Hope's handmade cookies second to none

by Surekha GALAGODA

Employees of Sahan Sevana turn out handmade cookies under the brand 'Hope'. It was sponsored by the Ceylon Biscuits group to provide gainful employment to people with special needs.

The handmade cookies which are made under the supervision of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd (CBL)are unique and delicious. Sahan Sevana has a staff of 15 and plans are under way to increase it to 25 in keeping with the demand for their products, said the MD CBL Foods International (Pvt) Ltd, Susantha Gunawardene.

Profits re-invested

The Sahan Sevana has an experienced staff to supervise and the boys and girls employed are cheerful and willing workers. "We instil in them self-confidence and respect as they too are a part of our society". He said that CBL is planning to provide consultancy services with doctors to help employees.

Sahan Sevana is a part of the CBL CSR activities. The profits from the 'Hope' sales are re-invested to develop Sahan Sevana and for the welfare of its employees.

Sahan Sevana operates from 8am to 5pm, like any other factory. They produce a variety of delicious cookies such as butter, chocolate, sesame, peanut and coconut crumbles.

The staff is provided breakfast, lunch,tea,as well as uniforms and birthday gifts. The boys and girls have their own mobile phones which are switched off when they reach Sahan Sevana. The phones were purchased with their earnings. Some of them take photographs on their mobile phones. Some come to work unaccompanied while others come with a parent.

Roshen Madushanka Perera (23) who has been working for eight months said that he loves the work. Roshen turns out cookies and packs them. Sameera (23)from Panagoda packs, sweeps,washes cups and wipes the trays. He banks his salary.

Prakash(26) who hails from Habarakada oversees the oven. He needs a lot of attention. Prageeth (29)from Meegoda handles the sealing machine. Employees of Sahan Sevana have a string of disabilities yet it's amazing how they have overcome these drawbacks to introduce Hope cookies to the market considered some of the best handcrafted confectionery in the country.

Special Needs

Chamila Sudarshini Gunawardena who runs Sahan Sevana has undergone training in Japan and is mother to all children.

Though she has been working with children with special needs this was the first occasion she is working with a blind child.

"I only need patience as at times they act like little children. She pays equal attention to all of them.

The children love their work and are very attentive.

Ms Gunawardena who has visited all their homes said that their rooms are neat and tidy and they all help out with the household chores. Their parents are very supportive as they have been relieved of a big burden and are happy to see them employed. CBL also provide support and guidance.

"It is estimated that there are over 600,000 people with disabilities in the country.

At a time when the country is poised for aggressive economic growth, we should get all segments of society to contribute towards it.

The vision of Sahan Sevana is to empower these people with special needs to stand among us as equals and contribute towards the country's development. We also hope this endeavour would contribute to re-integrate them into society.

The initial progress has been very encouraging. Parents said that there had been a marked improvement in their children's behaviour during the past year.

Business Model

Sahan Sevana should be commercially viable and a self sustainable organisation.

Today we have proved to the world that people with special needs can be employed," said Gunawardene.

The success of the Sahan Sevana business model is its simplicity. CBL used expertise to manufacture and promote 'Hope' while providing gainful employment to their special staff.

Handmade 'Hope' confectionery can easily compete with all top end brands.

It is the quality of the product that ensures continuity of purchase and CBL hopes that other leading corporates would also explore their areas of expertise and help this deserving section of the community.