Samaritans reach out to schoolchildren with ‘Egg Bank’
The project’s launch on Monday
Last Monday, November 4, the Samaritans in Sri Lanka launched the “Egg Bank” – their new project aimed at providing school children with three eggs a week as a source of protein.
A group of nine who were neighbourhood friends, the Samaritans, came together in 2020, setting up a non-profit organization, to help the community in many different ways. In this latest effort, they have undertaken to provide 500 children in the Maskeliya, Ratnapura and Kurunegala areas with eggs for their meals.
The Samaritans fund all their projects with the help of contributions from friends, family and wellwishers and have the support of a company as well.
Their Egg Bank initiative in Sri Lanka began in August, after a brief discussion with Hari Kishan Valmiki from India whose brainchild it was. A number of countries such as the Philippines, Thailand and India have adopted this idea and Sri Lanka is the 11th country to join the project.
Recognising that there are many children in Sri Lanka who don’t get enough protein in their meals and hence fall into the malnourished category, the Samaritans aim to help them have a balanced meal with enough protein. They are currently working with schools and a preschool located within Maskeliya Plantations, and are engaging with school principals to gather all necessary information as well on malnutrition levels among the children.
The Samaritans Vice President Jovanka Jayaweera says they hope it will be a “community-funded project,” and if anyone wants to donate funds, the money will be used to buy locally sourced eggs providing the local vendors with an income as well.
Jovanka reiterates that they want this to be a sustainable and long-lasting project so children can continue with their studies, free of the threat of malnutrition.
To assist the Samaritans, please contact: President: Sonali Crusz: +94 772 674 459; Vice President: Jovanka Jayaweera: +94 772 991 162 and Secretary: Fazana Ibrahim: +94 779 737 644
To reach them on social media, see @thesamaritansinsrilanka on Instagram and The Samaritans in Sri Lanka on Facebook for more information and updates.
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