Vipulaanantha children's home (Palukaamam)
    Kathiroli (kokkaddisolai)
    Sakthy Girls (Arasadiththeevu)
    Manikkavasakar (santhiveli)

I am writing this report to share with you, what i have observed and learned by talking to the children in these children's homes (in batticaloa, sri lanka) getting some help from your organisation.

Purpose:
Get to know the current situation of the children's in Given Childrens' Homes.

Activity:
25 - 04 - 2009 --> Vipulaanantha Children's Home
02  -05
02


In the Given Dates, went to these childrens homes and talked to the boys, girls and the people who take care of them as well as observing the surrounding they are living in. in this observation following activities took place:
1. introducing each other
2. games
3. Eating together with them
4. putting in groups and through that get to know their needs
5. giving them "special time" [to express their concerns]

Outcome:
based on above activities I have learned the following:

the number of children in each of these homes are:
Vipulanantha - 58 Boys
Kathiroli - 32 Boys
Sakthy - 35 girls
Manikka vaasakar - 35 Boys

But I could not meet all of the children, since among all the four homes, students have special classes to attend (specially O/L, A/L) as well as preparing for school Sportsmeet.  But since most of them were in younger grades, I was able to meet most of the children.

It is notable that, all of the four Homes are run in their own building (not private buildings).  Even though there are several other shortages exist, the children do meet basic needs.

In all of the four homes, Vanakkam [greetings] were welcoming me, even though my arrival wasn't informed to them.  Since they were raised to follow the "rules" or "manners" which tell them to greet the new guests in such way, greetings become the symbol of hospitality. I entered hearing their greetings, which came naturally from some of the children, while the others followed it mechanically.  

I noticed in all the homes except Sakthi childrens home, they make all the efforts to change their surrounding  resourceful especially  trying tobring greeness to their environment. Since Manikkavasakar Home just started to implement these efforts (they only live in their own land since just one year), it was very hard for the children to endure a very dry [no greenery] & empty surrounding.  Unlike other homes, Manikkavaasakar home located in an isolated place, where no people's mobility is frequent. Since it stands alone, not only the human touch, the lullaby of  trees also being unreachable for these children. The big gab between their home's entrance [gate] and their survival shelter affects them in great deal. Instead of the natural relaxation when you return home, they get restless.  Not only the distance, the heat from the sun also increasing this. Their efforts to expect air in the no-air-fan buildings are obviously end up defeated. Therefore, they try to make their environment green.  but they know that it will take a long time
for this to work.