Programme for the Migrant Workers
Ms. Madhushika and Mr. Prahashan, from the Swiss agency of Development and Cooperation (SDC), and Mr. Sagayarajah and Ms. Luxsha, from the National Centre SEDEC – Caritas Sri Lanka, paid a visit to HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna on the 11th & 12th of September 2018. The aim of their visit was to collaborate with HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna to work for the Migrant Workers in the District of Jaffna. Ms. Madhushika and Mr. Prahashan explained about SDC’s work inside the country and also about the migrant workers from Sri Lanka. SDC is part of the Swiss Government and its humanitarian organization. They implemented housing projects in the District of Jaffna from 2010 to 2016. Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna explained about the humanitarian and development activities which have been carried out from the past until the present, especially during the war and Tsunami times. They also had discussion with the Development Officers from Velanai, Nallur and Chavakadchchri Divisional Secretariat (DS) office about the migrant workers from Sri Lanka. Ms. Lalitha Victor, coordinator of the Migrant Workers Programme and the other staff from HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna also participated in the meeting.
Advisory committee for the Religious Amity Programme
HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna is implementing “Promoting a common vision for tolerance and harmony among all Religions in Sri Lanka programme” with the support of the Head Office, SEDEC-Caritas Sri Lanka; in the District of Jaffna. The Meeting was held on 31st of August 2018 with the view of forming an Advisory Committee to execute this programme. Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna presided over the meeting. Twenty Religious Leaders from Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Buddhist religions and Social leaders participated in this meeting. Members for the Advisory Committee were selected and Mrs. Shiromi Bernard was elected as the Secretary to this committee. It is decided to encourage the youth and children to learn the spiritual values, lead a meaningful life and also to identify the social needs in the selected villages. Religious Amity programme is implemented in Navanthurai, Pommaiveli, Moor Street, Allaipitty, Chatty, and Nainativu villages.
Family Day Celebration
HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna celebrated the Caritas Family Day, Peace Rally and Exhibition in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of Caritas Sri Lanka SEDEC on 26th of July 2018. Rt.Revd. Dr. Justin B. Gnananpragasam, Bishop of Jaffna, Revd. Fr. Mahendra Gunatilaka, Director SEDEC-Caritas Sri Lanka and Mr. N. Vethanayagan, Government Agent Jaffna and Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC –Caritas Jaffna delivered speeches to initiate the Peace Rally in front of the Jaffna District Secretariat.
Hindhu, Buddhist, Christian and Muslim leaders, the members of Peace & Reconciliation, Inter-religious, members of Elders Group, Peace Volunteers and Staff of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna participated in the Peace Rally and other events. Peace Rally started in front of the District Secretariat and proceeded through Kandy Road, Main Street, Press Road, Mathew’s Road, Deogu Street and finished at HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna.
The history of SEDEC-Cartias Sri Lanka, activities of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna, Peace and Reconciliation programme, Inter – religious programme, LVH activities, construction activities, Food Security activities, Disaster Management, NEFAD Fishnet factory and Safe Migration activities were depicted in the Exhibition Stalls.
Dialogue and action drama were organised to realise the importance of family bonds of the participants in the afternoon. More than 150 people participated in this family day celebration.
Exchange programme
HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna has organised an exposure visit under the Peace and Reconciliation Programme jointly with SED Galle on 4th, 5th and 6th May 2018. Forty four members from Kottavil and Velegama villages in Galle District went to Delft and stayed with the host families. Assistant Divisional Secretary, government officers and people belong to Sinhala Buddhist and Christians spent three days with the Delft people and shared their experience. Revd. Fr. Emil Paul, Parish Priest Delft and Revd. Fr. Augustin Fernando, Assistant Parish Priest made all the arrangements for their stay. Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna presided over the event.
This exchange programme paved the way for the Sinhalese and Tamils to mingle with each other and create peace and reconciliation among themselves. Traditional games such as breaking pot, tug-of-war and cultural events were organised for the participants. Divisional Secretary, Delft, Grama Niladari and people from Delft also participated in these events. This exchange programme was organised under ‘Advocacy towards Reconciliation, Unity and Good Governance project’ of Caritas Sri Lanka-SEDEC.
National New Year Festival
National New Year Festival was celebrated by District Secretariat Jaffna jointly with the Ministry of national co-existence, dialogue & Official languages and HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna, on 16-042018 at J/Stanly College premises from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Hon. Minister Mano Ganesan was the Chief Guest. 80 members from HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna Religious Amity Programme from Kannapuram – Navanthurai, Moor street villages and Peace and Reconciliation Programme from Poompuhar, Maniamthoddam villages participated in this event. The coordinator of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna explained the activities carried out to strengthen the religious amity among the people with the support of Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna.
More than 1000 people belong to all four religion participated in this festival. They enthusiastically participated in traditional games such as breaking pots, tug of war, Kapady, Kilithaddu, etc. This festival helped the people belong to all four religions to mingle with each other and created religious amity.
Outing of Inmates of the Mother Theresa’s Home, Kopay
Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna had arranged an outing for the inmates of Mother Theresa’s Home, Kopay on the 15th of January 2018. They visited to Jaffna Fort, KKS Harbour, Keerimalai Naguleswaram Hindu Kovil, Jampukolapattinam, Our Lady of Fatima’s Church Pandeterippu and HUDEC-Caritas Office in Jaffna. They were given a small entertainment at the HUDEC – Caritas Office in the evening. They all enjoyed this tour.
Visit to NEFAD Fishnet Factory
Mrs. Sumi Prabaharan and her twelve companians from Melbourne, Australia paid a visit to NEFAD Fish Net Factory on the 8th of January 2018. Mrs. Sumi Prabaharan was one of the significant persons who worked hard to design the Project Proposal for the Fishnet Factory and to obtain the necessary funds from the Victoria Government, Australia in the year 2005 after Tsunami.
Caritas Korea funded Educational support programme for the vulnerable children
HUDEC – Caritas Jaffna was implemented ‘Supporting Primary Education for Poor & Vulnerable Children’, funded by Caritas Korea in 2017 in the Jaffna District. Twelve schools were selected for this project and 202 students from vulnerable families are benefitted.
Six students have got marks above the cut out marks 155. 50 students achieved marks above 100. Certificate awarding ceremony for these students was conducted by HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna on the 15th of November 2017. The event was presided by Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna. Mr. Yu Hwa Li, Senior Executive Manager of Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Mrs. Padmini Kirihena, Coordinator of the project of Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC and Mr. Nobert Uthayakumar, Divisional Education Officer of Sankanai were the special guests. Three students from Urumpirai RCTMS, one student from J/Vaddukodday West AMTM School, one student from J/Thuraiapa Vidiyalayam Colombagam and one student from J/St.James Boys School have got marks above 155. This is the first time in more than 100 years of history of Urumpiral RCTMS and J/Vaddukodday West AMTM; students achieved above the cut out marks in the Grade 5 Scholarship examination. The students were awarded with certificate and Saving Account bank book with 1,150 Rupees. Gr.5 Scholarship students, School Principals, teachers, parents and HUDEC – Caritas staff participated in this occasion. Further, the students were given educational materials, nutritional food pack, school bags and shoes under this project.
CARITAS SRI LANKA-SEDEC PROCLAIMS GOLDEN JUBILEE
Caritas Sri Lanka-SEDEC officially launched its Golden Jubilee Year today, 7th of November 2017 at the SEDEC National Centre premises. The organization that serves as the social arm of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka will commemorate half a century of service to the poor, marginalized and vulnerable during the next 12 months. Plans are underway to conduct specific programmes and activities to celebrate the Jubilee Year at Diocesan and national levels. At today’s launch ceremony Caritas Diocesan Directors, members of the Caritas Advisory Committee, Caritas Diocesan and National Centre Staff joined in a Thanks Giving Holy Mass celebrated by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando, Bishop of Kandy, who is also the current Chairman of the Catholic National Commission for Justice, Peace & Human Development under which Caritas operates as its national secretariat. Delivering the Homily, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, recalled the early beginnings of SEDEC and the services rendered during its long history to the most affected due to conflict, disaster and poverty based on the foremost virtue of ‘love’. At the end of the Thanks Giving Service, Bishop Vianney read out the proclamation of the Jubilee, which was handed over by the oldest serving member of the staff, Mr. K. T. Palitha.
Bishop Chairman Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando sharing a reflection on “A journey of faith, hope & love” at the special session which followed the Thanks Giving Service, reminded the gathering, that the three post Vatican II Papal Encyclicals of SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM, LUMEN GENTIUM and GAUDIUM ET SPES provided the Church with much needed reflection and inspiration in the implementation of the Gospel of service to God and the people. His Lordship reiterated that the Church has always been with the people and the many revolutions experienced during the history of the world, have propelled the Church to look at the causes poverty, discrimination and marginalization, compelling the Church’s own Social Apostolate, Caritas to a new orientation in social action. Bishop Vianney added that our faith in Jesus Christ is serving mankind, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized, is what makes us different from the many international and national non-governmental organization that have flooded the country and the world.
Caritas Sri Lanka-SEDEC launched its new website with an embedded YouTube Channel for its documentaries and Facebook page with a view to reaching out to a wider audience. In addition, Caritas Sri Lanka –SEDEC released its new Strategic Plan for the year 2018-2021. Mr. Yu Hwa Li, Senior Executive Manager presenting the salient features of the new Strategic Plan urged the Directors and staff present at the occasion to commit to effectively implementing the Strategy in the next three years towards making a significant contribution in integral human development, disaster risk reduction and advocacy. The first copy of the new Strategic Plan was handed over to the Bishop Chairman, Diocesan Directors, Advisory Committee members and representatives of Caritas Partner Organization present at the occasion. Another significant feature of the event was release of the Golden Jubilee Theme song, written and composed by Rev. Fr. Cecil Joy Perera and its Tamil version written by Rev. Fr. Eugene Francis.
Donation by UK Branch Kandy HS OGA to NEFAD Fishnet Factory
NEFAD fishnet Factory has been in operation at Beach Road, Gurunagar, Jaffna since the year 2010. This factory is functioning under the leadership of Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna. Five hundred thousand rupees was collected by UK Branch of Kandy High School Old Girls Association (KHS OGA UK Branch) for the benefit of female workers in the NEFAD Fishnet Factory. Mrs. Malini Singarayar, President of UK Branch Kandy HS OGA paid a visit to NEFAD Factory on 6th of October 2017 along with Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaratunka, President of National Peace and Reconciliation. They handed over the Cheque for Rs.500, 000 to Mr. Bavananthan, Chief Accountant of NEFAD Factory during their visit.
GIVE2 LANKA’s Second time Assistance
GIVE2 LANKA’s second time assistance of handing over 26 Bicycles to the most vulnerable students of Jaffna took place on the 15th of July 2017 at Caritas HUDEC Jaffna. Hudec has facilitated to select the suitable beneficiaries. Rev Fr.Eugene Francis Director of Caritas HUDEC Jaffna was the Chair person on this occasion. All the Beneficiaries expressed their sincere gratitude to the Donors of Give2 Lanka. This helped the students to save the transport expenses to travel to schools and tuition centres.
St. Mary’s Education Centre, Kaddaikadhu Opening Ceremony on 13th of July 2017
The Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin B. Gnanapragasam ceremonially opened St.Mary’s Education Centre on 13th of July 2017 at around 5.30 p.m. at Kaddaikadhu, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
The Parish Council Members, children, parents and Staff HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna welcomed the Chief Guest Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin B. Gnanapragasam, Bishop of Jaffna, HUDEC-Caritas Director Rev. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Mac Donald, GS (Grama Sevakar) T. Kantharuban and the School Principal Mr. G.Yogalingam with garlanding and Ararthi (Tamil Tradition of welcoming guests). Preschool children welcomed the Guests with the band from the entrance to the building. The Sign board was unveiled by the Bishop of Jaffna and then the building was blessed and opened by His Lordship.
Welcome speech was delivered by the School Teacher Mrs. Jenifred Selvaratnam. Rev.Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna in his President Speech stated that “ the construction of St.Mary’s Education Centre was started in the year 2005 with the funding of AATM Italy and later was abandoned due to war and displacement of people of Kaddaikadhu. After the resettlement, with the request of former Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Jesuratnam; HUDEC-Caritas approached Mr. Gererd Brendsen of ACNS Projecthulp in Netherlands for financial support to complete the building in the year 2014. With the financial support of ACNS Projecthulp and Wilde Ganzen we were able to start the work in 2016 and completed it. We thank Mr.Gerard Berendsen and his organisation to secure funds for the completion of this building for the education of the children of Kaddaikadhu”.
More than 300 children, their parents and Parish Council Members and HUDEC-Caritas Staff participated in this ceremony.
The Bishop of Jaffna stated in his speech said “I have appointed a new parish priest and separated Kaddaikadu as a new parish. He has identified that more children are unable to read or write and as slow-learners. This education centre is a blessing for them. I can see lot of children here, the parents have to take keen interest to send the children to study here in the evenings. You have to use this facility and encourage your children to improve in education.” He also thanked the donors ACNS Projecthulp and Wilde Ganzen.
Vote of thanks was delivered by the Secretary of the Parish Council Mr. A.Moses Tharsius and the event was concluded with the short-eats and drinks to all participants.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Mac Donald and the Parish Council will be in charge for St. Mary’s Education Centre and they will make arrangements for the evening classes for the children.
Religious Harmony for Peace and Prosperity
Religious Amity Regional Symposium was organized and conducted by HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna on 5th and 6th of July 2017, Thursday at ‘Thalsevana’ auditorium. Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna presided the symposium. Religious Leaders of all four major religion and members of Religious Amity Groups from the Diocese of Kandy, Anuradhapura, Mannar and Jaffna took part in this symposium.
The Main Speech was delivered by Revd. Fr. M.V.E. Ravichandran, Visiting Lecturer of University of Jaffna. In his speech he stated that “the urgent need of the society is the harmony of all religious leaders and leaders in the society and we all have to respect justice, human rights and equality. We all have the responsibility to find solution through the spirituality instead of religion alone”.
The Chief Guest Revd. Fr. Mahendra Gunatilleke, National Director, Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC, stated that ‘this pioneering event to bring harmony among the people belong to all religions only a starting point but this will lead to the long journey to achieve religious harmony for peace and prosperity in our country”.
Welcome dance and Cultural events by all four Diocesan Centres were also conducted. All the participants paid their visit to four major religious worship places such as; Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil, Jaffna Muhammadiar Mosque, Mathagal Thampakolapattuna and Jaffna St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Inter-Religious Ramzan Iftar Programme
Ramdan Iftar programme was organized by HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna with the participation of Jaffna Division Federation of Muslim Leak at Osmaniya College on 17th of June 2017 at 6.00 p.m. Religious Leaders delivered speech about the Ramdan Iftar programme at this event.
Mr. Ponampalam Thayananthan, Secretary, Jaffna Divisional Secretariat and Government Cultural Officers, Grama Niladaris, Jaffna Ulama Sabai Maulavis, Rev.Fr. Antony Bala, Parish Priest, Navanthurai, Pastor Einok Punitharaj, Social Leaders and Students from the University of Jaffna participated in this programme. 150 members participated in this event and this brought good understanding among them and strengthened the inter-religious relationship.
Positive results seen at this year’s 6th meeting for the Peace and Reconciliation Programme
The impacts of globalization, Dengue awareness and local issues were some of the topics discussed on this year’s 6th meeting for the Peace and Reconciliation Programme conducted by HUDEC Caritas Jaffna. The meeting took place on the 6th of April 2017, and more than 30 people attended. Amongst the crowd there were Government officials, Village Peace Committee leaders, volunteers from the villages around the Jaffna area and the HUDEC Caritas staff and Director. It was a successful meeting, as it gave people from different sectors of society a chance to meet, to discuss important topics and to listen to each other’s viewpoints. There were also testimonies given by local villagers, to describe the needs of the people at a grass root level.
Those attending the meeting also expressed their wish to involve HUDEC Caritas when carrying out their daily tasks and responsibilities. For instance, the Government Officials wish to invite HUDEC Caritas to their field programmes for support and to discuss the work being done. The crowd was motivated to come to more meetings, both at the HUDEC office and also to the local meetings which take place in the villages.
8th Women’s Day at Caritas HUDEC
We celebrate Women’s Day to promote equality in the rights of men and women, and to celebrate the great things women are capable of doing.
It is surprising that we still have to fight for equal rights in the year of 2017, when we have come such a long way in other fields, such as technology, science and knowledge.We need the 8th of March because still, in 2017, many people think women are weaker, less capable and less worthy than men.If we want equal rights, men and women need to start working together. How can we change something if only half of the population is fighting for change? When will men start fighting for women’s rights?
Humans should respect and love each other. Human rights are not only men’s rights. They are women’s rights too.Don’t let people stop you from achieving your ambitions because you are a girl.Life is too short to watch teledramas and be on facebook all the time.Life is about using your talents to do something good.Believe in yourself, because if you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will.Be proud to be a woman.
Dialogue on Good Governess
The 5th Dialogue for the Government officers and Social Leaders on Good Governess was conducted at HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna on the 27th of February 2017. Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna presided the programme.
The responsibility of the Police forces, Government Servants, Religious Leaders and Social Leaders on Good Governess for the betterment of the people was discussed.
The following topics were discussed in the groups and worthy decisions were made. Family, Child abuse, Drug addiction of youngsters, economical constrains, security of the public, Justice and Equality.
Opening Ceremony of Sarathjeevan Tharisanam Preschool, Punkudutivu
Sarathjeevan Tharisanam Preschool at St. Xavier’s Church, Punkudutivu was ceremonially declared opened on 11th of February 2017 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin B. Gnanapragasam, Bishop of Jaffna. Rev. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC – Caritas Jaffna presided the event. More than 7 million was funded by Mr. Ajit Johnpillai, Director of Sun Beam Foundation for the construction works. Nutritional food and Educational Materials also will be provided for the preschool children by Sun Beam Foundation. Rev. Fr. Sebajeevan, Acting parish priest, Mr. Ajit Johnpillai, Mrs. Marianne Johnpillai, Mr. S. Easwaran, Mr.Rajan Asservathan, Sivakumaran kurukkal, other invitees, preschool children and parents were present on this occasion. The constructor Mr. Suganthan and his helpers were honoured for their work.
Visit of Officials of Caritas-Australia to Jaffna Diocese
Mr. Frank Elvey, Head of the Asia Department, Caritas Australia, Mr. Michael Peyra, Desk Officer, South Asia, Caritas Australia, Mr. K. Theivendirarajah, Programme Manager DRM andMr. K. Vareeswaran, Programme Consultation SEDEC- Caritas Sri Lanka paid a visit to HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna on 18th to 20th of January 2017 and discussed about the projects implemented by Caritas Australia with the Director Rev. Fr. S. Eugene Francis and the staff. They helped us to build 14 core houses each Rs. 580,000 at Vasanthapuram, Colombuthurai and at Mirusuvil 8 new houses each Rs.800,000/- , 15 house repairs each Rs.200,000/- and 115 Livelihood for women headed families each Rs. 40,000/- and Peace and Reconciliation Programme. They were so happy and satisfied with our work and congratulated us.
They Also visit the resettled people in Nallinakapuram, Tellipalai. They met the Bishop of Jaffna Rt Revd. Dr. Justin B. Gnanapragasm and discussed about the present situation in Jaffna.
Access to continue their Education
HUDEC Caritas Jaffna with the support of the funding assistance of GIVE2LANKA gave 30 bicycles for the school going women headed vulnerable children in Jaffna district on the 23rd of December 2016 as greeting Christmas season.
Christmas Programme at Nallinakapuram, Tellipalai
HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna organised a Christmas programme for the children at Nallinakapuram, Tellipalai; Resettled Village on 20th of December 2016. Christmas celebration was organized from 3.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. 162 Children were given play materials and Education materials. Children from Grade 1 to 5 play materials, Grade 6 to 12 Educational materials. 750 people from Nallinakapuram village participated in this event.
Visit of MISSIO Team
Msgr. Dr. Klaus Krämer, President MISSIO & Kindermissionwerk and Mr. Frank Kraus, Director Foreign Dept. MISSIO paid a visit for the first time to HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna on 23rd of Novermber 2016. Kindermissonwerk funded many projects implemented by HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna in the Diocese of Jaffna. They had discussion with Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna and the staff about the ongoing projects and the future plan of their funding.
Visit to Resettled Village, Tellipalai
Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna and the staff paid a visit to the resettled village at Tellipalai, Nallinakkapuram and met the people on 18th of November 2016.
They expressed their needs on education, economic requirements and livelihood. By meeting the people they were consoled and the Director assured them that HUDEC-Caritas will support in their needs of education and sports and will have regular meetings with them in the future too.
People of this area also mentioned that HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna is the only organization visited them first after their settlement from IDP camp at Mallagam, Konapulam.
Certificate awarding ceremony
Certificate awarding ceremony for the Grade 5 students was held on 4th of November 2016 at HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna hall. Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC –Caritas Jaffna presided the event. Revd. Fr. Shanthi Kumar Weliwita, the National Director SEDEC-Caritas Sri Lanka graced the occasion. Ms. Padmini Kirihena, Coordinator of the National Centre SEDEC and Nallur Divisional Education Officer Mr. F.X. Anton were the special guests. Forty seven students who achieved more than 100 marks in the Grade 5 scholarship examination were awarded with the certificate. Four students who have got the scholarship were given special award by HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna. Grade 5 students, parents, teachers, principals and the HUDEC staff participated in this occasion.
Educational Assistance for Grade 5 scholarship students.
HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna supporting Grade 5 scholarship students for their education with the funding of Caritas Korea. 175 students from St. Rock Vidiyalayam, St. James Maha Vidiyalayam, Koddady Namasivaya Vidiyalayam, St. Charles Maha Vidiyalayam, Osmania College and Naranthanai RC Mahavidiyalam were given school bags, exercise books, Instrument box, water bottle, pens, Hygienic kit and Nutritional food in the first week of November 2016. They were also given pair of shoes and socks, school uniform and tie.
School bags to the students studying at J/ Urumpirai RCTM School
Ninety-eight students who are under privileged were given school bags, pair of shoes and exercise books on request of the Principal of Urumpirai RCTM School on 18th of October 2016 by HUDEC – Caritas Jaffna. Mr. Kenneth, Principal of this school stated that many students come to school from 4 to 5 Km away from the school and living under poverty. Most of them attend the school without having their breakfast every day.
Distribution of educational materials
Twenty students who are under privileged were given school bags, pair of shoes and exercise books on request of the Divisional Secretariat at kayts by HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna on 21st of October 2016. Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC – Caritas Jaffna encouraged the children to concentrate on studies instead of wasting their time on TV and Mobile phone. Further he stated that poverty should not be an obstacle for children to further their studies. Parents have to provide a suitable environment for their children to study.
Construction of Preschool at Uthayapuram.
Uthayapuram village is one of the war affected village situated, 8 Km away from Jaffna town. 250 families of this village were displaced in 1995 October due to war and 90 families returned to this village in February 2011. HUDEC-Caritas Jaffna has been constructing a permanent building for the preschool children in Uthayapuram at a cost of LKR 3.3 million. 25 pre-school children attend this preschool. This preschool will be provided with furniture and play materials for the children. The construction work was started in January 2016 and will be completed in the end of October 2016.
Sarathjeevan Tharisanam Preschool, Punkudutivu
Laying of Foundation stone ceremony was held for Sarathjeevan Tharisanam preschool in Punkudutivu on the 9th of July 2016. Revd. Fr. S. Eugene Francis, Director of HUDEC Caritas blessed the foundation stone laid the first stone. Mr. Ajit Johnpillai, Director of BRANDIX COMPANY LTD; through his ‘Sumbeam Foundation’ is funding for the construction of permanent preschool. The Sunbeam Foundation will also take care of the education of the preschool children. Sarathjeevan Tharisanam prescool was started by the former parish priest Revd. Fr. Leo Armstrong in Punkudutive in the year 2010 in a temporary shed. 28 preschool children are attending this preschool.
