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Giving these kids a fighting chance in life
By Marisa de Silva
Walking through the streets of Pettah to get to Subha Sevana, I was forced to take a closer look at life. After I had spoken to the people there, I thought I may never look at the people and places around me as I used to. I entered the tall building and arrived on the 8th floor to meet with the director and staff of the institute. I didn't know that what I was to hear would change my way of thinking.

These two children find a box comfortable enough to settle in.

This institute belongs to the church and has been functioning for the past 27 years (from August 1974). The priests and volunteers have been helping the people of the area (especially the children) to rebuild their lives.

The director did not want to reveal his identity but wanted to focus on the children and their issues.

The 'Street Children's Project', as it was known at the time was begun with the help of 'Save the Children Fund' - U.K. Soon a new name was sought as the term 'Street children' was derogatory and had a negative impact on the children. The institute was then referred to as 'Mawathe apey lamai' and later as 'Veediye apey lamai'. However, the children still met with problems when their I.D. cards stated them as 'Veediye lamai'. After much deliberation, 'Subha Sevana Ape Lamai' was suggested and that's how it stands to date.

Finding proper homes or even 'shacks' for these people is no easy task but with a little bit of interest and effort it could be achieved. For instance, the Ministry of Interior headed by minister John Amaratunge, has shown an interest in providing houses for these people.

The street children of Pettah live in a 'rettuwa' or polythene tent, which to them is a house. They may have seen their mothers accept money from strange men every night before or after entering a 'rettuwa' together with him. They rarely (or never) see their father, that's if they know who he is. They walk the streets looking for some sort of solace or means of having fun, like any child would, but all they can see instead is an adult's world. They seem to be in the middle of a 'no win situation'.

In short, they have no education, no respect, no dignity and worst of all the innocence of their childhood (if not already taken) will soon be destroyed. They are confused, angry, and bitter and have a contorted view of what seems to be 'the norm'. This is the average 'street child'.

The boys, as well as the girls, are victim to exploitation and abuse. Street culture revolves around the 'give and take' principle. (Which is usually a good thing except in this instance it may mean to give up one's body or innocence to take the money)

Institutes such as 'Subha Sevana Ape Lamai' are trying their best to help these people and get them off the streets but it's not all that easy. Having lived all their lives on the street most of them have become hard and set in their ways. As with any other person, change is not easy and you have to have a better alternative in hand if you want to change their lifestyle. Employment wise, how can you top Rs. 1000-1500 a night? For an uneducated person to earn that much, when we have graduates unemployed seems a bit unlikely.

Yet, although there are many obstacles in their paths, the people of Suba Sevena are willing to take that long, rugged road because they see it as a worthy cause.

A training programme for the Police officers of the Colombo City was conducted last year (March 22-24, 2002) under the theme "To look upon the street children and adults with compassion and understanding". It was organized by 'Loving Friends International' (The internationally recognized name for 'Subha Sevena') together with UNICEF, Sri Lanka.

Through this programme the police were requested to be more 'people friendly' and more approachable, to have night shelters for street families and to have non-formal education programmes and sports activities for street children.

Mrs. Teckla Perera, project directress of the institute, spoke to me on the educational programme they have for the children. She said that they conducted pre-school activities through informal education, for children under 7 or 8 years, where they are taught math, conversational skills, reading, art, collage, singing, drama and handwork, etc. Thereafter, they are sent to schools for further studies. After which the institute tries to help them out by finding them a job.

In one instance when the children had shown interest in getting some sports equipment, the volunteers at 'Subha Sevena' had told them to find their own money. This was to teach them to appreciate the items. Cards had been handed out to them and they had sold the cards and found enough money to purchase the equipment.

They had also sold old clothes, bottles and newspapers to collect money. This kind of activity also helped to build character and would teach them the value of money.

The institute also encourages their mothers to save. Over 80 accounts have been opened so that the children will have a substantial amount saved up for them when they reach an eligible age.

Furthermore most of them didn't posses either Birth Certificates or Identification cards. This too was taken care of by 'Subha Sevena' and over 250 I.D. cards have been issued to date to their young 'charges'. 800 more are pending issue.

This institute together with Jiddapitiya Municipal Clinic team conducts monthly clinics and awareness programmes, within the Institute premises.

Mothers are also educated about STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and sent to VD/HIV clinics on a regular basis.

They are also strongly encouraged to practice protected sex.

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