FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

When was the project started?
1984.

How do you fund it?
With my personal savings and also with sponsorship of some children.

How much does it cost?
Approximately Rs. 2500/child per year (£15/child/year).

Why Kalutara?
We found the first two children on the beach in Kalutara in 1984 and we have added needy children every year.

Where do the children live?
They live at home with their parents. They are looked after by their families. I only buy them the wherewithal to be able to attend school.

Do you get support from the Sri Lankan government?
No.

What are your future plans?
To increase the number of children supported by the project and to provide IT and English classes for the children.

Why IT?
Without a good grounding of IT the children will be disadvantaged if they enter university. Also job opportunities will be less.

What will this cost?
To teach on average 100 students IT per yr and 250 children English per year, for a period of five years it would cost on average Rs. 6000 per child (£ 35/child).

Why education in HIV/AIDS?
While the prevalence of HIV infection in Sri Lanka is currently low, it is anticipated that the numbers will rise sharply unless an active campaign is launched. There is much denial re situation at present. In addition the children living in the villages and towns located in the coastal areas are most vulnerable Pedophilic activities, child prostitution and drug use is on the increase particularly in these areas.