Children’s and Elders’ Day 2022

The children and elderly are deeply affected by the prevailing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, unable to fend for themselves. Many families that rely on a daily wage are struggling as incomes have been disrupted due to COVID-19 and the current economic crisis. This has led to families having to compromise on meals and eating less nutritious food.

October 1st marks National Children’s Day and International Elders’ Day here in Sri Lanka. On a day generally full of celebrations, the need for food this year was greater. Under the Feed the Hungry Initiative, essential grocery packs were distributed to several orphanages and elders’ homes. The packs which contain rice, dhal, flour and soya were also distributed to several communities of elderly, special needs individuals who have been struggling to afford food.

Additionally, a special Goodness Boxes distribution was held where 72 low income families received essential items while their children were treated to an ice-cream and biscuits to mark the day.

Thanks to kind donors, several special school meals were also sponsored island-wide much to the delights of the rural children. For some, this school meal would have been their only meal for the day.

Our 14 Centres made the day special for our students across the island with games, prizes and treats, putting smiles on their faces. Our students in turn visited several elderly people living alone in their area and helped them by doing odd-jobs around the house and donating food.

The education of rural children in Sri Lanka is also at risk due to parents being unable to afford the basic school supplies for their children. Prices have seen a near 140% increase due to inflation. Therefore, for the 23rd consecutive year, the Foundation of Goodness launched the annual essential school supplies project, with the aim of providing 7500 essential school bags.