Trinco Children's Home receives 100 beds

[TamilNet, Sunday, 08 May 2005, 14:58 GMT]
The Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) in Sri Lanka supported by the American Refugee Committee (ARC) International has donated 100 beds for children affected by tsunami.

The children are sheltered in the Children Home of the Sivananda Thabovanam, which is located in Thirukadaloor in Uppuveli area, a suburb in Trincomalee town.

The handing over event was held recently in Thabovanam Hall with Ms Gretchen, Regional Programme Manager of the Mercy Corps in Trincomalee as the chief guest.

Children pray before the commencement of the event.

Ms.Anne R.Bridges hands over the first bed to a child. Mr.Vinayagasothy, administrator is also seen in the picture.

Ms.Anne R.Bridges, ARC International Volunteer Co-ordinator ceremonially handed over the first bed to a destitute child, TamilNet sources said.

Mr.Kalaichelvan, Trincomalee district project officer of the CHA presided.

Ms.Anne R.Bridges, ARC International Volunteer Co-ordinator, Mr.K.Sivapalan, Chairman, Eastern Rehabilitation Organization (ERO), Trincomalee, Mr.T.Thavasilingam, Chairman, Trincomalee NGO Consortium, Mr.S. Lakshman, President, Trincomalee District development Association (TDDA) and Mr.V.Kalaivarnan, Project officer of TRO in Trincomalee participated as the guests of honour.

Ms Gretchen, Regional Programme Manager of the Mercy Corps and Ms Anne Bridges of ARC (standing) with children Sivananda Thabovanan.

Mr.K.Vinayagasothi (Kuralamutham), administrator of the Sivananda Thabovanan said tidal waves on 26 December had entered the premises of Thabovanam about five feet height and washed away all belongings of children including their textbooks, mattresses, clothes and other materials in the buildings. More than hundred children were moved out immediately from the building and were sheltered in a school in Chelvanayakapuram few miles away from the site for about one month. Since they returned to the Children Home of Thabovanan, these children were sleeping on the ground without beds. He was thankful for the CHA with the support of the ARC International for providing beds to these destitute children.

Children who had lost their parents and relatives due to war and other reasons are given shelter in the home since it was founded about three decades ago.

children participating in the event.