click here - Stichting Weeshuis Sri Lanka

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONLocationIn the south of Sri Lanka, just 15 km east of Galle.The grounds are situated on a hill and include 30,000m2 of land, approx. 3 kilometresinland. A safe environment for children to grow up.Address:Somawathi Nivasa – Holland House of HopeSri Udayamitta Nahimi Mawatha, Idankissa Road,Harumalgoda, Habaraduwa, Sri LankaSomawathi Nivasa – Holland House of HopeThe name Somawathi means ‘love and security’. The grounds were donated to theTrust by the Saparamadu family in remembrance of Mrs. Somawathi Saparamadu. Theword ‘Nivasa’ stands for Home.Somawathi Nivasa has received National NGO (Non Government Organisation) statusfrom the Sri Lankan authorities.GoalTo ensure both the realisation and the long term continuation of ‘the largest family of SriLanka’ consisting of:- 150 children in-home in full guardianship- 150 children out-home in foster programme- 50 caremothers and care-grandmothersA Buddhist Home operated by local staff and financially supported from theNetherlands. The aims, individual responsibilities and legal conditions are settled in theTrust Agreement.Broadening of the main goalOn request of the local authorities and in consultation with the Sri Lankan Trust themain goal of the Somawathi Home has broadened. This extension in aid is also thanksto labelled donations. The facilities have been extended with:- 354 students that participate in 24 different courses- 75 pre-school children and toddlers from the region who attend daily the nursery- andpre-school- 28 scholarships have been awarded to Young students from the region to attendtertiary education- 980 patients have free access to medical careMissionTo provide a loving and trusting environment for children which enables them to growup and develop into healthy, responsible and educated members of the community.Together with the caremothers and a dedicated staff the children will have a chance togrow up in a large family community with respect for Buddhism and their Sri Lankanculture and roots.VisionOur common aim is to create a safe community where orphaned children (withoutparents or with one parent) live together in harmony. The aim is to offer more than justbasic needs, such as food and a roof over their heads, but to provide these children, inaddition to their regular school training, with different on-site facilities to improve theirfuture chances in life.The after-school education includes learning to read, write and speak in English,computer lessons, vocational skills, dance and music classes (to help overcome theirtraumatic experiences), hygiene, nursing, hospitality related subjects etc. Children fromthe surrounding villages can participate in the educational programmes.Also the medical treatments are provided to the region free of charge..13