I had the privilege of being a Shining Life Children's Trust (SLCT) volunteer along with my son, Joseph, this summer and was hosted by the Women's Development Center following a visit at Easter during a holiday in Sri Lanka where I first met Mrs. Stephen. I was so impressed by her and her vision for the poor and disenfranchised children and women in Sri Lanka that on my return to England I applied, through Shining Life Children's Trust, to be a volunteer supporting WDC which was thankfully accepted. As it turned out I was the first volunteer for SLCT and the last at WDC who had the opportunity to spend time with Mrs. Stephen.
Whilst volunteering I worked closely alongside the Community Development Manager, Chandrathilaka, visisting many out-reach projects in schools, creches and training centers in the surrounding areas of Kandy, including Pupurassa, Denmark village, Ulapane and NuwaraEliya.
All of the projects we visited had one main thing in common and that was that the people there were dispossessed in one way or another whether it was through limited education, a disability, lack of nutrition or all too often some form of abuse. However, all appeared happy, were warm, welcoming and incredibly friendly.
It was fantastic to see how well and how gratefully such small items such as pens, pencils, stationary, mini whiteboards, all donations from the UK which Joe had collected beforehand and taken out with us, were received and how so little, by UK standards, goes such a long way to making a difference to people's lives in Sri Lanka. For example, in Kadugannawa Tamil School SLCT had purchased some very simple partitions which were used in the school to separate a very large space to create several smaller sized classrooms. This enabled groups of similar aged children to be taught together in a discrete room with its own character and differentiated for that particular group. Without these partitions it must have been incredibly difficult for teachers to teach and students to learn.
I enjoyed delivering training again after having been out of front-line teaching and training for many years. I thoroughly enjoyed all the planning and preparation and the designing of the training materials and especially the delivery. I could see the difference that up-skilling staff could make to their securing funding the future so they could continue to support the disadvantaged children and their families and the women of Sri Lanka.
Just 2 days before Mrs. Stephen passed away she took us, along with her Grandson Sam and Chandrathilaka with her to NuwaraEliya where she wanted to sign a contract to set up a space to facilitate livelihood training for persons with disabilities along with awareness on nutrition hygiene, and other topics, so they could better support their children and themselves. Mrs. Stephen wanted to take Joe and me as a 'thank you'for our service and to Joe especially for his commitment to gathering items that he brought out for the schools in Sri Lanka. This for me was one of the highlights of our visit as it enabled me to see and hear how Mrs. Stephen put her values and vision into practice. She was so unconcerned with her own levels of discomfort (traveling to NuwaraEliya was about a 5-6 hour round trip much of which was very windy roads and was quite uncomfortable even for us) and interested solely in improving the lives and conditions of others. Joe and I feel extremely privileged to have spent the hours that we did during the couple of weeks that we were able to spend with Mrs. Stephen and were so sad along with all who knew her when she passed away.
I hope that WDC can continue Mrs. Stephen's legacy and can rise to the challenge of continuing to implement her vision.
By Marcia Summers
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Volunteers at WDC
A Valuable Experience - Sri Lanka by Sharona Otten
I'm very grateful to madam for having founded this place for all the girls and women who need a fine and safe place to live; some girls for a short time, other girls for a longer time. There are sad stories behind the girls. WDC is a place where they can clear their minds.
Sir Ivan is one of the staff members who offers many different activities to the girls three times a week and I'm glad that I could help Ivan. He sings with them, plays drama and plays many different games. These are things that make the girls feel happy. To see them happy, made me happy as well.
There are many other staff members who do hand work classes, cookery lessons, counseling and taking care of them 24 hours a day. Wow, they are all doing a very good job!
Besides helping Ivan, I did creative activities with the girls to develop their creativity and social-emotional development. We made flowers, we made bracelets, we baked muffins, we made beautiful things of clay, we made drawings and we painted the library, which was so much fun! When I went back to Holland, I gave everybody a painting picture of themselves, what they liked very much!
After a few weeks, this place felt like home to me. I spent time with the girls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I learned some Sinhala from them; we played the board game Carrom (and I lost always). We celebrated Christmas and New Year together with candles and fireworks; we watched Sri Lankan television (Sinhala programs); we drank tea together, they taught me how to eat with my hands. We came up with a new game called "Mosquito Fight"(and I was the biggest mosquito of course); we laughed a lot and I think the most important thing: I gave them my love and they gave me their love...
I had a wonderful time with these beautiful girls. Just being together was so nice. I miss them. This experience has touched my heart. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be with these girls so close. I hope to come back to this beautiful place soon.
Ayubowan!
*****************
Volunteer Experience by Gabby Ansems
Ever since I was young I wanted to travel overseas and do voluntary work, so I could have a chance to experience other cultures. This year I was given the opportunity to make my dream come true in March 2013, when I was chosen to volunteer for 3 months at the WDC.
I was chosen by an organization called challenges Worldwide, to work as a volunteer physiotherapy trainer within the CBR section of the WDC because I work alongside physiotherapists in my job and I also have developed a lot of training in the past. The position was also supported by the Church of Scotland. Prior to leaving I spoke to the late Pearl Stephens on the telephone to ensure she was happy for me to come over. She described the organization briefly but said that the best thing to do would be to see it for myself.
I felt a little nervous arriving in a strange country without really knowing what to expect but Pearl was so correct when she said words couldn't describe the kind of experience I would have. It was a trip of lifetime for me. I was living away from my husband alone in a new country where I didn't speak the language, but from the very moment I arrived I felt welcome. Even though everyone had a full caseload they were always willing to assist me if I had a question or needed assistance in my role. The staff with strong English skills were vital to allowing me to develop my training sessions and deliver them too.
The other part of my time in Kandy involved trying to immerse myself as much as i could in Sri Lankan culture and learn all about all aspects of the WDC. I was lucky enough to be involved in some new year celebrations at the WDC as well as other festive occasions during my visit. My favourite sessions were usually to do with food as that is one of my main passions. I became a little more competent at eating rice and curry with my hands by the time I left and I learned to make some different typical dishes including dhal, pickles, curries, and string hoppers.
I was touched by the amazing work that everyone at the WDC does for communities in need all around Sri Lanka and how passionate everyone is about helping others. I spent countless hours talking to Mrs. Stephen about her life and how she developed the WDC, with the help of her staff, over the years. It amazed me that the vision of one woman could be so strong and have such foresight into areas of need in the community and the amazing generosity that Mrs. Stephen had.
She made me feel like part of the family from the very first day I arrived and I was devastated when I heard about her passing. I will never forget my time at the WDC or all the friends I made there. I will continue to follow the development of the organization keenly and support their vital work in any way I can.
I'm very grateful to madam for having founded this place for all the girls and women who need a fine and safe place to live; some girls for a short time, other girls for a longer time. There are sad stories behind the girls. WDC is a place where they can clear their minds.
Sir Ivan is one of the staff members who offers many different activities to the girls three times a week and I'm glad that I could help Ivan. He sings with them, plays drama and plays many different games. These are things that make the girls feel happy. To see them happy, made me happy as well.
There are many other staff members who do hand work classes, cookery lessons, counseling and taking care of them 24 hours a day. Wow, they are all doing a very good job!
Besides helping Ivan, I did creative activities with the girls to develop their creativity and social-emotional development. We made flowers, we made bracelets, we baked muffins, we made beautiful things of clay, we made drawings and we painted the library, which was so much fun! When I went back to Holland, I gave everybody a painting picture of themselves, what they liked very much!
After a few weeks, this place felt like home to me. I spent time with the girls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I learned some Sinhala from them; we played the board game Carrom (and I lost always). We celebrated Christmas and New Year together with candles and fireworks; we watched Sri Lankan television (Sinhala programs); we drank tea together, they taught me how to eat with my hands. We came up with a new game called "Mosquito Fight"(and I was the biggest mosquito of course); we laughed a lot and I think the most important thing: I gave them my love and they gave me their love...
I had a wonderful time with these beautiful girls. Just being together was so nice. I miss them. This experience has touched my heart. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be with these girls so close. I hope to come back to this beautiful place soon.
Ayubowan!
*****************
Volunteer Experience by Gabby Ansems
Ever since I was young I wanted to travel overseas and do voluntary work, so I could have a chance to experience other cultures. This year I was given the opportunity to make my dream come true in March 2013, when I was chosen to volunteer for 3 months at the WDC.
I was chosen by an organization called challenges Worldwide, to work as a volunteer physiotherapy trainer within the CBR section of the WDC because I work alongside physiotherapists in my job and I also have developed a lot of training in the past. The position was also supported by the Church of Scotland. Prior to leaving I spoke to the late Pearl Stephens on the telephone to ensure she was happy for me to come over. She described the organization briefly but said that the best thing to do would be to see it for myself.
I felt a little nervous arriving in a strange country without really knowing what to expect but Pearl was so correct when she said words couldn't describe the kind of experience I would have. It was a trip of lifetime for me. I was living away from my husband alone in a new country where I didn't speak the language, but from the very moment I arrived I felt welcome. Even though everyone had a full caseload they were always willing to assist me if I had a question or needed assistance in my role. The staff with strong English skills were vital to allowing me to develop my training sessions and deliver them too.
The other part of my time in Kandy involved trying to immerse myself as much as i could in Sri Lankan culture and learn all about all aspects of the WDC. I was lucky enough to be involved in some new year celebrations at the WDC as well as other festive occasions during my visit. My favourite sessions were usually to do with food as that is one of my main passions. I became a little more competent at eating rice and curry with my hands by the time I left and I learned to make some different typical dishes including dhal, pickles, curries, and string hoppers.
I was touched by the amazing work that everyone at the WDC does for communities in need all around Sri Lanka and how passionate everyone is about helping others. I spent countless hours talking to Mrs. Stephen about her life and how she developed the WDC, with the help of her staff, over the years. It amazed me that the vision of one woman could be so strong and have such foresight into areas of need in the community and the amazing generosity that Mrs. Stephen had.
She made me feel like part of the family from the very first day I arrived and I was devastated when I heard about her passing. I will never forget my time at the WDC or all the friends I made there. I will continue to follow the development of the organization keenly and support their vital work in any way I can.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
The Final Message Prepared by Ms. Pearl Stephen Before her Demise
Another year has swiftly gone by! Looking back at the events, so many staff left the WDC and some have replaced the vacant position. Life at the shelter gives hope and courage to many women who never thought they can restart their life, new referrals continue to pour in and fill the shelter, and the ages of victims getting younger! The shelter continues its work in taking care of many girls who are downhearted and deceived, full of grudge, hatred and pain. But it is also a joy to see those who revisit the shelter calling it as their home even though they have moved on in life. Some even come forward to help others who have gone through the same experience and support us in many other ways.
We have many volunteers and well-wishers who have come forward to help us in kind during the past year. Volunteers who worked with us have been a great help in many ways. Local donations have helped us to supplement our income. Foreign funding continues to decrease at a rapid pace for Sri Lanka, which in turn affects WDC's work in bringing hope and justice to many families. Water for the shelter is costing a large sum and we have to find financial sources somehow to cope with the need as it is the most basic necessity for our shelter. We handle the largest number of teenage pregnancies in the country which involves transport for regular check-up at hospital and for court hearings; cost for transport keep increasing with the increase of fuel prices.
A Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Kandy and Katugastota for stepping in and reconstructing and renovating one of the buildings and providing equipment, as the facilities at the shelter is very limited to house these women and children.
I also like to thank Mrs. P. A. Weerapana, for her contribution as the Deputy Coordinator of WDC. We certainly will miss her, and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
A special thank you to all our funders, well-wishers and friends for all their support and cotributions, and wishing you all a very blessed new year.
May God Bless you all.
Pearl Stephen
Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the beauteous land...
We have many volunteers and well-wishers who have come forward to help us in kind during the past year. Volunteers who worked with us have been a great help in many ways. Local donations have helped us to supplement our income. Foreign funding continues to decrease at a rapid pace for Sri Lanka, which in turn affects WDC's work in bringing hope and justice to many families. Water for the shelter is costing a large sum and we have to find financial sources somehow to cope with the need as it is the most basic necessity for our shelter. We handle the largest number of teenage pregnancies in the country which involves transport for regular check-up at hospital and for court hearings; cost for transport keep increasing with the increase of fuel prices.
A Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Kandy and Katugastota for stepping in and reconstructing and renovating one of the buildings and providing equipment, as the facilities at the shelter is very limited to house these women and children.
I also like to thank Mrs. P. A. Weerapana, for her contribution as the Deputy Coordinator of WDC. We certainly will miss her, and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
A special thank you to all our funders, well-wishers and friends for all their support and cotributions, and wishing you all a very blessed new year.
May God Bless you all.
Pearl Stephen
Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the beauteous land...
Thursday, September 12, 2013
SMALL THINGS CAN MAKE BIG CHANGES
Gigantic rivers start as tiny water springs. Similarly small initiatives can make big changes. It is remarkable to see a small group of women growing into a women's forum and further into an organization that provides services and work similar to WDC among their communities.Several services offered by non-governmental organizations are long lasting.
Today we see many people reap the benefits of the seeds sown by our organization, and I believe that we can raise our vision by sowing seeds of our work through the wide world. Now our country is involved in building up in a post war situation. Fifteen years ago we commenced our mission to facilitate measures to overcome challenges faced by women and children burdened by war. As a result the women's fora in Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Rajarata, Akkaraipattu, Kalmunai have developed into active organizations that serve women and children of their communities during war ridden circumstances or any other situation. Now they extend their services to others and not only to women and children.
The prevention of Violence against women project conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund - UNFPA has helped us to address a range of problems faced by these communities. During the past three months we have been able to facilitate the issue of various legal documents which were lost during the war. In Vavuniya and Batticaloa districts 500 persons received Birth Certificates, 300 individuals obtained National Identity Cards and some others received Death Certificates for their family members who were lost due to the war. Marriage Certificates and Deeds for properties also were issued to people. We conducted a similar program for the plantation community in the Nuwara-eliya district.
Sustainable peace can be attained only by establishing an environment to promote trust and respect among all ethnic groups within communities. For this purpose we did not distribute survey reports, booklets and such material. What we at WDC did was, strategize what we identified. Now, we see results of this effort. In 2004, the "Peace through Food Culture" exhibition and trade fair concept has helped women affiliated to WDC groups share and appreciate diverse food patterns and preparations of other ethnicities or cultures. For these women the predicted global food crisis will not be as bleak because they have learnt to use indigenous food items as well as adapt to different preparations. Home Gardening has been advocated in all women's forum areas with training and knowledge provided to the women.
HIV/AIDS is not a terrifying threat in Sri Lanka right now but it appears like an iceberg. WDC commenced the prevention of HIV/AIDS program in 1998 and we can consider our small efforts have contributed to a vast national mission to minimize the threat of HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka. It is evident in the program we conduct for commercial sex workers, where we have formed a women's group for them. Awareness on personal hygiene, importance of medical examinations, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) as well as alternative income generation prospects with skills training are provided to these women at monthly meetings at the STD clinic Kandy. A modest exercise, yet until now none of these women have tested positive for HIV. Some have abandoned the profession and engage in other income generation prospects such as fruit sales, making rugs, candles, or incense sticks.
It has been possible to improve the standard of living of women at the grassroots through simple interventions in our empowerment program. It is our accomplishment when such women have received recognition or awards from the government or other non-governmental organizations.
So, Change is possible - we can - this is apparent in what we discussed above.
W L A D Chandrathilaka
Deputy Coordinator
WDC
Today we see many people reap the benefits of the seeds sown by our organization, and I believe that we can raise our vision by sowing seeds of our work through the wide world. Now our country is involved in building up in a post war situation. Fifteen years ago we commenced our mission to facilitate measures to overcome challenges faced by women and children burdened by war. As a result the women's fora in Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Rajarata, Akkaraipattu, Kalmunai have developed into active organizations that serve women and children of their communities during war ridden circumstances or any other situation. Now they extend their services to others and not only to women and children.
The prevention of Violence against women project conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund - UNFPA has helped us to address a range of problems faced by these communities. During the past three months we have been able to facilitate the issue of various legal documents which were lost during the war. In Vavuniya and Batticaloa districts 500 persons received Birth Certificates, 300 individuals obtained National Identity Cards and some others received Death Certificates for their family members who were lost due to the war. Marriage Certificates and Deeds for properties also were issued to people. We conducted a similar program for the plantation community in the Nuwara-eliya district.
Sustainable peace can be attained only by establishing an environment to promote trust and respect among all ethnic groups within communities. For this purpose we did not distribute survey reports, booklets and such material. What we at WDC did was, strategize what we identified. Now, we see results of this effort. In 2004, the "Peace through Food Culture" exhibition and trade fair concept has helped women affiliated to WDC groups share and appreciate diverse food patterns and preparations of other ethnicities or cultures. For these women the predicted global food crisis will not be as bleak because they have learnt to use indigenous food items as well as adapt to different preparations. Home Gardening has been advocated in all women's forum areas with training and knowledge provided to the women.
HIV/AIDS is not a terrifying threat in Sri Lanka right now but it appears like an iceberg. WDC commenced the prevention of HIV/AIDS program in 1998 and we can consider our small efforts have contributed to a vast national mission to minimize the threat of HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka. It is evident in the program we conduct for commercial sex workers, where we have formed a women's group for them. Awareness on personal hygiene, importance of medical examinations, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) as well as alternative income generation prospects with skills training are provided to these women at monthly meetings at the STD clinic Kandy. A modest exercise, yet until now none of these women have tested positive for HIV. Some have abandoned the profession and engage in other income generation prospects such as fruit sales, making rugs, candles, or incense sticks.
It has been possible to improve the standard of living of women at the grassroots through simple interventions in our empowerment program. It is our accomplishment when such women have received recognition or awards from the government or other non-governmental organizations.
So, Change is possible - we can - this is apparent in what we discussed above.
W L A D Chandrathilaka
Deputy Coordinator
WDC
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Kantha Mela - International Womens day celebration March 13, 2013
Kantha Mela was celebrated on Wednesday, March 14th, 2013 at the Kandy Cultural Centre.
The annual event celebrates International Women's Day with the the network of women's organsations linked to the Women's Development Centre (WDC). It provides all sections of the WDC (Community Development (CD), community based rehabilitation (CBR), crisis intervention and ) an opportunity to come together with the community.
There were 322 participants at the event including the members from 9 forums; Ampara, Batticaloa, Hanguranketha, Rajarata, Akkarapatta, Kalmunai, Matale, Varuniya and Kandy. The majority of the participants were Network of Women(NOW) members. The chief guests who brightened up the event were, Ms. Shirani Weerakoon - Secretary, Ministry of Health, Indigenous Medicine, Social Welfare, Probation and Child Care Services and Ms. Kumuduni S. Premachandra - Commissioner, Department of Social Welfare, Probation and Child Care Service Affairs. In addition, many well wishers of WDC also contributed to make this event a success by their valuable participation.
During the day there were a numerous offerings presented. All members of the forums were given the opportunity to perform and there were a number of cultural-based performances addressing gender-based violence issues. The children of the Haragama crisis centre were a highlight of the show, delivering bright, lively dance performances, that were enjoyed thoroughly by everyone in attendance. It is a major achievement for these girls to perform in front of such a large crowd, but in succeeding, helps them overcome some of their fears initiated originally through gender-based violence against them.
In addition to the cultural performances there was an exhibition and sale of products from a variety of the forum members and Apitiya VTC products were also on sale.
Finally there were appreciation certificates given for all the NOW members in recognition for their service.
Overall, the day was a huge success and we thank everyone who was involved.
The annual event celebrates International Women's Day with the the network of women's organsations linked to the Women's Development Centre (WDC). It provides all sections of the WDC (Community Development (CD), community based rehabilitation (CBR), crisis intervention and ) an opportunity to come together with the community. 
There were 322 participants at the event including the members from 9 forums; Ampara, Batticaloa, Hanguranketha, Rajarata, Akkarapatta, Kalmunai, Matale, Varuniya and Kandy. The majority of the participants were Network of Women(NOW) members. The chief guests who brightened up the event were, Ms. Shirani Weerakoon - Secretary, Ministry of Health, Indigenous Medicine, Social Welfare, Probation and Child Care Services and Ms. Kumuduni S. Premachandra - Commissioner, Department of Social Welfare, Probation and Child Care Service Affairs. In addition, many well wishers of WDC also contributed to make this event a success by their valuable participation. 
During the day there were a numerous offerings presented. All members of the forums were given the opportunity to perform and there were a number of cultural-based performances addressing gender-based violence issues. The children of the Haragama crisis centre were a highlight of the show, delivering bright, lively dance performances, that were enjoyed thoroughly by everyone in attendance. It is a major achievement for these girls to perform in front of such a large crowd, but in succeeding, helps them overcome some of their fears initiated originally through gender-based violence against them.
In addition to the cultural performances there was an exhibition and sale of products from a variety of the forum members and Apitiya VTC products were also on sale.
Finally there were appreciation certificates given for all the NOW members in recognition for their service.
Overall, the day was a huge success and we thank everyone who was involved.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Annual Concert of the CBR Program
Even though
people have categorized themselves by religion, caste, class, etc. still there
are universal languages that could entertain all of us, no matter which group
we represent. Dancing, music are such universal languages that we enjoy in
common as human beings. Considering the joy that all people share through
entertainment, the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) program of Women’s
Development Centre will be organizing its annual concert, showcasing the talents
of disabled children, celebrating International Day of Disabled Persons.
The concert will take place at
Kandy Cultural Centre on 04th of December 2012 from 9.30 am onwards.
This is the 22nd concert organized by CBR program and even though
most of the earlier programs included only the concert, this time, a special
awareness program on disability will be held in order to make the public aware
of different types of disability.
Your participation in this
program will add a great value as well as a pleasure for both the children presenting their talents and the organizers. Therefore, we hope you will be there
being a strength for all of us!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Celebrating Universal Children’s Day with an Arts Exhibition
Disabled children also have a
right to enjoy the beauty of the world despite the challenges they face
in their day-to-day lives. If they are trained well they gain the ability to
improve their skills just like the other children do. The Community Based
Rehabilitation (CBR) program of Women’s Development Centre is dedicated to
offering such services to disabled children.
In celebration of
Universal Children’s Day, Women’s Development Centre (WDC) held a special
arts exhibition in the main hall of the CBR section of our headquarters on the 01st October, 2012. 146 children with different disabilities, from our 9 CBR
centers, presented their talents in this arts exhibition under the theme ‘Ape lama lokaya’ (Children’s
world).
The panel of judges from Pentium
pastels selected the best three paintings that were exhibited in this event.
The prizes and the certificates of the winners as well as the participants were
sponsored by ESOFT institution in Kandy.
The parents as well as the guests
of the exhibition were surprised to see the talents of the children. In
addition, the children who study at special units in different schools as well
as the parents of these children were able to improve their knowledge on
different aspects of disability after participating in this exhibition. The
talents of all the children who presented their paintings at the Arts
Exhibition were highly appreciated by the guests who visited this event.
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