Welfare programs for displaced children

Chaminda PERERA

Over 349 children staying in two Children's Homes in the Kilinochchi district will be accommodated in a building complex in Vavuniya on June 15, said Child Development and Women Empowerment Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena.

The Minister said the Probationary and Childcare Department, Child Protection Authority and the Ministry have launched a number of programs for the welfare of children of displaced families in the North.

Over 35 paediatricians are engaged in screening children of displaced civilians living in five zones in the Menik Farm welfare village complex, she said.

Minister Jayasena said 850 out of 50,000 children staying in the Menik Farm welfare complex do not have parents due to terrorist atrocities. All Government institutions have focused particular attention towards their educational, health and social development needs, she said.

"We have launched a number of programs for the welfare of children without parents. Several private companies and charity organisations have come forward to erect temporary houses for them. These children will be looked after by the officials very well," she said.

The Ministry has set up Early Childhood Development Centres in the Menik Farm welfare village complex. The Minister said pre-schools were opened in all welfare camps in Menik Farm and the parents' response to these pre-schools were encouraging.

She said youth in Menik Farm welfare centres who have completed the G.C.E. A/L examination will be enrolled as teachers to these pre-schools.

A special resources centre for women was also set up at the welfare centre to provide counselling to women in the camp.