A 'Change' for the underprivileged

Hidden from the urban eye are families that are drowning in poverty and are unable to overcome the poverty on their own. Those who are most affected by this misfortune are the children of these families as they don't get adequate nutrition and are unable to receive proper education.

A foundation for a better tomorrow for underprivileged children can be laid who will in future be better equipped to provide for the next generation. The Business & Professional Women Sri Lanka (BPW) believes that by feeding and educating the under privilegedchildren the children's chances of survival will increase and they will be better equipped to face the challenges of the future.

To enable to meet this challenge BPW has come out with a program - "Change" which is a holistic approach to help these children reach their potential with the aid of the collective capabilities of the BPW. The initiation of this project is to set up the necessary funding and nutritional provisions for a stable education for these rural village children. The next phase of "Change" is to help the families of these children with the knowledge and guidance of the BPW to develop their skills and through that find a source of income and become self sufficient to create a more stable background for their families.

According to Project Chairperson - 'Change', and Business and Professional Women Sri Lanka Founder Janaki Gunawardena, this is not a quick fix, but a long term strategy targeted at changing the core values of the generations to come. 'These children with proper guidance will become more useful citizens in the future. It is you and people like you in our country who help us provide the care and assistance to underprivileged, socially and financially insecure children who cannot fend for themselves. It is with your kindness and social responsibility you feel for your fellow human beings that we could make this country and the world a better place', she said.

According to a media release "Change" is directed at helping these under-privileged children with contributions of advice, stationery, school bags, a pair of shoes, dry rations and a basket of new and nearly new clothes and a daily glass of milk. The annual contributions of a member of the public will not exceed Rs. 12,000 but you will gain overwhelming satisfaction knowing you have helped bring light to the life of a child whose life was hidden under the shadow of poverty'.