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Reaching out beyond the shores to tsunami kids
By Dhananjani Silva
For many children living by the coast, the tsunami wrecked their lives. It not only snatched away their books, toys and clothes, but their most precious gift —their parents, leaving them behind to face an uncertain future. But thanks to welfare organisations and individuals who stepped in promptly to fill the void in their lives these children are today being helped.

“About 4000 children were affected by the tsunami; some lost both parents, others now have only a single parent. Since it was not easy for Lankan parents to take charge of them as they too have commitments, the Shramashakthi organisation decided to seek the assistance of Sri Lankans living abroad,” said the President of the Shramashakthi Tsunami Education Fund, Shanthini Kongahage.

Shramashakthi organisations in Australia and Great Britain came forward to support the foster care scheme in a big way, says Shanthini. “Mrs. Charmaine Fernando, the President of the Shramashakthi Organisation in Melbourne gave sanitaryware and educational items while Mr. and Mrs. Lakshman Kahawatte from the UK gifted 100 packs of books, uniforms and other materials, worth about Rs. 5000 each,” she said.

Material gifts aside, Shanthini wanted to ensure that there was someone to care for the children. They found 50 foster-parents initially. “Then word went round and more people from abroad started calling me saying they were willing to help. We have 100 foster parents now,” Shanthini says with a smile.

Shanthini’s mission is not over. She wants to find parents for 200 children before the end of this year. “This is the time that we can do something for the children The support of Sri Lankans, especially mothers is very welcome to introduce these children to a family or friend living abroad,” she says.

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