extra classes, especially in English, Math’s, and Commerce.
- The first of the girls, Surangi Rorigo sat for the first public exam – The General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level. She passed, and also received a Diploma Certificate in IT, with Distinction.
2) Health
- Generally, the girls are in good health. A balanced nutritious diet is meticulously planned.
- All the girls are registered with a local medical clinic, and get the appropriate vaccinations.
3) Skills Training
- The girls were given training in computers, having received a gift of second hand computers.
- Some girls have continued with their guitar lessons, others with their art and drama. They have gained more confidence, and are emotionally more balanced
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4) Outdoor Programme and Camps
- The younger children participated in a Children’s Camp, while the older girls attended a youth camp.
- They have also visited a Beach Resort on a day visit, and have enjoyed many sporting activities including swimming, and learnt about their culture.
- Counselling was offered to the emotional needy
5) Building Project
- In June 2007 building work began, as they obtained the Approval for Building from the Town Council authorities.
6) Bank Accounts
- Some children are sponsored, and regular amounts are deposited in the children’s personal accounts.
7) Forward Plan
- With transport costs increasing, a vehicle for home has become a necessity, with girls not only having to travel to school, but for other activities too.
- With the girls growing older, skills training is needed to enhance their opportunities in securing employment.
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