SP SRI LANKA OCIP DAY 7

The team had breakfast at the hotel as usual and headed for CSLEC at 7.45.

It is another purposeful day here in Sri Lanka. We've have been going to CSLEC almost everyday. The anticipation of going to the centre only gets stronger as we get to make new friends everyday.

In the morning, there are kids about the age of four having lesson. Even though there are afew shy children, most of them were friendly and we mingled around and took photos with them. Some of them are so adorable! 

We had an appointment in the late morning with the Government Agent of Vavuniya, Mrs Charles. She shared with us a brief political history of Sri Lanka and the role that the state of Vavuniya played during the LTTE conflict. She also stressed that we should influence the youths by the importance of racial harmony.

From left to right: Hadi, Nic, Firdaus, CK, Celest, Mr Nathan, Kenny,
Mr Quah, Mrs Charles, Alexis, Andro, Micah, Cornelia, Khai, Hisham

We then headed to the house of the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Youth and Skills Development, Hon. Duminda Dissanayake who invited us to his birthday lunch. The minister had also invited about 170 orphans who had either lost one or both of their parents during the war. We noticed that the children had lots of fun on the blow-up castle. Also the food served at the lunch party was superb. However, with due respect, we realised that the minister most of his time attending to us and making sure our needs were met instead of interacting with the orphans.

Orphans playing on the blow-up castle.

The minister walking around to ensure that our needs were met.

We stayed only a short while and then made our way back to Vavuniya town to visit the St. Anthony's convent, which also happened to be an orphanage. While on our way to the convent, we were fortunate enough to see a herd of elephants near the jungle. We stopped and took some photos. However, we we not allowed to go down due to safety issues. All of us were excited by the rare presence of these majestic creatures.

The herd of elephants!

Upon reaching Vavuniya town, we headed straight for St. Anthony's convent. Despite the late timing, they still opened their gates to us. The Sister-in-charge explained to us the present situation of the orphans; all of them have lost relatives to the war and were left to fend for themselves in the streets. The orphanage takes the girls to educate them, as well as protect them from being exploited in the streets. We distributed some stationery items, and from their expressions we could tell they appreciated it. Sadly, as we were late, we were not able to interact much with them and left for dinner.

Students distributing stationery to the orphans.

We stopped by a small eatery at the recommendation of Mr Nathan, the Manager of CSLEC, whom followed us to the orphanage. We had awesome Teh Tarik and Thosai!

Students at a coffee shop.

We then returned to the hotel for a good night's rest and to prepare for tomorrow's task.

Reflection by Andro and Alexis.