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Department of Social Responsibility
Annual Report to Conference 2010 / 2011
The Department of Social Responsibility (DSR) which is the Social Arm of the Methodist Church Sri Lanka continues to address to all Rehabilitation and Development activities in uplifting the poverty stricken and vulnerable people and communities who are subjected to various calamities.
During the post Tsunami period. The Methodist Relief and Development Services (MRDS) which was created to respond to the tsunami crisis, continued with providing relief to the affected people, has completed nearly 1500 houses, repaired 820 houses and implemented over 400 livelihood related activities. Some of the livelihood projects which are long term programmes still continue co-ordinated through the relevant circuits.
The need to sustain and empower the vulnerable communities increased in demand by the intensification of the conflict as well. The ethnic conflict and the war that prevailed for over the last two and a half decades – though now come to an end has caused so many to be displaced from their homes, their family lives disrupted due to the loss of family members, and the livelihood means being completely destroyed.
To add to this the numerous natural disasters such as Rains, Floods, Earth slips, Land slides etc considerably expanded the work of the Department of Social Responsibility (DSR) and the MRDS.
This has also resulted in the post tsunami recovery process in the country being either delayed or resulting in complication of issues.
The church had to play an important and enormous role in providing relief to the people who were affected by the war in the North and East. The war has now ended, but yet the rehabilitation activities still continue.
The people who were sent back from the refugee camps found their livelihood means destroyed, belongings lost and, houses destroyed and their daily life pattern thoroughly disrupted. They had to live with their friends or relations and at times our churches had to make ad-hoc refugee camps in church halls or schools to accommodate them until their housing problems were sorted out. It might take a considerable length of time for their lives to get back to normalcy.
Then came another unfortunate and unbearable blow to the people in the country - the continuous rains which was experienced in May 2010 and again from November till February / March 2011 caused heavy flooding which rendered many thousands of people displaced , many lost their lives, large numbers lost their houses and belongings, children’s education was completely disrupted, the people having lost their livelihood means and thereby were not able to generate the income they needed for their day to day living. Our church had to intervene to provide relief to the affected people. The situation can be gauged to be much worse than the tsunami because the persistant down fall of rains kept the flood waters rising continuously and thereby increasing the number of displaced families daily. Thus people were affected and displaced in large numbers. It is most unfortunate that the very people who were affected by the tsunami, and the ethnic conflict too had to face this chaotic situation again.
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Our church Ministers in the affected areas have been initially working round the clock providing relief, talking to the people to console those who were in distress and making them to realize that we are with them. In the meantime MRDS approached the NCC Relief and Rehabilitation Unit seeking for funding assistance to address to the needs of the people in distress. Until we received the funds assured by the NCC the President instructed DSR / MRDS to advance funds to the desperate circuits to continue with the good work done at circuit level.
As the floods persisted Methodist Head Quarters (MHQ) was receiving frantic requests from our churches in the affected areas to support them with further funding to provide relief for thousands of affected people.
No sooner the desperate calls came from the areas affected by the floods The President MCSL gave directions to the MRDS staff and circuits to extend immediate relief by providing cooked meals until we got more organized to face the situation. Immediate requests were made to many donor organizations foreign & Local and our churches in the unaffected areas and the friends who very positively responded making it possible to provide more relief.
As the rains continued many more were displaced and the church had to act in assisting them, and with God’s grace we were able to continue the relief work. Now we are in the stage where we are concerned in repairing the damaged houses and assisting the people to restart their lost livelihood activities.
As the requests were pouring in from the circuits the President intervened by submitting request proposals to many foreign and local donor organizations and also our local churches, members and general public who responded very generously which enabled the DSR / MRDS to respond to the needs of our circuits.
The President spent a lot of his time; frequently visiting the affected areas and meeting the people in spite of his busy schedule in office.
The Director of MRDS together with the Project Coordinator joined the Church Ministers and visited almost all the affected areas to meet and talk to the people, to listen to their woes to observe and get first hand information of the plight they were in.
In many of our visits to the affected areas we had to go in the pouring rains. We were not able to access most of the places by vehicle as even the roads were submerged by the flood waters and bridges and culverts were damaged. Some areas we had to cover on the Church Minister’s Motorbikes riding in the pouring rains up to a certain distance and from there onwards we had to wade through the water knee high - that’s the only possible way to get to the people and to see and talk about their plight and needs.
In response to the President’s appeal for support many of our local churches in the areas not affected by floods responded by donating the collection of the Sunday service of 16th January 2011. Individual members of churches and well wishers provided cash , food rations, clothing, water bottles, medicine etc. in addition many of our prospective foreign donors mentioned below who responded promptly and very generously to the President’s call.
UEM, West folia Church, Dortmund Church, British Methodist Church, Irish Methodist Church, Global Ministry (United Methodist Church USA), Uniting World – Relief and Development Unit (Formerly Uniting Church Overseas Aid ), KNH, NCC SL Relief and Development unit.
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In almost all the areas the supply routes were cut off from the main land. Hence MHQ requested our churches in the affected areas to purchase food available in the areas even for a higher cost to assist the displaced families living in the camps in schools, temples, churches etc.
An emergency meeting of some members of the DSR Board – Presided over by the President was held on 12th January 2011 at MHQ to plan the relief work and decided to start a relief supply centre at the closest, unaffected town in the Ampara District.
The relief to the other districts / circuits affected were sent directly to the relevant church circuits.
When the situation became more organized the Ministers, workers and the members of the Ampara Methodist Church along with some Students of the Pilimathalawa Theological College were involved in preparing relief packs which were distributed in Ampara and Batticaloa districts. These food stuffs were transported in special trucks which had higher floor boards to travel through roads covered with water.
The relief work was done in different stages viz.
- Stage 1. Initial relief – providing cooked meals and drinking water.
- Stage 2. Providing Dry ration packs, clothes, bedding, hygiene packs, kitchen utensils, medicines and the educational needs of the children. etc.
- Stage 3 Repairs to damaged houses : Most of the houses are made of mud- clay and wattle and daub type. These could not resist the flood waters and hence collapsed. Some houses have been completely damaged and the people had to move out to refugee camps. Many moved in to our churches seeking refuge and our church Ministers looked after them in the churches and school halls and community centers in liaison with the State authorities.
- Stage 4. Assisting the people to re start their livelihood means. The needs are many, we need more funding support to continue.
DSR / MRDS managed to continue the work with the generous contributions received from our donor community both foreign, local and also from circuits and individuals.
The relief work still continues as the people who have gone back to their own houses; many have found the houses destroyed completely or partially, and their belongings lost or perished, and their means of livelihood destroyed and all of them have to be rehabilitated.
The Desks which were created to take up issues pertaining to Children, Youth, Women, Homes, Justice and Peace / Inter Faith and Environment activities continue. How ever only the Justice & Peace / Interfaith and the Environment Desk have full time Coordinators. The reports submitted by these desk co-ordinators will appear as annexures to this report.
DSR Projects 2010 |
/ 2011 |
|
No |
Project |
Donor / Place |
Remarks |
1 |
Vocational Training Kalmunai |
UEM / Kalmunai |
Project ceased to be operated in February.
As the youth opted to drop out due to the strong
competition from State Training programmes which give Govt. recognition. |
2 |
Tripple ‘H’ Medical Programme |
UEM / Chenkalady |
In progress. Funding received for the first 12 months have been released to the centre and we await for the updated progress report from the circuit to submit to UEM as it is required by them to release funds for the next year. |
3 |
Pottery Project |
UEM/ Polwatte
- Minuwangoda |
The project which was abandoned long time go is being recommenced with a new proposal requested by the circuit to assist the house holds of this predominant Pottery village. Funds received in December 2011.
A new project to provide a mobile clay mixing machine is in progress to make available to go to the households and help to mix their clay. |
4 |
Sunday School Teacher Training |
UEM / General all round |
In progress No specific place. |
5 |
Construction of Elders Home & Children’s Home |
DUBLIN CENTRAL MISSION / Badulla |
Funds from ‘Dublin Central Mission’released through MRDS. Construction of Buildings completed and the project is in progress. |
6 |
Construction of Community building |
ST.JAMES / UK Thirukkovil – Sinnamuhathuwaram. |
Construction of building is in progress and Community Development - Livelihood programmes will commence shortly. |
7 |
Children sponsorship |
CHRISTIAN HORIZON |
No specific place. /General all round |
8 |
Children's Centre and Community Hall |
DIAKONIE / Vaharai. |
The Building complex was built in Vahare with the funding assistance from Diakonie. Children’s, omen’s and various community development programmes, preschool, tution and coaching classes examination students are being conducted as organized by the circuit.
There had been numerous obstructions and protest from non- Christian communities in the area when deciding on the site for the construction of the building complex which delayed the implementation of the work. However with God’s grace the state authorities in the area permitted our church to go ahead with the project at the current site. |
9 |
Vocational Training Centre |
BREAD FOR THE WORLD / Vanni Mission |
A building was constructed on church land in Paranthan, and the machinery & equipment from the Kalmunai VTC were shifted to this centre for the use of training purposes to provide training in the Domesticc Electrician and the Plumbing trades which has a good demand and job opportunities in the area for the youth.
Further English Language classes and Speech Training is in progress and will follow with Carpentry and Masonry training. |
10 |
Construction of Women’s Centre |
J.M.RAJARATNAM /
Alvai – Jaffna. |
The Rajaratnam family members who now live in Canada has donated funds for this project in memory of their parents who had been living in Jaffna and was founder members of the Alvai church. |
11 |
Construction of 90 Toilets. |
DIAKONIE / In the Vanni Mission |
Toilets are being constructed under the direct supervision of the Vanni Mission Circuit ,co-ordinated by MRDS. 90% of the construction work is completed. |
12
|
Cinnamon Cultivation Project |
Project commenced with UMCOR funding in Kalahe –Samagamkanda
Church land |
UMCOR funds have been used up and the circuit continue the project. The plants have now grown in to trees /bushes around 3 ft in height . Circuit has requested for additional funding from MRDS / DSR. This will be a very profitable project – the circuit envisage to reap substantial profits which will enable them to sustain the project and continue indefinitely and also have additional funds to assist the on coming new circuit projects. |
13
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Women’s Care Centre in Thampola. |
UMCOR & South Hills Bible Chapel /
In Thampola |
The spacious land of the church was made use of to construct many buildings to form the ‘Women’s Rehabilitation centre complex ‘. The main purpose of the centre is to rehabilitate and provide guidance for young Girls / women who have been abused. A few young girls are already being taken care of (in-house) at the Centre and few programmes have been conducted open to the women in the community as well.
A Lady Minister from the church has been released full time; to be the Manager of the project. |
14 |
Puliyanthivu Women's Centre |
Circuit and General funds Puliyanthivu |
In progress – assisting the women in distress and who have
lost their male family members by various disasters (natural or man made) |
15 |
Mahiladithivu Children’s Centre |
Ragala Aid Fund - Penny Gorden / Puliyanthivu |
A building was constructed. Children’s activity & caring for children programmes are in progress. The building was used to house those who were displaced due to the recent floods . |
16 |
Rathugala Farming Project |
General Funds / Ampara |
Livelihood - Animal Husbandry and Agriculture. Project in progress.
The circuit has decided to deviate from their earlier plan of rearing cattle and to rearing pigs to produce piglets for sale. |
17 |
Komari Livelihood |
UEM / Komari |
Livelihood activities such as Animal Husbandry, Agriculture etc at household level are in progress. |
18
|
MRDF Stage II Tsunami continuation project |
MRDF – UK / Methodist Church UK
Pt Pedro – Kaddaveli |
This includes the following activities: Construction of Houses, Children’s education - Pre school, Evening classes, Women’s Development and Livelihood projects
This is a long term tsunami project funded by MRDF UK which is being continued. |
19 |
Children sponsorship |
Christian Horizon / General - common |
Continues |
20 |
Payment of Pre School Teachers' salary - |
DSR General Fund / Kattiyawa |
Up to April 2010 |
21 |
Payment of Pre School Teachers' salary - |
DSR General Fund Minneriya |
Up to April 2010 |
22 |
Boys Home – Tangalle Payment of
Running expenses |
Donor – Dortmund & Mr Khrishan Thuraisingham /Tangalle |
Up to June 2010 |
23 |
Diyalagoda - Girls Home - Dortmund |
Dortmund / Diyalagoda -Kalutara |
,, |
24 |
Palakudah - DCC – Payment of running expense |
Share Fund – Mr Mohan Samarasinghe / Palakudah |
,, |
25 |
School children’s evening classes |
Puliyanthivu |
,, |
26 |
Youth Leadership and Awareness |
General Programme |
Conducted |
|
Youth Exchange Programme |
General Programme |
Conducted |
Highlights from District Synod Reports
Central District
Jampettah Wattala Circuit
- Street children Project called Arumbugal takes care of 64 children
- Free evening classes are being conducted up to A Level classes three days a week. There are 8 voluntary teachers helping in this project.
- Children are encouraged to improve their talents by teaching games, songs and stories and recitations. Some members visit the children’s houses and encourage them to join in.
- A Christmas programme was conducted and around 100 children were given gifts including School bags, books, stationary etc.
- A seminar was conducted by Dr Ajantha Perera which attracted around 45 children.
- Relief items were given to 20 families at Vadulwatte outreach programme.
Colombo North Circuit
- Members of Sinhala and Tamil congregations and the families residing in Methsevena housing Scheme participated in the peace and reconciliation programme between the area police and Summit pura community.
- A blod donation campaign was conducted by the circuit on Holy Saturday.
Maradana Kollupitiya Circuit
- The circuit BSR runs a preschool for 74 children
- Christmas and cultural programmes were conducted, was supported by the Lions club of the area.
- The Kollupitiya Society donated Rs: 10,000/= a month to “ Christian Care Kollupitiya” to purchase medicines to the needy and provide dry rations to 20 families on monthly basis.
- Supported children of needy families with their school fees.
- Conduct a nutritional feeding project to help under nourished children.
Colombo South Circuit
Nugegoda Society:
- Dry rations are distributed to those who come to collect their Samurdhi payments at the Post Office.
- The needy members of the society are encouraged to supplement their livelihood by selling items other than food at the MWF Breakfast stall on every 3rd Sunday of each month.
- Education sponsorship for children.
Moor Road Society:
- Support a pre school in Batticaloa with the children’s mid day meal.
- Financialy supports two women in Olumadhu village in Vavuniya.
- Two farmers in Thanduvan were given water pumps to support their farming projects.
- A widow in Killinochchi was supported to set up a grocery outlet.
Wellawatte Social Action League
- MWF conducts a medical clinic for the needy patients on every poya day.
- The English teaching programme for around 60 children continues.
- A computer has been purchased to train these children on computer usage
Mt Lavinia Maharagama Circuit
- Two children affected by tsunami are taken care of by the circuit BSR having got the Battaramulla Magistrate courts approvalto be their facilitator.
- Provided the Willorawatte Girls Home with kitchen equipment for the home and also promoted fund raising event within the society resulting in receiving generous contributions.
- A computer literacy project provides free classes for church members who are interested to learn.
- BSR supports several families by way of loans and outright grants for those are in need. A wife of a Christian worker was supported with funs to follow a counselling course at TCL Pilimatalawa.
- Funds raised through a concert of Sacred Music performed by the Colombo Philharmonic Choir which and the other direct donations were used to provide Milk and dry rations and kitchen utensils to needy people in Kalmunai and Valachchenai.
Maharagama Society
- A special committee appointed by the society conducts a preschool which is attended by 37 children with 2 teachers and a helper.
Athura Mathugama Circuit
- As Christianity is not taught as a subject in most of the schools in the area for not having teachers our church has organized seminars and study programmes to coach up the children who are taking christianity as a subject in the examinations classes.
- The youth of the circuit spend their time in distributing school uniforms / dress materials to the children of the Kuda ganga area who were very badly affected by the recent floods.
- The pre school which was started by the Neboda church in December 2010 has around 20 children attending classes at the moment.
Ampara Circuit:
- Coordinated the flood relief activity in Ampara and Batticaloa districts and together with a group of students from TCL assisted MRDS in the distribution of food and dry rations to the flood victims.
Nuwara Eliya Circuit
- Conducts a Nursery for the children of the estate sector and have an attendance of 27children.
- Conducts special English classes for the benefit of the children of examinations classes at the Kandapola church premises.
Southern District
Matara Tangalle Circuit
- Conducts a day Care and early Childhood Development Centre for the children of over 35 families.
- Distribution of spectacles for the people who are in need of these.
- Providing cooked meals and distribution of dry rations to those who were affected by the recent floods and natural disasters. This relief activity was performed by the Circuit in liaison with the AGA’s office.
- Distribution of Exercise books for school children affected by the floods in the Anuradhapura district.
- A special 3 day programme was conducted in Jaffna together with the different religious dignitaries and Buddhist Bhikkus to make them aware of the work done by the Methodist church in the North there by creating inter religious harmony among the different faiths.
- Negotiated with the staff of estates / plantations to help the estate workers to get their official matters such as obtaining birth certificates and other needs attended.
Hiniduma Circuit
- Created a death benevolent fund in Deniyaya to provides monetary support at a time of a bereavement..
- Conducts special evening classes in the Mission House for the poor children to assist themin education.
- A special fund was created to help the poor widows who have no substantial income. At present 5 families are being provided with monetary support monthly.
- Organized special training and provision of loans through FARMS LANKA to enhance the earning capacity, livelihood and generate family income.
Panadura Circuit
- The Kalapugama tsunami housing project was delayed due to various external difficulties. How ever. the circuit was able to sort out various obstacles that were prevailing due external problems that came up from the village for a long time. Built up closer relationships with the neighborhood and completed the housing project which was named “ Meth Sevana”. Assisted the village authority to construct a community hall with funding support from MRDS, FARMS LANKA and Circuit Members too provided monetary support to obtain water service and electricity which was dedicated with a special service of thanks giving conducted by the church.
- “Priya Sevana” Elder’s home is now 18 years and has 7 inmates. The home is maintained with help provided by the church members.
- The child care centre is now 32 years. KNH has ceased to support the centre how ever the circuit cares for around 30 children with the support of the church members.
- The free medical clinic continues and cares for patients of all faiths. A special one day medical camp was conducted to commemorate the church jubilee which was attended by over 600.
- The circuit’s Educational fund is supporting the children of poor families by way of scholarship programmes, providing exercise books, educational materials, special classes etc.
- Providing dry rations to those affected by the floods
- Joining in the exchange programme and providing accommodation to those who came from Northa & East.
Rawathawatte Circuit
- Donated Rs. 52,800.00 to The NCC to pay the salaries of two teachers who are teaching Christianity in schools where they do not have teachers for the subject..
- Conducted an educational seminar for ‘O’ level students.
- Conducted a seminar for the children of Diyalagoda Home.
- Distribution of Exercise books for children of poor families who are unable to provide for the children.
- Conducting a free nursery for the little children.
- Donated Rs: 25,000.00 for the flood affected people in North and East.Constructed 2 New Houses for two poor families through EORO fund.
- Computer Training Project in Egodauyana funded by MRDS.
Moratumulla Circuit
- A total sum of Rs. 1,82,500/- was distributed among low income grouped families.
- Cooked meals and dry ration packs and also clothing were distributed for those affected by floods in many areas.
- Supplied clothing, dry ration books, books, shoes to MHQ to be sent to flood affected areas.
- Rs. 33,800/- was given for the payment of salaries of a divinity teacher.
Seeduwa Circuit
- 100 families who were affected by the recent floods were provided with dry ration packs each worth Rs: 1200/= and a further 400 non member families were given dry ration packs each worth Rs. 1000./- .
Immediately following the floods a medical clinic was conducted for those who had caught infections.
Kurana - Negombo Circuit
- 8 Children with special aptitudes for different activities were supported with special training to improve further.
- The nurseries in Kurana and Dalupotha continues which are well attended by the little children in the area.
- The death benevolent fund continues assisting families when there is a bereavement.
Katana – Miriswatte Circuit
Pathalawatte Farm in Miriswatte have the following projects:
- Piggery to sell piglets, poultry, raring cows and vegetable growing – agriculture.
- Two nurseries are being conducted in Miriswatta and Katana.
- Conducts a health and nutrition awareness programme for the parents of the nursery children.
NWP South Circuit
Ape Koratuwa Agriculture Farm Project
- It continues as a very successful profitable project. It is accepted as model farm in the area, where children from schools in Puttlam District are sent to be trained in home gardening and animal husbandry.
The training in home gardening is being conducted in the church premises which has been well accepted and at times on requests from other organizations the project holding circuit conduct training for them in their farm sites.
- Special training is provided to the female farmer community on scientific paddy cultivation methods, food security and nutrition by the Ape Koratuwa Farm staff. The Peace and Justice Committee at MHQ supports them to market the rice they produce.
North and East Synod
Point Pedro- Kaddaiveli circuit
- Rs 450,000 provided by a donor was distributed among selected beneficiary families who were from Wanni as a self employment loan of Rs.10,000 each.
- Funds collected by the circuit was utilized to provide mats, bedsheets and lamps and similar items for those displaced in the severe floods in January – Feb 2011 in the Battiocaloa district.
- Newton agriculture and livelihood farm
The Agriculture farm was set up with Rs 4.5 M provided by Diakonia Kastrophenlife in 4 acres of land in Valikandy. Facilities for a cattle farm have been fulfilled. 5 cattle, 5 goats and 50 chickens are presently being raised. A poultry pen to raise 400 chickens is being constructed .
- Centre for the Differently Abled
The centre is run at Point Pedro with 10 students and one teacher. Here a regular study program, games and snacks are provided. The Christmas program was held on a grand scale.
- Women’s Development centre
The work among widows, marginalized, vulnerable and abandoned women is being conducted successfully.16 women’s Self Help groups are functioning and its 576 members have received loans which are being settled in instalments. In August 2010, 40 women were provided training in skills to develop their self employment initiatives at the Nesaham Centre. 5 in this group were provided with gas cookers . A new women’s group was formed in Thondamannar.
Housing Project for tsunami the affected in Sinna Colony in Thikkam. 8 houses are fully completed and 7 more houses are being constructed.
Children’s work
- Preschools are being held in Point Pedro , Kaddaiveli and Thumpalai. Community based children’s program is being held at the Kaddaiveli Boys home. 15 children from Point Pedro, Kaddaiveli, Alvai, Katkovalam who are from poor families under the poverty line, or who have lost both parents are being cared for. There education needs are provided and special activities and games are being held regularly.
Kalmunai Circuit
- In last year the 2 preschools were discontinued due to poor attendance of children and lack of funds to pay teachers in the circuit .The Methodist Vocational training centre in Kalmunai was also discontinued due to poor demand and attendance. Three courses were held during the year and certificates were awarded to successful participants.
- Teak saplings were planted within the premises of the Kalmunai home as a long term project.
- In Navanthaveli the poor are provided with breakfast, lunch and milk food and the elderly are provided with the basic essentials . People were encouraged to be self employed by selling hoppers, potatoes and coconut oil as self employment ventures .To overcome the drinking water problem two tube wells have been sunk.
- Due to the floods in January and February 2011 flood affected members were provided with dry ration packs on 2 occasions. 4 persons from Panditruppu Anpuvalipuram were provided with self employment opportunities through the support of the YMCA.
- The clay pot group in Pandiruppu and Theresa women group members are seeking support from our church.
Jaffna Circuit In the last year the circuit social work continued to function well. These include the Vembasthan women’s hostel, Methodist women’s hostel, Allapity pre school, Allaipity relief and loan scheme, Atchelpreschool, Atchelu agriculture cultivation and Kilner Hall preschool.
Vembasthan
- There were facilities made available for residential stay for women medical students, trainee nurses and nurses. This service was discontinued due to planned renovation of the building.
Methodist Women’s Hostel
- Due to phasing outs of funds from KNH the Children’s home was discontinued and a women’s hostel has been established. This hostel has working women from many organizations staying here.
Allapity
- 25-30 children in the preschool are provided with nutritious meals as well. The salaries for the teacher is provided by the society. The families living here were resettled in 2009-10 and loans were provided for them to start their livelihoods. 3 animators and 2 volunteers are being utilized to support the work.
Kallar Circuit
- Due to the recent floods the affected people were provided with dry ration packs on 2 occassions. 75 widows affecteted by the floods in Suravanaiadiootru village were provided with dry ration packs.
- 4 families of widows were provided with Cement, cement blocks and tin sheets to repair their houses.
Children’s work
- Preschools are functioning in Kallar, Mahalurmunai and Kurumanveli.
- Thirty five children are residing and continuing with their education at the Girls Home. There are 17 children residing in Kaluwanchikudy boys home and attending school.
- Plans are being made to start evening classes to support the education of the students in Palacholai and Thumbangkerny
Trincomalee circuit
- 3 preschools and 4 nutrition feeding programs are being supported by the Circuit. 300 children are benefitting from these interventions.
- In a new mission area of Shanthipuram there are 25 children in the preschool who are provided with a nutritious meal on the days they attend school.
- The circuit has a Boy’s home and a Girls home which continue to function.
- Those affected by the recent floods this year persons were provided dry rations packs.
- Assistance was provided to three families whose houses were completely damaged to rebuild the houses.
- An awareness program titled “ Future of the family” was conducted by Shanthi Ponnu group for the people in the GN division of Kanniya – Pillayady. Relief items were also distributed in the village.
Chenkalady Circuit
- The Kaluwankerny dispensary is a great boon for the people of the village who would otherwise have to travel 8 km to the nearest medical facility to receive treatment. Due to this facility people are able to easily access to health care medicines and hygiene awareness programs are also being conducted.
- The unemployed women in Kaluwankerny have had training in sewing on a 3 month course from January to March. 17 women who successfully completed the course are now self employed .Preparations are being made to start batik dyeing in the future .
- Preschools are being run successfully in Chenkalady, Kaluwankerny, Thalavai and Vepewettuwan . The cost for teachers and the nutritious meal at Vepawettuwan preschool is being supported by 2 families.
- Due to the floods this year relief items were provided to the affected in the area. This was not only confined to the members but all other affected .
- The Well in Veppewettuwan church premises is used by the village for their drinking water purposes. During the dry season when the well runs dry people have to walk 4 km to get their requirement. Due to the support received from Rev Eun Bum Chung the well has been dug deeper to ensure solution to the water scarcity of the people.
Muttur Circuit
- Due to natural disasters and conflict related issues the was persisting in the areas the people were looking up to the church for relief. The circuit uses
- The Women’s and Children’s Development Centre in Vaharai
This is being used as a base for the community development activities. Amidst strong opposition from the majority Hindu faith, the circuit was able to set up a pre school and nutrition feeding centre in Ammanthanveli –Vaharai. This is victory in history of social work in the area. Due to the relationship established with the people in the area they were able to overcome challenges of the religious opposition. 75 children are cared for in a day care centre in Muttur, 40 children in Kallady and 35 children in Patalipuram who are provided nutritious meal daily
- Due to the recent floods we were able to support those affected through the assistance received from MRDS, AES Kelani Tissa and UMCOR by way of relief items.
In the last year 5 underprivileged schools in the resettled villages were identified and the students appearing for the OL were provided with special coach up classes in Maths, Tamil and Science . Well known teachers from Colombo and in the region conducted these classes which were well received by the students. The impact of these classes was that 60 % of the students passed the examination .
Non formal education is being provided to 40 children affected by the war in Thanga Nagar. Due to shortage of teachers in 3 schools in the Muttur Education zone, The circuit assisted in the payment of salaries of 3 volunteer teachers..
Valachchenai Circuit
- Preschools with nutrition feeding programs among children are being conducted in Kiran, Kinnaiyady and Kalkudah . There are more than 100 children who are receiving their early education in these schools. There are 2 teachers in each preschool.
- The special features during the year were an excursion, teacher training program , cultural program and a sports meet for the children.
- Teachers for Christianity have been nominated and financially supported in Kiran and Kalmadhu schools.
- Under the peace program special evening classes are being held for students in Pirampadithivu.There are 65 students from this village who are benefitting from these classes facilitated by 2 teachers.
- Valechenai boys home continue with 10 boys through the support of KNH.
- Women’s self help groups have been formed and loans have been provided in order to raise the livelihood income of women.
- Due to the Floods this year a temporary camp was set up for the affected people and Cooked meals, Dry rations packs and essential day to requirements were provided.
- With a view enhance peace,reconciliation and goodwill among different communities a joint gathering with a group from the Sinhalese community from Galle was held.
- We continue to maintain and enhance our relationship with the Buddhist community in our area as well.
Koddaimunai Circuit
- Provided self help loans to very deserving 5 families.
- Circuit Girls home continues to run with 27 children and 4 staff by the grace of our Lord..
- We are providing self help loans to those who are very needy in the circuit. This year the circuit has provided loans to 5 such persons.
- The Circuit Girls home continues to run with 27 children and 4 staff by the grace of our Lord.
- KNH have phased out their funding to the Home with effect from 31 December 2010. From this year onwards the circuit has taken over the running of the home and sustains it through funds received from rental income from NTB bank and the partnership of circuit members.
- After the KNH funding for the Thannamunai Day care centre phased out from 31 December 2008 , it has been run as a preschool by the circuit. This year there are 30 children and 2 teachers in this preschool.
Mannar – Murungan Circuit
- The Circuit provides support to children of Day care Centres in Jeevodayam Farm and Murungan, Preschools in Parrikarikandal, Mannar , Maddukarai , Narruvillikulam , Chemmanthivu, Thampalaikulam the Boys home in Jeevodayam Farm and Centre for the Differently abled in Maddukarai through the provision from the Jeevodayam Farm. The orphaned children from families who are below the poverty line, receive educational and nutritional support for their well being.
- University students from the Parrikarikandal Church are supported with a monthly allowance. are provided
- A small allowancesis being paid to the Volunteer teachers to teach Christianity by the Mannar and Narruvillikulam Church.
- The circuit responded immediately to the recent flood victims by providing emergency relief.
Thirukovil Circuit
- The circuits runs a girls home in Akkaraipathu, Boys home in Thirukovil and a day care centre in Balakuda .
- The teaching of Christianity in government schools is done through the support of members of the youth fellowship.
- A sewing centre, Vocational skills in Trishaws repairs , Roof repairs and painting are being conducted in the church premises.
- The Methodist cultural centre plays an important role and continues to serve the needs of the people in the area.
- Relief was provided to Circuit members and the and others who were very affected by the recent floods.
Puliyanthivu Circuit
- The welfare of the poor in new mission areas are being attended to.
- Revolving credit loans are being provided to women’s groups.
- 4 nutritional centres and a preschool are being held. More than 200 children are directly benefitting from preschool education and nutrition. Among these ,the funds for the Ariyampathy preschool are being provided by Moor Road Church Colombo.
- It is noteworthy that the funds for the Notchimunai pre school was provided by an Organisation named ‘Ocean Star’ until 31 March 2011. The funds for Unnichai (6-7 mile post) preschool is being provided by Individual donors, friends and Aims Organization of Canada.
- In Mahiladithivu the Gordans Girls home is caring for 13 children who have lost either or both parents .We are happy to note that these children who were backward and marginalized have changed significantly showing keen interest in their studies, social habits and behavior after coming under the care of the home.
- The Women Empowerment centre in our circuit is home to 15 women and children who have been affected by social problems. The requirements for these women’s health, Psychosocial counseling and legal assistance is being provided by this centre. Due to the intervention of the President of Conference two poor families were provided with new houses.
Flood Relief assistance
- Due to the devastating floods in Batticaloa over 286 families received Dry rations packs on 3 occasions. Due to the Flooding in the 1st phase in January, Ninety affected families were cared for at the Welfare centre set up in the Mahiladithevu Girls home . They were provided with all 3 meals daily and other assistance. The Methodist Church headquarters and the church well wishers from overseas provided financial assistance for our interventions.
- In the 2nd Phase in February over 175 families were staying at Mahiladithevu Girls Home provided with cooked meals and other basic needs from 2nd February to 19th February and the KNH and individual church well wishes from here and abroad provided financial assistance for this intervention. When the people returned to their homes after the flood waters subsided they were provided with dry ration packs and kitchen utensils. The Circuit provided cooked meals not only for the families at Mahiladithivu Children Home camp but also for others in Welfare centres in close proximity.
- Kitchen utensils were also provided to 200 affected families in Muthalaikuda funded by the NCC.
- Further76 Church families were provided kitchen utensils with the funds received from MRDS/ MHQ.
- The Point Pedro - Kaddaiveli circuit provided mats and hurricane lamps for those affected by the Floods.
- The foundation stone was laid for a Peace centre in Manchanthuduvai last year which was jointly laid by the Mayor and Deputy of the Batticaloa Municipal council, President of MCSL, Islamic religious dignitaries and the Anglican priest of the area to promote interfaith relationship. In December messages on Christ Birth was broadcast on radio with the participation of Christian, Hindu and Islam religious dignitaries at the Puliyanthivu Church.
Komari
- Preschools are being conducted in Puttuvil and Thandiyadi by their respective Churches.
- The preschools in Urani and Manalchenai are supported by World Vision.
- The Day care centre in Komari is supported by KNH.
- In the Puttuvil Methodist Mission School the education for children with special needs is being administered by the church and funded by World Vision.
- 30 families of Widowed mothers in Komari are being provided with Financial assistance for self employment initiatives by the circuit.
- The 600 poor families affected by the floods in Komari, Pottuvil , Thandiyadi, Urani, Manelchenai, Panama and Rottai were provided with Dry ration packs.
- Measures are being taken to resettle 150 families including 18 Church families in the destroyed Kanagar village in Puttuvil area due to military operations of the IPKF.
Vavuniya
- In the Vavuniya North DS Division area of Nedunkerny 14 preschools are being conducted amidst the resettled families in the area with a vision to empower the war affected children.
- Peace garden – a healing programme for war affected children has been started. Through this programme children’s clubs have been started in selected areas in the district and programs conducted to develop the leadership and other abilities of the children.There is a counseling service provided to those in need.
- Widowed due to the war are being assisted to develop their livelihood activities through self help groups . Free medical camps have been held and spectacles have been distributed to those in need.
Conclusion
I am so grateful to our President for his guidance and leadership, Secretary Conference, Vice President of Conference, The 3 District Chairmen and all the Ministers and Lay workers and the Church Members and my colleagues at MRDS and Headquarters; for the support which enabled us to continue with our work.
We express our sincere gratitude and thanks to all our Foreign Donors and local donors for having supported us in many ways to take care of our brothers and sisters who were in distress.
‘ It is in Giving –not seeking gifts, we find what’s best.’
Hemal Fernando
Secretary Convener
Department of Social responsibility.
Proposed DSR Committee for the Year 2011 / 2012
Ex officio Members : President of Conference, Secretary of Conference, Vice President, Secretary for Finance, the three district Chairpersons, the three district Secretaries of BSR, and new nominations
Rev W P Ebenezer Joseph, Rev Duleep Fernando, Rev Noel Fernando, Ms Sandya Nonis, Brig. Rizvi Zacky, Mr Vasantha De Silva,
Mr R Rajadurai, Mr Nishantha Fernando and Treasurer - Mr Ruvan De Silva, Accountant Projects - Ms. Sisirani Mendis, Secretary Convener: Hemal Fernando
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