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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024: Aug. 3

And so the 2024 Sri Lanka bedkit distribution has come to an end.

7,000 children who shared their smiles with us, took home the gift so generously given by Sleeping Children donors. The Canadian and Sri Lankan teams will have many, many, memories of these past two weeks . . . children walking home with their bedkits; parent conversations out of the sun in the shade of a tree; that final 7,000th bedkit; and the hand waving thanks as a bus takes the children home.

To all the Rotarians, their wives, and countless volunteers, our heartfelt gratitude for all you have done, not only in the past two weeks, but for the many months leading up to Sri Lanka 2024. Oyata stutiyi, Nanri.

Team Sri Lanka 2024

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024: July 27

These pictures are a glimpse into the team's adventures during our Sri Lanka distribution.

A typical photo site

Entrance to a Hindu temple

Planting the future

Team members with invaluable translator at a parent meeting

Team effort setting up the bedkit for the photo shoot

We are all greeted with the lighting of the friendship lamp

Lunch is served!

Team Sri Lanka with the Rotary Club of Kelaniya, and many, many dedicated local volunteers. Thanks to you all!

Team Sri Lanka 2024

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024: July 27

I'm confident that there have been plenty of stories from the Sri Lankan 2024 team regarding smiling children, thankful parents and bountiful feasts provided by our hosts. Today, I'm sending pics of the cheeky monkeys that greeted me on my balcony this morning and later in the evening on my return.

The team completed two distributions today, one in Anthonypuram and the other in Murukkan. Along the drive it is not unusual to encounter herds of cows crossing the road, slowing our journey. The northern part of Sri Lanka is rural with an abundance of agriculture.

It is a difficult life but our gifts of bedkits make their lives a little brighter.

Team Sri Lanka, 2024

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024: July 25

Tears and rainbows.💖

Thoughts of the day:

During the bedkit distributions we all have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the children's parents. This helps us to understand their environment and home life. It can be a very emotional time and tears are often shed.

On one occasion we were interrupted by a lady requesting bed kits for her school (where the children were all orphans). Unfortunately this was not possible this year, we explained to her. But if she left us her contact details, we would pass them on. On hearing what the lady from the orphanage was saying, the mother that I was with, immediately offered to give up her child's gift in order that at least one orphan would have a bedkit. Despite having very little herself, she was willing to give up her gift.

This truly was a "rainbow moment" showing friendship and compassion (an example for all of us).

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." (Jimi Hendrix)

Team Sri Lanka 2024

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024: July 25

We had two small distributions today - the first just 180 kits and the second 320 this afternoon.  We were warmly welcomed to both sites and entertained by dance routines by some of the students.  The two pictures below show a grade 3 classroom. 

The grade 3 teacher and a few of her students.

The last bedkit presented today.

Team Sri Lanka, 2024

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024: July 23

Today we did a distribution of 984 bedkits with the Jaffna Rotary Club, at St Patrick’s College in Jaffna, located in northern Sri Lanka.

The students from 9 different schools who received bedkits today are a reflection of the Hindu faith of this particular community. The area around Jaffna is in the process of being rebuilt after a 30-year civil war between the Sri Lankan government and Tamal extremists ended in May 2009.

After the distribution today, the Jaffna Rotarian president organized lunch at Ammachis, an outdoor venue made up of individual kiosks where women who are struggling financially are able to rent the spaces from the government. Each woman serves a different menu, keeping the profits for themselves.

In the evening, we attended a dinner hosted by the Jaffna Rotary Club as a thank you to SCAW for the bedkits distributed to children in the community.

Team Sri Lanka 2024

Rotary Club of Jaffna 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024: July 23

Yesterday the team arrived in Vavnia, where we completed 2 distributions. We were welcomed with beautiful smiles and then presented with flower garlands to wear around our necks.

After the first school distribution, we traveled a short distance to visit a home of one of the children.  It was a modest home with 2 rooms: a kitchen and a bedroom. 

The entire family of 5 slept in one room on the concrete floor.  We saw that the family members use mats and blankets similar to the ones that we provide in the bedkit, to make their sleep more comfortable. This visit was a very humbling experience for the team as it showcased the importance of this work which supports healthy sleep for these children and their families.

Team Sri Lanka 2024

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024: July 21

Our team thought we'd share just two of the many heartfelt messages we received from children who received your bedkit gifts.

The first handwritten note was read aloud by a girl at the school to kick off the distribution. Though her voice quivered, she was so proud of herself for delivering the sentiments in English. She was happy to share this message with you all.

The second note came from bedkit recipients. The teachers had students of all ages write a variety of adorable thank you notes which they presented to the Rotary Club of Kelaniya and the Sleeping Children team. 

There have been so many moments of sincere gratitude from the kids, parents and teachers. Thank you to all our supporters!

Team Sri Lanka 2024

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024: July 20

What an incredible fun-filled day! The SCAW team was up early to begin a long journey to a distribution in Dompe. Here we were met by welcoming children, marching bands, dance performances and smiles everywhere.

After the distribution the Rotarians provided us with a delicious meal of authentic Sri Lanken food! What a feast!

Then we were off to another distribution in Kekanyia. What can I say, another warm welcome! How lovely to see the happy children receiving their gifts from SCAW. Thank you to the Rotarians here in Sri Lanka who are organizing these distributions. Bravo!

Team Sri Lanka 2024

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024, July 19

The SCAW team had a productive get-together with three of the key members of our OVP, the Rotary Club of Kelaniya. The 2024 Sri Lankan bedkit with fourteen items was displayed. 7,000 needy children will be delighted over the coming weeks.

Our dedicated Rotarian Partners 🇱🇰 and our SCAW 🇨🇦 team

The purchasing process for all the bedkit items was outlined, demonstrating the time and effort our OVP puts into getting the most value from SCAW’s donations. Our heartfelt thanks for your dedication.

Team Sri Lanka 2024

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2024: July 19

Our team arrived safe and sound in Colombo, tired but excited to begin another distribution. Today we have a pre-distribution meeting with our partners, the Rotary Club of Kelaniya.

We are looking forward to working with our partners to give the gift of sleep to 7000 little ones. Stay tuned.

Team Sri Lanka 2024

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 15

Bedkit #7,000 with Rotary Club of Kelaniya, SCAW Team, and local volunteers.

We have reached the most bittersweet moment of all SCAW bedkit distributions . . . a moment when we celebrate a project well done . . . yet feel sad that it is over.

 Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

 

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 15

. . . And then the day came when bedkit number 7000 was handed out and there were no more kits to give out in the 2023 distribution.

Today was a long day for us. We handed out 1100 bedkits in two different schools. Both schools greeted us upon arrival with wonderful marching bands followed by speeches, as we have been accustomed to. Later, after having given out the bedkits, we were given tea and tasty Sri Lankan treats.

It  has rained every day we have been in Sri Lanka; sometimes the rain has come down in buckets. However the weather gods have also been kind to us and our distributions have really not been bothered by the rainy season.


Today was also a special day for us as we handed out the 50 bedkits Chris and Gail had donated on the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary.

That finishes the Sri Lanka distribution 2023. We are going to miss all the smiling faces we have been met with every day ❤️.

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 14

Although this is one of our last days, we are still starting each morning in high spirits. However, our one hour trip to the site became two hours as we searched locally for the school where 600 bedkits and children waited. Navigating the myriad of small streets was even a challenge for the driver. 

We received a warm welcome with flowers and marching band, a regular occurrence.

Then as we gathered we each lit a welcome lamp which is customary for such gatherings.

Here we were also treated to a wonderful dance in the traditional manner that was both beautiful and inspiring.

At this location Jill and Pamela did interviews with the parents helped by a translator. This interview as well as other questions covered contents of the bedkits, any school issues and distances travelled from home to the distribution.

We knew before arriving in Sri Lanka that the Ceylon of our younger selves was the most beautiful island on earth but we found the people of the country in every way match this expectation.

We did a home visit and could see first-hand how welcome the bedkit is. Thanks so much to the donors.


Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦


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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 13

Below is a collage of the various stages the children attend as they head towards their bedkit!

The registration table where the children’s names are checked against the recipient list.

Recipient list (one of many!)

The all-important photo-site, where today’s memory is captured for the generous SCAW donor.

Marking thumbs as the child heads towards their bedkit.

Handing the bedkit to one happy  child!

And finally . . . heading home . . . !

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 10

For other distributions we’ve had adults and a smattering of teens to help out. However, over the last two days we had the absolute pleasure of having wonderful teen volunteers to assist. 

This school is in a beautiful mountain area about an hour or so outside of Kandy.

The school is built on a hill creating interesting logistical challenges for small children. Children climb up 8 or 9 stairs and walk another 15 -20 feet before they are greeted by SCAW team members holding out the gift of new bedkits.

Luckily we had many hard-working teens who carry the kits and encourage the young ones to keep moving forward towards their new shoes.

Next, with their own teen helper, the children walk up a hill to meet with their delighted parents.

The teens then run down the hill to get in line to help the next child and they repeat the whole process.

While this is going on in front of us, behind us are the fantastic volunteer boys doing another great job.

Earlier we had a lively discussion with the boy volunteers on what the “girls” (indicating me) bedkit looks like and then an explanation of the “boys“ bedkit (pointing to the blue mosquito net and then to themselves).

The volunteers run up & down the stairs to get the kits & bring them to another table so we can pass them on to the children.

 Meanwhile in a large room at the top of the stairs two gentlemen from the school are putting the bedkits together, placing them on a table at the top of the stairs for the boys to bring down.

During all this of passing the kits out, every now and then I’m yelling out “boys” “girls” to keep the kits coming and the flow flowing.

This is truly a priceless event to be a part of.

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 12

Today we returned to the school in Ududumbara for the distribution of 400 more bedkits.  The senior students from the school were eager to assist with the distribution and helped the younger students carry their bedkits to their parents. We really appreciated their help to make the distribution run smoothly. 

The school provided us with wonderful snacks and lunches during and at the end of the day.

When we were done we began our long trek back to Colombo.  On the way we stopped at a batik shop where we were shown the process of how making batik.  Very interesting.

We continued our 3 hours drive  through the towns and wonderful landscapes of Sri Lanka.

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 10

Oh what a fabulous day!

Our distribution was held at a Tamil school high in the hills near Kandy.  Children from the surrounding area came to that school to get their bedkits.  

The school was very well kept and included grades 1 - 13.  We were offered tea in the Home Sciences classroom where boys and girls are taught to sew and to cook.

They were very proud of their library that contained books in both Tamil and English and there were plenty of inspirational signs scattered around the school.

The small children needed help carrying their bedkits and we had lots of volunteers in the 8th and 9th grades to help us with that.

These older children were an absolute delight to work with and whenever we had a spare moment we had no end of fun entertaining each other.  Most wonderful of all was having them sing their national anthem to us and at the close of the day, they all wanted hugs which we were only too happy to provide! There could not have been any better way to end the day!

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 11

Sunshine and rain . . . laughter and tears.

Each day is like no other; the joy of being there and the sorrow of leaving.

Sri Lanka is a very unique and beautiful country and today we arrived at Ududumbara where we were greeted by young people who put on an amazing traditional dance for us.

They train for many years to become so flexible and their costumes were exquisitely decorated with hand- sewn beadwork.

We were also delighted to discover that they had a girls’ soccer team as well as a boys’ cricket team.

The monsoon season has started early which is an extra challenge. We cannot spend as much time with the children as we would have liked . . . the clouds roll in rapidly and it feels like someone dumped a bucket of water over us. The rain started very quickly, about lunch time, but luckily we were able to finish the distribution in time; and it was a warm rain.

This photo is of terracing for growing various  vegetables .This is done by stacking coconut shells to hold the soil in place, and to retain a certain amount of water.

I should mention, along with the overseas partners who do an incredible amount of background work, we had an amazing amount of help from the older students at the site. They were exceptional and so very eager to help in any way they could. Chris spent some time talking to many of them.

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 9

Today is a travel day as we traverse the vast greenery of the Sri Lankan rainforest/jungle. The floral life is everywhere, only interrupted by rice fields. 

Rice, a food staple, is cooked in a large variety of ways and blended with amazing spices. Add an array of fruits that are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner and you have dishes that all the team have enjoyed. 

We fit in some cultural learning with visits to a spice garden and a tea factory. At the spice garden we were introduced to a wide variety of herbal remedies based on the plant ingredients. The tea factory tour covered all the steps of processing various types of tea in varying quality. This was a well established facility with equipment from the 1930’s. 

Being a travel day we all missed the interaction with the children whose wide smiles warm the heart. However, tomorrow is a brand new day with bedkits waiting and ready to be distributed.  

 Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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