LEADS with the Rotaract Club of Colombo East has launched the ‘Be the Gift’ Christmas campaign for the second consecutive year for pandemic-hit children. Through this intervention, LEADS aims at raising support for 500 survivors of child abuse and students residing in rural and marginalised communities in selected districts where LEADS has its regional presence. The prolonged effects of the pandemic have limited children from gaining access to education.
According to recent media reports, 45% of students did not have access to any form of education for nearly 20 months since the pandemic. Adding to this development, in 2020, UNICEF stated that 74 % of children in Sri Lanka live on Rs. 506 (US $ 2.78) per day, while 36% live on Rs. 278 per day. This resonates with the pathetic condition of vulnerable children and their families. At a time where many households battle against the severe economic crisis, fulfilling educational requirements of children is an added challenge.
This year the organisation hopes to distribute educational packs to the value of Rs. 1,500 to 500 children who are survivors of child abuse, through LEADS centres in the Northern, Western and the Uva Provinces and vulnerable children from rural communities. Each stationery pack will consist of 12 items inclusive of exercise books, drawing books, pens, pencils, crayons, etc.
Chief Executive Officer of LEADS, Monroe Jayasuriya said, “We are entrusted with the prime responsibility of creating safer spaces for children to lead a dignified life. It is of utmost importance that we facilitate and support children in dire need to get back to school, amidst this pandemic. Through this, our mission for brighter futures for children will be made a reality.”