The outbreak of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka has created unprecedented challenges to many people across the country. Among them, the marginalised communities have been greatly affected, with children being at the centre of it. It is against this backdrop that LEADS together with the Rotaract Club of Colombo East launches the ‘Be the Gift’ Christmas Campaign for the second consecutive year. Through this intervention, LEADS aims at raising support for 500 survivors of child abuse and students residing in rural and marginalised communities in selected districts where LEADS has its regional presence.
The prolonged effects of the pandemic have limited children from gaining access to education. According to recent media reports, 45% of students did not have access to any form of education for nearly 20 months since the pandemic. Adding to this development, in 2020, UNICEF stated that 74 % of children in Sri Lanka live on LKR 506 ($US2.78) per day, while 36% live on LKR 278 per day. This resonates the pathetic condition of vulnerable children and their families. At a time where many households battle against the severe economic crisis, fulfilling educational requirements of children is an added challenge.
As a leading and accountable organisation which has rendered over 38 years of service towards safeguarding children in the nation, LEADS successfully raised funds in 2020 to support over 350 students in their education. This year too, the organisation hopes to distribute educational packs worth LKR 1,500 to 500 children who are survivors of child abuse, through LEADS centres in the Northern, Western and Uva Provinces as well as vulnerable children hailing from rural communities. Each stationery pack will consist of 12 items inclusive of exercise books, drawing books, pens, pencils, crayons, etc.
In his message for the launch of the ‘Be the Gift’ campaign, the Chief Executive Officer of LEADS, Mr. Monroe Jayasuriya, emphasised the necessity of coming together to prioritise the needs of children. He stated, “We are entrusted with the prime responsibility of creating safer spaces for children to lead a dignified life.” He further pointed out, “It is of utmost importance that we facilitate and support children in dire need to get back to school, amidst this pandemic. Through this, our mission for brighter futures for children will be made a reality.”
LEADS is a national agency established in 1983 and an approved non-governmental organisation dedicated to creating safer spaces and brighter futures for the children of Sri Lanka. Our work is integrated in recognising the child as a part of a family, community, and the nation. LEADS works holistically towards the best interest of the child at national policy level and at grassroots with survivors of child abuse while strengthening families and communities of children at risk and providing necessary safeguards and support to reduce vulnerabilities to abuse, poverty, and socio-natural disasters.
LEADS joins with the Rotaract Club of Colombo East for the second consecutive year to launch this campaign as a timely intervention, since many children await the opportunity to resume their education. LEADS invites, the public and all well-wishers to be a part of this worthy cause by donating towards the purchase of stationery packs and ensuring that children from vulnerable and underprivileged families can begin their new academic year despite the financial difficulties faced by their families.