Hemas, recently opened three children’s play areas in Zone 1 of the Menik Farm IDP camp in Vavuniy in partnership with the Children’s Secretariat of the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Empowerment.
The first pre-school and play area were set up by the company in the Kadiragamar relief village in March 2009. “Our first visit to the Menik Farm was in March 2009 with personnel from the Children’s Secretariat to distribute urgently required items to the IDPs, especially the little children. Subsequent to our visit in March, the first Pre-School and Play Area were opened in the same month,” said Shiromi Masakorala, Manager CSR- Hemas in a press release.
“Our focus on pre-schools and play areas was driven by research which indicates that early childhood development in the first five years of life, influences a child’s lifetime education and social achievement. By setting up these activity centres we hope to foster a sense of normalcy in these young children, by creating environments that are physically attractive and mentally stimulating,” she said.
Director Hemas Holdings PLC Abbas Esufally said the company’s previous experience in running 29 preschools in make-shift camps in Tsunami affected areas has given it the experience in working with IDPs. “Our partnership with the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Empowerment has fast tracked our work, and in fact, their involvement has made it easy for us to understand the national needs.” |
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