HELPAGE INT’L LAUDS
HELPAGE SRI LANKA’S SOCIAL WORK FOR LESS–PRIVILEGED ELDERS
The UK based Helpage International, Asia Pacific Region, Head of Programmes Bert Maerten during his brief visit to Sri Lanka highlighted the valuable services rendered by Helpage Sri Lanka (HASL) to restore the weak eye sight of less-privileged Sri Lankan Senior Citizens by performing free Cataract Surgeries.
He made these observations at a conference held at Helpage Head Office, Borelasgamuwa to coincide with the 33rd anniversary of establishing Helpage Sri Lanka. Programme Head Bert Maerten also stressed the importance of Helpage Sri Lanka conducting Mobile Medical and Eye Camps in the country as it immensely helped people living in less- privileged areas to have their eye screenings and treatments free of charge. During his stay in the country , Maerten travelled to many parts of the island and looked into other
welfare facilities provided to Senior Citizens by Helpage Sri Lanka.
Bert was a special envoy of Helpage International, UK and visited Sri Lanka to make a observation visit about Helpage Sri Lanka’s work with older persons, their communities and also with the relevant policy makers. He also highlighted the progress of the social service programmes carried out for less- privileged Senior Citizens by Helpage Sri Lanka and said restoring eye sight of people is life changing for them. He mentioned that older people in villages spoke highly about Helpage’s work and they were exultant and of the view that they felt “young again” after regaining their eyesight.. He also highlighted the work of the Helpage Home Care Training Centre that provide free training to people to look after elders during their twilight days and the Day Care Centre at Ratmalana where elderly citizens have been given the opportunity to spend their day actively engaged in social activities. Bert also encouraged Helpage officials to connect with similar organizations that have experience in social entrepreneurship. He also mentioned about the Helpage’s fundraising programme since funds are needed to carry out social work being conducted for Senior Citizens.
He said the ageing population in the world is increasing and the needs of older people today are pressing.
“At the same time we need to look at the needs of older people tomorrow, since building longterm care systems is one of the areas Helpage International focuses on, “he added. He also invited Helpage, Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge to attend the Annual Helpage International Community-driven Development (CDD) Training Programme scheduled to be held in Vietnam shortly.