Smile Sri Lanka: Educate the Kids
Donation protected
Briefly about me, my name is Deshanthi Perera, I was born in Sri Lanka, a third world country in Southeast Asia. I was blessed by my parents in their decision to move to the US in order to provide my siblings and I with a strong education and endless opportunity. My parents enstilled in me that education was a privilege and not a right, which truly made me appreciate school and motivated me to attain my goal of being a first generation college graduate. After graduating from the Nursing program at Simmons College in 2014, I am now a registered nurse at Boston Children's Hospital with a passion to give with no return, especially to the children of the world!
After a recent trip to Sri Lanka, I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet children of Mother Theresa's orphanage which consists of about 150 children ranging from infants to pre-teens.
It is run with the help of a group of nuns who have dedicated their lives to help raise these children and do their best to ensure the children have a chance to attain basic education and skills for a chance to secure a job in "the real world" when they're on their own.
Education is one of the most important factors in helping people emerge from generational poverty; Without it, children in poverty face an uncertain future.
This is only a small fraction of children in the country that are in need of resources, education, guidance, and something to look foward to.
I was able to experience this need first hand and naturally I wondered what I could do to help.
I then learned of a non-profit organization called "Smile Foundation Ceylon" (SFC) whose mission is to provide educational resources such as basic english language skills, basic computer skills, artistic skills, and provide the children of the orphanages with hope for a better future.
This foundation has also partnered with SOS Children's Villages, that has over 4000 children in their care, to raise funds for books and stationary in the villages.
In addition, the foundation strives to bring awareness to the more fortunate youth to give back to the community and contribute to helping the orphaned and street kids by playing alongside these children and experiencing their living conditions first hand through volunteer opportunities.
Smile Sri Lanka hosts an annual Christmas Carnvial in which the invite orphans to celebrate the holidays; the kids are able to play, dance, and laugh freely. They are provided lunch, sweet treats, the gift of education with school books and supplies for the upcoming year, a special visit from santa, and are able to enjoy face painting, rides, and games.
The founders of the organization have thus far sponsored the majority of the carnival budget. In 2010, the very first carnival hosted close to three hundred orphans and less fortunate kids. The 2015 carnival recorded over 1500 kids at the event. Given the increase in numbers every year, Smile Foundation Ceylon is now in need of help to fund this attempt at spreading happiness and holiday cheer.
The carnival for December 2016 is projected to host over 1800 children with an estimated cost per child to be $15 USD. Please take the time to make a donation toward Smile Foundation Ceylon this holiday season and always remember there is no better gift than the gift of giving.
Smile Foundation Ceylon is currently working to create a website of their own for online donations but until they are up and running I figured we could get a head start from the other side of the globe! You may find more information on the foundation by following this link: http://smilefoundationsrilanka.com
Thank you for your generosity and support!
After a recent trip to Sri Lanka, I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet children of Mother Theresa's orphanage which consists of about 150 children ranging from infants to pre-teens.
It is run with the help of a group of nuns who have dedicated their lives to help raise these children and do their best to ensure the children have a chance to attain basic education and skills for a chance to secure a job in "the real world" when they're on their own.
Education is one of the most important factors in helping people emerge from generational poverty; Without it, children in poverty face an uncertain future.
This is only a small fraction of children in the country that are in need of resources, education, guidance, and something to look foward to.
I was able to experience this need first hand and naturally I wondered what I could do to help.
I then learned of a non-profit organization called "Smile Foundation Ceylon" (SFC) whose mission is to provide educational resources such as basic english language skills, basic computer skills, artistic skills, and provide the children of the orphanages with hope for a better future.
This foundation has also partnered with SOS Children's Villages, that has over 4000 children in their care, to raise funds for books and stationary in the villages.
In addition, the foundation strives to bring awareness to the more fortunate youth to give back to the community and contribute to helping the orphaned and street kids by playing alongside these children and experiencing their living conditions first hand through volunteer opportunities.
Smile Sri Lanka hosts an annual Christmas Carnvial in which the invite orphans to celebrate the holidays; the kids are able to play, dance, and laugh freely. They are provided lunch, sweet treats, the gift of education with school books and supplies for the upcoming year, a special visit from santa, and are able to enjoy face painting, rides, and games.
The founders of the organization have thus far sponsored the majority of the carnival budget. In 2010, the very first carnival hosted close to three hundred orphans and less fortunate kids. The 2015 carnival recorded over 1500 kids at the event. Given the increase in numbers every year, Smile Foundation Ceylon is now in need of help to fund this attempt at spreading happiness and holiday cheer.
The carnival for December 2016 is projected to host over 1800 children with an estimated cost per child to be $15 USD. Please take the time to make a donation toward Smile Foundation Ceylon this holiday season and always remember there is no better gift than the gift of giving.
Smile Foundation Ceylon is currently working to create a website of their own for online donations but until they are up and running I figured we could get a head start from the other side of the globe! You may find more information on the foundation by following this link: http://smilefoundationsrilanka.com
Thank you for your generosity and support!
Organizer
Deshanthi Perera
Organizer
Reading, MA