June 2016 Newsletter

What has happened, and what we are doing now...

OceanStars :: Wednesday 29th June 2016 :: This Story

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Maureen Johnston Ocean Stars Chairperson reflects on our work so far in 2016

As ever it has been a busy and at times challenging beginning to 2016 for all the OST trustees. We continue to work towards our goal of providing equal opportunities for all children in Sri Lanka and con-sequently much of our focus remains on the development and provi-sion of pre school education in remote parts of north and east Sri Lanka. Thanks to our supporters, the hard work of our OSL team and the teachers themselves we now run 15 schools and provide educa-tion for over 500 children. As trustees we are working hard to ensure that our class-rooms are in as good a state of repair as possible and that the educational provision for the children continues to develop.
Our child sponsorship programme is ongoing and the children are visited regularly to check on their progress and to ensure that the sponsorship money is used correctly. Likewise we are monitoring the progress of our sewing and other livelihood projects, as we try to support families in building a better future for themselves.
We are constantly encouraged and delighted at the progress and development of OST's work but are very aware that none of it would be possible without your support. So a huge thank you from myself and the trustees for all your contributions. There is lots more to do as we try to bring hope to these remote, poor communities and we look forward to continuing to work with you.

Maureen

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Mrs Nadarajah who founded and ran Grace Children's Home In Vavuniya . She devoted the last 15 years of her life to the service of others and was an inspiration to all who met her. She was full of love and compassion and Grace was always a warm and welcoming home. She was "amma" (mother) to all the orphaned and dis-placed boys who entered her care. The children were able to leave their traumas by the front gate and enter a space where love and faith overcame all adversity. We will miss her. May she rest in peace.