At each distribution we take some time to speak with the parents of children whom are receiving a bedkit. We want to know about their family life and how they feel about the items in the bedkit. Sitting down with a translator, a sample bedkit is displayed. A team member asks a series of questions in English and the translator communicates the questions and responses. Today was a unique experience in that two translators were needed. The questions were asked in English, which were then translated into Sinhalese and then to Tamil. Sinhalese and Tamil are the two most widely used languages in Sri Lanka.
Through the interview we learned how gracious the parents were about receiving the items in the bedkit. They were especially pleased to receive items that would assist their children in attending school such as the backpack and school shoes. The parents explained that the dry season in the area (July-October) was the most challenging weather related time for their families.
Two successful days of distribution and 1,600 happy kids, like this one seen below, have headed home for a good night’s sleep.
Team Sri Lanka
