WITH TWO WINDOWS & A DOOR
"At Asha Foundation, they offer support to all in the community regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender through the services they provide at their purposebuilt Community Centre"
"I loved the fact that the community centre is in the heart of the community, so the stories and problems are dealt with immediately"
WHAT - ASHA FOUNDATION BADOWITA WHERE - MOUNT LAVINIA
Sbe ometimes you will shocked to find out where help is needed, and at times it’s not home. even far from your I visited this This week on WTF of stories on amazing place full your heart sink. life that will make Foundation, We visited the Asha not-for-profit a Sri Lankan based by Asha organisation, supported
UK charity a Trust, a registered that works small organisation Lavinia in an area of Mount a purpose called Badowita - built ‘low-income settlement’ when established in the 90’s in the canals were re-generated living by the Colombo and people were moved canals at that time has been to Badowita. Asha and working in the community the support gradually extending offered since 2004.
As you may be aware, Badowita is an area of multiple deprivations including poor housing, high unemployment and lack of opportunities for children and young people, especially those with disabilities and special needs. At Asha Foundation, they offer support to all in the community regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender through the services they provide at their purpose-built Community Centre. Their main acitivty is an Afterschool Club which we visited, where they offer support with academic subjects as well as ‘skills for life’.
Speaking to the volunteers and teachers there they say “we recognised that academics is not enough for the children and young people in the area to break free from the environment and lack of opportunity they find themselves in.”
After-school Club runs 6 days a week providing children and young people with academic tuition in core subjects – Sinhala, Tamil, English and
Maths as well as a life skills curriculum promoting important soft skills and skills for life. Key soft skills include creativity, confidence and critical thinking. The workshops and playtime also work on people with disabilities, to promote inclusion.
I loved the fact that the community centre is in the heart of the community, so the stories and problems are dealt with immediately with even
personal visits to find those who may need help and sometimes convince parents to let their children enjoy the benefits of the foundation.
The team has worked in the area for over 10 years, they are well-known and has built strong links with the community.
“By working with partners with particular specialities, we hope to increase the impact of our work in the area tackling difficult issues such as child protection, alcohol and drug use and the lack of stable employment opportunities for many” said Karen Joachim.
You can help in many ways. Even once a month is a great way to give back and share your talents with these less fortunate talented children.