Tuesday 16 February 2016

How can you help?

Let's make a difference 


We received a lot of emails and message from well-meaning people asking how they could help out the orphanage. 

If you would like to contribute, you can donate to Kalamusu Kedella directly or reach out to Judith at Judith.Duffy@Sheraton.com for more information.

BANK DETAILS
Name of account: People for Care and Learning Society
Account no: 0050-02359328-001
SWIFT code: SEYBLKLX
Address: Seylan Bank, Galle Road, Panadura

CHARITY FLEA MARKET
Saturday 19th of March 2016
9am – 2pm

The main source of our charity fund  is our regular flea market that takes place every quarter.
Exhibitors can sell unwanted items from their home (for example clothing, electronics, small furniture, kids’ toys) while bargain hunters can stroll through the market to look for the best opportunities.

Visitors can enter free of charge.

Exhibitor tables are available for AED 285 each. If you book and pay your spot by the 1st of March, you can receive AED 40 discount. Contact Sabine.Farah@Sheraton.com or call 02 677 3333. 
The children of Kalamusu Kedella are grateful for all your support. 

Sunday 31 January 2016

Day 5 - Saturday, 30th of January 2016

A thousand thank you 


We woke early to the sounds of beautiful church music as our neighbourhood was getting ready to mark the feast of Saint Sebastian. Vivid decorations in red and white colours adorned the streets while the local community prepared for the celebrations. 
Our hearts were filled with parallel excitement as we headed towards the children’s home. Our project started just about a year ago and – while we encountered many obstacles during the construction phase – neither Naomi, nor us at Sheraton Abu Dhabi failed to believe that this moment would come. 

Anticipation filled the air when we drove through the main gate and curious little faces peered at us from all corners of the property. Wrapped around the main door of the dining hall, a beautiful red ribbon twinkled in the sun expectedly.  
As we finally opened the door and the children stepped inside cautiously, sounds of delight and surprise enveloped the room. 
Opening the ceremony, we received some wonderful words of gratitude from Naomi and her father who set up the orphanage over 10 years ago.  One by one, all of the children kissed and hugged us as a way of saying thanks to all the people in Abu Dhabi and beyond who made this day possible. 
We had been showered with a thousand thanks over the last few days, but all three of us have one prevailing feeling: We are the ones indebted to these people. Leaving the comfort of our daily lives behind, we came to recognise what really matters. Work worries, everyday inconveniences seem so insignificant in light of our experiences at Kalamusu Kedella. 
_____________________________
“What is your next big dream?” – we asked Naomi. 

“My main concern is ensuring that the children are properly fed.” – she answers sharing her biggest worry. “Many of them arrive severely malnourished. We try to nurse them back to health but our resources are very limited. We have a set budget for food every month and if we have any unexpected expenses – such as a medical emergency – we are down to our last rupees towards the end. I wish I could give them the best possible nourishment – this is where I will need the support of generous benefactors in the future.” 
_____________________________

When the farewell is approaching, we share our concerns with Naomi about possibly upsetting some of the children with our brief visit. She is very practical about the question.
“This is the way of life. Sometimes people come into our lives, sometimes we need to say goodbye. No matter where we are we in the world, will remain in each other’s prayers and thoughts.” 

A big day for everyone in Kalutara.
Saturday, 30th of January also marked the feast of Saint Sebastian for the local community.
Nero, our hero.
Nirmal, our driver for the duration of our stay, has been our interpreter, tour guide, messenger and an overall lifesaver as we attempted to navigate around Sri Lanka. 
The beginnings...
We have started this project with Naomi because - up until now - the children haven't got a proper dining facility. Mealtimes are restricted to eating on the floor of the kitchen with the boys and girls taking turns. 
Let's go back in time.
Last spring when the construction started under the supervision of Naomi and her ever supportive husband, Ranga. 
Seems like a thousand years ago...
The dining room on the 1st day of our visit. 
Drum rolls, please.
After days of shopping trips, preparations, decorating and cleaning, the room is finally ready for the children. 
Tears of joy.
Naomi and her family opened the celebrations with beautiful words of gratitude, while we unveiled this surprise plaque to commemorate our friendship. 
Let's get this party started! 
A feast of fiery flavours.
Putting a little money aside every month, Naomi saved up for a special meal for the opening party. We were all treated to beautiful, traditional Sri Lankan dishes.  
Party in full swing.
Our little friends quickly got into the celebratory mood. Jorge was looking on proudly as all of the children used their cutlery during the meal. 
Miles apart but close at heart.
Judith is putting up pins on the map so the children can see our home countries. 
Smiles all around.
While the boys wanted to spend time with Rui and Jorge, the girls gathered by Judith's side. By the last day of our time together, they were completely at easy with our presence.   
Movie matinée.
The minions were just as big of a success at Kalamusu Kedella as anywhere else in the world.   
Having the time of our lives.
Jorge's young friend has been captivated by this watch since our arrival. He wanted to know absolutely everything about its workings. After getting Naomi's permission, Jorge gifted it to the amazed boy. 
A work of magic.
The children were looking on fascinated as we took a bunch of Polaroid photos in the afternoon. 
Say cheese!
Notice the board in the background filled with Polaroid memories of the celebrations. 
Playing our part.
We distributed all the toys in the afternoon among the children - badminton sets, bubble makers, skipping ropes, puzzles and footballs filled the yard with pure happiness. 
Jump for joy. 
Beautiful butterflies.
The new dress up costumes were a major success as little bees, princesses, knights, kings and doctors roamed around the property for the rest of the afternoon.  
Hidden treasures.
The boys were keen to show us the secrets of the garden. 
Saving precious memories. 
Our time with the children it coming to end too fast... 
"Let me makes this easier than saying goodbye.
Let me tell you hello in advance for the next time I get to see you."

Friday 29 January 2016

Day 4 - Friday, 29th of January 2016

A nest of many colours 


The days are running by and we wish we could stop the time…
While the boys were busy getting the last items on our shopping list, our resident writer, Judith spent the morning updating all our friends around the world here on the blog. 
Since we got a number of excellent deals during the week, we were able to save up enough money to purchase a TV and DVD player along with some of the most popular kids’ movies. 
Shrek and Fiona, Anna and Elsa, Gru, Margo, Edith and little Agnes – the children of Kalamusu Kedella can’t wait to get to know you! 

Keen to get the final stage of our project under way, we headed to the orphanage just after lunchtime. While construction of the building finished over a week ago, the children are yet to see the new dining room. When we first got a glimpse of the room a few days ago, it only had the bare essentials – tables and chairs – in place; now it was up to us to arrange the decorations, table clothes, crockery, cutlery and all the little extra touches. 
While Rui and Jorge got handy with the drill, measuring tape and screwdriver, Judith added some colour and warmth to the place. When we finally sat down a number of hours later – dusty, sore, hungry – we couldn’t stop smiling to ourselves. Mission is – almost – accomplished. 
Many curious little eyes peaked through the windows during the day but the children don’t know the details of the opening ceremony and party we planned for Saturday. 

Apart from creating a communal space, one of the main purposes of the new dining hall is that – instead of eating on the floor of the kitchen – the children will have the chance to learn table manners and basic hygiene rules. Naomi feels very strongly that these are essential skill. 
Since the kids have never used cutlery before, with Jorge’s guidance we arranged a little introductory session. Naturally, this will take some getting used to, but we got started on the right path. 
_____________________________

While spending time with the children, we notice that some of them are a lot more withdrawn than others. Nelum – Naomi’s mum – explains that you can tell immediately which children are struggling internally. Although some of the little ones are orphaned, the majority of the residents were sent to the home by the authorities because their parents count not or would not look after them. 
Nelum arranges one to one chats with the distressed children in an attempt to work through their experiences. We fall silent as she tells stories of poverty, abandonment, neglect. By the time the children get under the care of the home, they are often full of scars - both on the inside and outside. It takes a long time to learn to trust again.
_____________________________

It is all in the name… Kalamusu Kedella – the name of the orphanage – means “The nest of many colours” in Sinhalesea. Naomi explains the thinking behind their choice: In at ethnically diverse society, they welcome children of all kinds of background. While herself and her family are committed Christians, the children are free to practice whichever religion they are drawn to. 
“It doesn’t matter where you come from. – she says. If you are in need of help, we are here for you. That is the basis of all our religions.” 

Time to wake up, everybody!
We have a lot to do today. 
We have easily settled into the rhythm of Kalutara.
It is a curious, every changing mixture of slow paced flow and hectic hustle & bustle. 
Finishing touches.
Rui and Jorge headed out to the market to pick up last minutes supplies. 
We came across many supportive local merchants during our trip.
After a few persuasive words by Jorge, all the employees working in this shop offered to donate some of their own money and purchased new lunchboxes for the children. 
So much to write home about.
While drinking coffee after coffee, Judith attempts to fit all our thoughts and experiences into this blog. 
Excuse me, I got right of way. 
Everything + the kitchen sink + some more. 
Time for a spot of lunch. 
Since we got offered as well as negotiated a number of excellent deals over the last few days, we were able to save up enough money in our budget to purchase a TV and DVD player for the new dining room. 
Left? Right? Up? Down?
From the outset, Judith has been very keen on not only getting the dining room functional for the opening, but also decorating it with colourful touches. 
A breath of fresh air.
These fans were surprise purchases for Naomi after a generous donor contacted us via the blog and offered assistance.
Thank you! 
What will you be when you grow up?
Jorge and Rui placing growing charts on the wall so the children can keep track of their height.  
Curtains up!
From Frozen to Despicable Me, hours of entertainment is awaiting the children. 
Laundry day.
The children's school uniforms are neatly hung out to dry. As the home does not own a washing machine, clothes for all 50 children are washed by hand. 
Catching up on table etiquette with Jorge.
Since the children have never eaten with cutlery before and they will be encouraged to use them in the new dining room, we arranged a little introduction on how to use forks, knifes and spoons. 
This is what we will eat ice cream with! 
Which one is which again? 
These two are up to something... 
Party this way.
The dining room was completed over a week ago, but the children have not seen it yet. To mark the official opening, we organised a special ceremony for Saturday. 
Too much excitement...
The children are aware that we have a fun day planned for Saturday but the details are kept top secret. 
It's cock-a-doodle-doo'clock.
Time to get home - we have a very exciting day ahead of us.

Have a look at some of our videos from today:

Jorge is offered some assistance in demonstrating how to use cutlery. Some of the little hands got mixed up but it will take time getting used to eating at the table from now on. 

Judith is hanging out with the girls before dinnertime. They are remarkably quick to pick up new English words. 

Thursday 28 January 2016

Day 3 - Thursday, 28th of January 2016

Music is a universal language 


Another action packed day of getting supplies for the children. With Naomi joining us, we headed towards Colombo early in the morning. 
As construction of the new dining room has now finished, all was left to do is to purchase necessities such as plates, cups, cutlery, water jugs, serving dishes and table clothes. Recalling memories of our own old classrooms and childhood bedrooms, we are also keen on making the new hall as inviting and warm as possible so we picked out a range of decorative items. 
Slowly ticking off every item on list, we filled our car with a set of new clothes for every child, ordered 60 sets of bedsheets and pillowcases and had great fun selecting all sorts of toys for our little friends. 
We can’t wait to put everything into place on Friday! 

_____________________________

Without a doubt the highlight of our day was when we finally returned to Kalamusu Kedella in the afternoon. And we planned a special surprise for the children! We all settled down on the grass out in the garden when Rui suddenly appeared with his guitar. 
While we do not speak each other languages, the classic sounds of “Old MacDonald had a farm” and “If you're happy and you know it” magically broke down all our communications barriers. Some of the children were quicker than others to join us in shouting “Hurray!”, but eventually they all happily sang along 
Rui singing "We are one" from the Lion King had all of us grown-ups close to tears and the power of music slowly cast its spell on the children too. 
Nelum was keen on translating the meaning of the lyrics – she felt that it carries a very important message: 
“Tears of pain, tears of joy
One thing nothing can destroy
Is our pride, deep inside
We are one.”
_____________________________

While we are on the road, we try to fit in as many conversations with Naomi as possible to find out more about their everyday lives. We were curious to know the cost of feeding the children. Like in many families, one of the most significant expenses Naomi is faced with is doing groceries for the home. The overall cost of meals is approximately 10.000 Sri Lankan Rupee per day for entire orphanage – about 200 LKR (circa 1.4 USD or 5 AED). 
Since we received a number of message from all over the world asking how you could help out, we are sharing details of the home here. If you would like to contribute, you can donate to Kalamusu Kedella directly or reach out to Judith at Judith.Duffy@Sheraton.com for more information.

BANK DETAILS
Name of account: People for Care and Learning Society
Account no: 0050-02359328-001
SWIFT code: SEYBLKLX
Address: Seylan Bank, Galle Road, Panadura

Rise & shine.
Leaving for Colombo at the crack of dawn. 
Swinging into high gear.
Early morning traffic on our way to Colombo to pick up more supplies for the children. 
Since the home is run on a very tight budget and can only afford to buy the most necessary items, there is just no money left at the end of the month for treats or toys. Keen to show the children a good time, we picked up a bunch of balls, badminton sets, skipping ropes and board games during our visit to the stores. 
A basket of fun.
We can not wait to share them with the children. 
Portugal vs. Spain: 0:0.
The guys are fitting in some football practice before their upcoming match with the kids. 
Lullaby and good night.
Judith is picking out materials for new bed sheets and pillows. 
So what is your last price again?
Jorge and Rui are negotiating rates to get the best possible deals for the home.
After a lengthy discussion, we purchased crockery, cutlery and serving dishes for the new dining room. 
When you are shopping for 50 boys and girls, you got to be super organised.
Naomi is expertly navigating the store when we go to pick up new trousers and T-shirts for the children. While she has detailed notes and sizes, she closes her eyes and pictures each and every child before making the final decision. 
Girls will be girls.
Instead of buying bulk of the same colour and design, Judith picked out individual T-shirts for all of the girls. 
Happy customers, happy merchant.
Upon hearing the purpose of our trip, this well-meaning merchant offered 12% discount on all items bought and promised Naomi that he will keep her in mind when he has excess stock. 
A friendship in the making.
Judith and Naomi are lost in discussion while navigating the lively streets of Colombo. 
Sing your heart out.
Our Hungarian - Portuguese musical duo is busy practicing their songs on the way home. 
Rolling out the welcome mat.
Victor, the host in our guesthouse, Feel Homestay is treating us to true Sri Lankan hospitality.
Always on hand with recommendations, he wants to ensure that we have the best possible experience of his country. 
Finally, you are back! 
Music to our ears.
While initially some of the children were a little shy, slowly all of them opened up as Rui played the guitar and we sang together popular nursery rhymes.   
Up above the world so high...
Although only a handful of children speak a little English, they picked up the lyrics of "Twinkle, twinkle little star" remarkably quickly. 
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night...
We slowly - slowly fall asleep as bedtime is approaching.
Have a look at some of our videos signing together with the children. It will surely put a smile on your face.

"Old MacDonald had a farm" is always a hit with children - no matter where you are in the world.

We all well up a little as Rui sings beautifully "We are one" from the Lion King.

Continuing with our trip's international theme, Judith is singing her mother's favourite lullaby in Hungarian.