Refuge for Sri Lanka's street children

Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital city, has been buzzing with the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit since my arrival. Ak-47s and check-points greet the traveler and every turn. The mangy dogs have been "exported" as have some of the poor folk littering the landscape, all in an effort to put on a good public face.

A week and fifty million dollars later what is there to show for it? A few politicians now have the personal pleasure of a bullet-proof mercedez to add to their detail and a bit of pomp and circumstance to remember.

While the privileged few milk the country for all its worth, people surviving on an average household income of $1100 a year, contend with 30% inflation and $7 a gallon gasoline, a 25 year civil war raging on, and little hope for the future.

Yet amidst this climate of repression, the spirit of the Sri Lankan people shines bright. There is utter resilience and on their part, exhibited in the daily acts of sacrifice and kindness exhibited by these people who struggle tooth and nail to survive. Those with the least are often the most giving, if not with what little food they have, then with whatever they can give with the ubiquitous smile.

I got a first hand tour of these small graces when I visited a home for Colombo's street children. There I spent the afternoon playing with children who would otherwise be on the streets contending with poverty and all its ugliness. Here at the home, they had a refuge. Children were feed meals of rice and curry, they were cared for by a loving staff, and played constantly when not receiving private instruction. Without abundant resources, the imagination was left to run free and ingenuity prevailed. Local foliage became a toy-r-us Sri Lanka style; snakes were made out of palm tree leaves, and crowns were made out of twigs and leaves.

While there may be little I can do to alter the behavior of those exploiting their own people, I do look for ways to support the great efforts of those who provide support, refuge, and opportunity to societies most vulnerable. If you have creative ideas on ways to create opportunities for vulnerable children please contact me at: michael.e.trainer@gmail.com