The Diocese of Badulla

The Bishop of Badulla

The activities that were funded by World Missions, Ireland, enabled the community to bring God's hope beyond the boundaries of what was already here. This was achieved as a result of loving, caring and helping neighbours in ordinary day-to-day business. Catholic children are taught Christian values to help them become law-abiding and God-loving citizens. Bishop Winston S. Fernando wrote to say:

"I believe that a number of benefactors have made sacrifices in the name of Christ to share what God has given them with the poor and needy children in this diocese. The monies given to us by you have been utilized for healthcare programmes that involved feeding, clothing and educating the children in the nineteen parishes here in Badulla. Be assured of our prayers and of the children who are very grateful to you and the benefactors."

Scholarships for the Poor, Badulla

A total of 490 benefited from this project which initially was planned to bring early school leavers back into the education system by way of scholarships. The funds were used to pay for clothing, books, school materials, nourishment and transport. Throughout the diocese, there have been six centres set up for this kind of work, where classes are conducted by lay-people and religious sisters. Games, recreational activities and picnics are also organised for two or three of the centres together to keep costs to a minimum. Catholic children were also taught religious knowledge and Christian values in order to develop a Christian conscience and to become useful and caring citizens. 

Feeding and Healthcare programmes for children in Upper and Lower Uwa

This programme was vital for the well-being of the general community in these areas. Specifically, 1,680 children were benefitted by this subsidy which afforded them access to rice and grain, healthcare in rural hospitals, vitamins, patent medicines and surgery, and additional transport when needed. Milk, food and biscuits were among the first items to be given out by the Religious Sisters, particularly to young infants who are in need of such nutrition. Under Missionary Animation activities, the children were taught religious knowledge and to care for neighbours who are unable to care for themselves. Among the beneficiaries, about 60% of the children were non-Christian. 

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The Diocese of Chilaw

The Bishop of Chilaw

"I wish to thank the Society of Missionary Children for the extraordinary grant we received in order to enhance our activities for children. We are grateful for what was given. Thanks to these grants we were able to achieve most of our objectives."  - Bishop Valence Mendis

The grant of which the Bishop writes about here was first put to use by creating seminars and formation sessions for the children of the diocese. As a priority however, more funds than expected were used to purchase food, clothes and medicines for orphanages. Books and school stationery were also provided to children below 14 years of age. "We have much to thank God for. Notwithstanding some shortcomings, good work is being done here, and thanks to this grant we are capable of continuing this work. We are deeply grateful for all what you are to us."

Food and Clothing to deserving children in the Puttalam Deanery

Puttalam Deanery is the least privileged deanery compared with others in the diocese of Chilaw. If the church had not stepped in, some children would have been condemned to a very bleak future. Fortunately, the money given by Irish benefactors was used for providing books, clothing and transport costs of which about 650 children were fortunate to receive help as a result.

"We always make it a point to give missionary animation both to adults and children. This is done in the Church, classroom and elsewhere. Some children have responded with a great sense of responsibility. The children who receive help are keeping in close contact with us and a certain leadership and missionary awareness is seen emerging from them."

Assistance for the Children of Samindugama

The Diocese of Chilaw, being the North Western coastal belt of the country, comprises a good number of fishing communities that live under marginalised conditions in simple huts. Though they are poor, the efforts of their labour go a long way in contributing towards the economy of Sri Lanka.

Of these fishing families, approximately 600 children were helped by the aid of World Missions, Ireland. It can also be noted that elders too benefited from worked carried out and made possible through generous donations.

"Our efforts involved much expense, such as providing books, clothes, transport and salaries for teachers and health workers. Thanks to our efforts and your donations, these children received a wealth of Christian education and upbringing. If not for these efforts, the children's futures might have been very colourless. We are thankful to the Holy Childhood for the donations pledged." 

Safeguarding the Religious Tenor in Schools, Chilaw

The nationalisation of schools by the government in 1960 meant that the Church were unable to set up schools for Catholics. As a result, it has been very difficult to create a Christian atmosphere within the education system. Many teachers of Catholic children are religiously denominational. However, during the years following, parishes in this diocese have been keen on taking various steps to remedy the situation. The assistance graciously given by World Missions, Ireland, has been scrupulously been made use of to help children realise their vocation. About 725 children have profited by this programme of inculcating Christian values to our Catholic children in state schools. The parish priests also get the children to engage in special programmes on a parochial level, teaching them sound spiritual and moral values. 

Maintenance of St. Peter's Children's Home, Chilaw

Another successful year was had in the maintenance and repair of this home, which is a diocesan institute. The diocese considers it her duty to look after those children to the best of its ability, keeping very high standards. The money given by SMC has been used for food, clothing and medicine. Following government regulations, only Catholic children can be accepted to this home, of which there are 35. The normal life of a student here includes regular studies, sports and other activities that children should engage in. Some have responded with a tremendous sense of responsibility. 

Holy Cross Orphanage, Marawil

There are forty-four girls living in this orphanage. Missionary children in Ireland contributed to the running costs of this home in 2010. The 'First Communion Friends' initiative helped to cover some of the expenses of preparing for the sacrament of First Holy Communion last year. The Holy Family Sisters who run this home teach girls about Missionary Children so that they too can become part of the circle of children praying for and sharing with each other around the world. 

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The Diocese of Kurunegala

Construction of a Montessori School, Dummalasuliya

"First of all, we sincerely express our sentiments of gratitude for the financial help given to realise our project. This is going to be very helpful as envisaged for the whole of the Parish. Mainly it provides room to conduct Sunday school education. Our children are fortunate to have this hall."- Most Rev. Harold Anthony Perera

Currently, the building has been completed as far as roof level. The heavy rains delayed work for a while, but construction is still ongoing. There is much enthusiasm in the community towards this project, with many residents contributing by offering their labour and time. The whole parish is excited about the completion of the hall and its subsequent use.

Health project for children suffering from malnutrition, Dummalasuliya

Due to the abundant poverty in the North Western province of Sri Lanka, the children of this area have become half-grown with the inability to cope with society. To remedy this situation, the diocesan centre runs a preschool project at a parochial level. It provides with it a possibility for identifying children of remote areas who are suffering from malnourishment. It is because of their work - involving the distribution of milk powder - that many children are now becoming more healthy.

Introduction of preschools for poor children, Dummalasuliya

The preschool system makes a huge impact on the opportunities of children in pursuing the next stages of their education. They are motivated not to be lazy, but to be active. This is also one of the ways to encourage the parents to be more interested in their children's future.

The aims of this project are to provide opportunities for poor families to educate their children; to educate children to accept others with love and affection; to create a healthy environment in villages for families; to imbue human and Christian values and; to provide nutrition for the malnourished.