New lease of life for NE Children

By Mohammed NAALIR reporting from Muttur

It has become important to safeguard the lives of children in the North and the East after the elimination of terrorism. The Government has implemented various programs to this effect.

Certain social activists and philanthropists have also rendered assistance to feed and educate the orphaned children.

The Rawlathul Athfal (Boys) Children Home in Muttur was launched on a concept by several intellectuals and philanthropists of the area to provide asylum to the children who lost their parents due to the conflict, tsunami and to those denied of parental love.

This Home was opened in January 2005. At the outset it was decided to provide accommodation only for ten boys. At present the strength of the inmates has increased to 23.

Ten boys attached to this Home sat for the G.C.E. (O/L) examination last year. Four of them are studying for G.C.E. (A/L) in Commerce stream, three in Arts and the others who had completed the plumber course and computer studies are now employed.

The inmates of this Home will be provided shelter only till 18. Thereafter, they will be released to their parents or relatives or guardians as the case may be.

If any of them wished to continue their higher studies they could remain in the orphanage to do so.

Various people have volunteered to provide facilities to this Home, such as breakfast, lunch and dinner. Zakath is also made available. The philanthropists of the area make financial contributions also for its maintenance.

Caretaker Mansoor said that the Home has been registered with the Eastern Provincial Council. The Council provides Rs. 500 to each inmate monthly.

The Eastern Provincial Council's Child Probation Unit has authorised only 20 admissions to the Home. We have held discussions with the Islamic Development Bank in Saudi Arabia for financial assistance, Mansoor said.

The Saudi Bank has pledged to set up a primary school for 500 children in Akkaraichena, Muttur. A delegation of the Bank visited the children's Home sometime ago.

The Child Protection Authority officials make regular visits to the Home and make inquires about its progress as well as difficulties, if any, Mansoor said.