Rotary Dist 3230 in Srilanka
Posted on: 05/Mar/2014 11:48:55 AM
DHANVANTHRI MAKES A DIFFERENCE AND HOW!
A report on Results achieved by Team Dhanvanthri and its visit to Mullaithivu and Colombo: 16 – 20 February 2014
The services of Dhanvanthri in the war-affected Northern Provinces of Sri Lanka since August 2011 have shown impressive results. Dhanvanthri since its first visit in mid 2011,
1. Visited Kilinochi in mid 2011 to understand the problems of war-affected Thamizhs and for those who lost their limbs in the war, took measurements for artificial limbs.
2. Conducted a mega medical camp with 17 doctors, including GPs, a sonologist with ultrasound equipment`s supported by an engineer, a gynaecologist, 2 ophthalmologist, a maxillo-facial surgeon, a cardiologist and a homeopath and 2 prosthesis-orthetists. The Doctors were assisted by a Sri Lankan DMO and a lady doctor and lab equipment`s provided free by a leading clinical lab in Chennai. About 900 patients were treated for various ailments and over 150 artificial limbs were fitted.
3. Measured and fitted artificial limbs to nearly 300 disabled due to war and provided 4 wheel chairs and other rehabilitation aids,and also distributed spectacles more than 350.
4. Distributed over 2000 school bags and stationery sets to primary class students in many schools in Mullaithivu.
5. Distributed more than 600 saris and lungis In celebration of Deepavali and Pongal to the war-deprived in Keppapualavu model village in Mullaithivu.
6. Funded fully the construction of 10 toilets to the newly settled destitutes in Chemmalai East fishing village in Mullaithivu.
7. Paid stipend of SLR 1,000 a month for six months for a batch of 65 trainees at UNICEF Vocational Training Centre, encouraging regular attendance in classes. The success of this assistance has already shown up in the high admission rate for the next batch.To show our continous patronage initial payment of SLR 1000 per month for the next two months were awarded to the present batch of 65 students.
8. Adopted permanently a village called KAPPAPULAOU, where predominantly war afflicted and rehabilitated population lives.
9. Established links with the newly formed North Provincial Council in Jaffna and a few NGOs like Shrishti Foundation, Mullaithivu Diabled Association, CORD Sri Lanka (a Chinmaya Foundation Organization), Mahadeva Aachirama, Anantha Illam, both in Kilinochi and Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust and Friend-in-Need Society, Colombo.
10. Spread the message and got participation of Rotary Districts Trichy, Madurai, Salem and Coimbatore, Rotary Ulsoor and Thamizh Sangam Bangalore (for toilets, saris and lungis) and 10 Rotary Clubs in Malaysia (for artificial limbs) .established a permanent bonding of friendship with Rotary club of Nallur of yazhpanam who have promised to physically support us in all our field work there. We appreciate their association and help with gratitude.
Such wide contacts in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and other countries will ensure continuity and scaling up of service. While its initial mission was to conduct medical camp and provide artificial limbs, Dhanvanthri is increasingly into reconstruction of war-ravaged Mullaithivu and socio-economic development of Kilinochi, Jaffna and other affected areas.s. Rotarians of Sri Lanka District are suggesting involvement of Dhanvanthri in the community development projects in many areas.
Now, about the activities during the visit:
After reaching Mullaithivu the earlier night, the team
· Visited Alampil Roman Catholic School on its new ground measuring 8 acres. The school, with nearly 400 students currently, wants to offer education up to 11th standard and needs new classrooms, playground, lab, library and staff quarters. On receipt of the proposal from HM Ms Becky Jeevarasa, the team will seek the support of benefactors interested in the project.
· Formally opened 10 house toilets constructed through its funds in Chemmalai East fishing village and dedicated each toilet to the donors of the project, including Rotary Ulsoor and Thamizh Sangam Bangalore.
· Handed over last of stipend to the first batch of vocational trainees at the UNICEF Vocational Centre, numbering 65, in vocations such as tailoring, IT, beauticians, two wheeler mechanics and aluminium fabrication.
· Paid the first instalment of stipend to the second batch of vocational trainees at the Vocational Centre, numbering 65, and agreed to support the new trainees for six months.
· Affirmed to provide sewing machines to the first batch of tailoring trainees and agreed to consider their request for assistance to set up a mini garment unit in Mullaithivu.
· Met Ms.Shakila, President, Mullaithivu Disabled Association and agreed to consider her request for a special medical camp for the disabled, especially to treat sight problems and heart ailments. Rotary Club of Nallur will carry out a survey and Mr.Agilan, Asst Director, Mullaithivu, will help organize the camp. Ms.Shakila also mentioned about polluted ground water and scarcity of potable water in Mullaithivu.
· Distributed nearly 300 saris and lungis, donated by Rotary Ulsoor and Thamizhs of Bangalore, to the destitute residents of Keppapulavu Model Village.
The next day, 18th February, the Team
· Attended the donation of a wheel chair to a disabled tailor in Pudukudiyiruppu by Shrusti Foundation.
· Met briefly the representative of CORD Sri Lanka (of Chinmaya Foundation) in Kilinochi.
· Interacted with the destitute children in Mahadeva Aschirama Saiva Siruvar Illam, a NGO providing lodging and schooling to about 350 boys and girls studying up to 12th class and donated SLR 50,000 to the Aachiramam.
· Witnessed the gift of a wet grinder by Shrusti Foundation to Anantha Illam, a home for senior women homeless and donated SLR 10,000 to the home.
The team returned to Colombo late night on 18th February and the next day,
· Attended the speaker meeting of Rotary Club of Colombo West.
· Met at the venue the CEO of Neelan Tiruchelvan Trust which works in north and east Sri Lanka for livelihood development, assistance to disabled and mobile documentation service for the poor.
· Also met Colombo representative of CORD Sri Lanka which serves women and children through training, micro finance and education assistance.
· Visited the Friend in Need Society which makes artificial limbs in the company y of President of Rotary Club of Capital City, Colombo and discussed feasibility of measuring and getting ready artificial limbs to be donated by 10 Rotary Clubs in Malaysia.
· Met PDG Krish Rajendran and Past President Karunakaran of Colombo West for an informal discussion of community service project ideas in the war-affected and other areas of Sri Lanka.
