1 January 2010

Little Smiles Project Update (Project Reports: January 2010)

1 January 2010

2009, November 17th. I went for the first time to the Internally Displaced Persons or IDP camp where SVS started a preschool at Vavunia, Manek Farm Zone 1. I also distributed Little Smiles Kits. I waited a long time for this opportunity. I was keen to learn about the environment for children at these IDP camps.

Several people also came on this visit, including staff from the Children’s Secretariat, Minister of Child Development and Women’s Empowerment, and representatives from other NGOs. Nalin, our SVS representative, and I joined this trip. The trip to the camp was very slow because of strict checkpoints. The check became more severe as we drew nearer the camp. We needed to show all our documents to conform to the law. The army was busy to confirm this to their office by radio.

There were lots of people near the camp entrance. The people try to get permission to get out for a short time during the daytime. We went into the camp led by an army truck. Our van ran slowly over the muddy road. I could see a line of houses with corrugated iron all over. People were putting their effort to rebuild their lives. There were some little shops that sold daily needs such as, soap, milk powder, tooth paste, etc. It was time for flour and coconut oil distribution. People made a long line to wait for flour from the bag, on which was printed, donated by the USA.

I was just puzzled when we moved from place to place inside of the camp. The scene was almost the same, just endlessly continuing temporary houses. We finally reached the preschool. Kids had waited a long time I could see because the paper flower ray was smashed from being held a long time. However, children welcomed us with wonderful smiles. It was the most precious moment for me.

I could hand over, one by one, a Little Smiles bag to the children. I showed them what was inside, one by one from the red bag to the children and they were so excited. “Oh! Chocolate! Oh! Notebook! Stuffed animal...” They responded with big smiles. The parents and other crowd surrounded the preschool and gradually showed their smiles, too. This is how the power of a smile spreads to others...…

Many Japanese collected stuffed animals and made generous contributions and sent them to Sri Lanka. People here put a big effort to wrap these gifts with colorful ribbons, and 19 different items were put into the red bag. It took us days—more than we expected. Finally, we put together 1200 bags. A Sri Lanka Army truck came to the SVS office and carried the boxes of bags to the Vavunia army camp one day. Then we could hand them to the children’s hands in the camp.

It looked like a small little flower bloomed in the dull camp and extended its brightness through their smiles. I pray that peace and happiness extend steadily to these people and children who have suffered so much.

Shigeko Baba (18 December 2009)