Currently almost 50% of Sri Lanka’s families are struggling to support their children’s education. High inflation is the main reason for this hardship. Especially as. Unlike any other crisis, economic crises are the worst because it disrupts society, and it goes beyond what the government authorities think. It is people’s pain, sorrow, emotion, and helplessness. These hardships are much serious for people living with HIV infection.
As majority of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Sri Lanka are unemployed, widowed, or feeble due to ill health they are unable to earn a decent some of money for day-to-day living. More than 60% of what people earn is spent on basic food. In this backdrop a severe challenge is schooling for children. Therefore, we strongly believe that at this moment we should focus on all the necessary steps to improve the education of children.
Parents of HIV infected and affected families have brought to our notice the immense financial difficulties encountered by them including schooling of children. A pair of school shoes has increased from Rs. 900 to Rs. 3,300.
AIDS Foundation Lanka (AFL) supports, 39 HIV positive children by providing a monthly grocery food bag in addition to supporting them with school van fees, etc. In November 2023, AFL distributed shoe vouchers worth Rs 3,500 to 39 HIV positive children to purchase school shoes. AFL invited the children for a simple tea party and handed over the vouchers. We are pleased to mention that DSI Borella branch offered 10% discount on total bill on purchase of these vouchers. The directors of the AFL also extended their generous donation for this.
Dr Pramila Senanayake, a Board Member also wrote to the Chairman (Retired) DSI on a personnel note and the Chairman provided 43 vouchers, each worth of Rs 2000/- . Dr Pramila, not stopping at that added Rs 1000/= to these vouchers and made a noble move to purchase 142 shoe vouchers each worth Rs 3000/= with her personal funds to provide school shoes to another 143 children of HIV affected families. She personally distributed the shoe vouchers to the children on 16th December 2023.
At AIDS Foundation of Lanka, we appreciate any kind of assistance and/or donation that help us respond to the needs of HIV infected and affected children.
Donate today and stay assured that your gesture has made a huge difference in someone’s life.
You can donate by making a direct deposit in our bank.
Become a Friend of the Foundation. We encourage you to join online and select a monthly amount works best for you. You can sponsor a child for their education.
