Today marks the end of our Lanka 08 adventure. We spent the morning and lunch with Territorial Leaders debriefing the journeys that we have had the privilege of undertaking over the past three weeks.Amongst the topics was a discussion about deinstitutionalisation. There is no doubt that over the past 80 years or so, since the Army has been running children’s homes, there have been many children who, with no other alternative have received a home and a hope because of our institutions.
There are only a small number of children in Army institutions that have no family to support them, the rest have some family, but these lack the resources to supply adequate education and nurture. (There are waiting lists of people asking the Army for their children to be accepted into care.)
But there are hints of a government policy which will force a move away from institutional care and so the question is what happens when, or if, institutions are forced to close. (This is not a near future issue.)
The Army has already begun a family sponsorship program whereby families receive resources to help them care for children at home – it is small scale at the moment, but successful. Could this be a solution for the future? There are some interesting discussions and decisions to come.
Another issue that lies heavy on the Leadership’s hearts is the need to provide psychological support for the preschool children and remand girls that are part of The Haven clientele. This is a unique institution with a complex population – there are many ways in which it could be better, but all are held captive to resources, mainly finance.
To employ a professional psychologist would cost only about US $5,000.00 per year, and whilst this sounds like such a little, it is beyond the budget restrictions of the Territory at this time. But the position (I believe) would make such a huge difference. Imagine being able to sponsor this ministry! (Interested? Talk to me, or to the Sri Lanka Territorial Social Service Secretary directly.)
So, in about 12 hours we will be in the air, just leaving Sri Lankan airspace. The adventure will be over, but the transformed lives (ours) and the encouragement given will remain.
