'Friends' Senehasa Youth Camp for Orphans today

‘Friends’ President Priyanga Perera

A talented group of boys and girls, whose roots originated in the Youth Department of the Colombo Y.M.C.A., banded themselves together as 'Friends' on January 1st,1986, for the purpose of being of service to their less fortunate brothers and sisters housed in Orphanages. They got themselves registered with Social Services Department in 1987.

'Friends' motto - 'Search, Reach out and Help' has been implemented to the maximum in all their activities for the past 24 years. In the previous years they held camps for the rehabilitation of drug addicts, physically handicapped youths and three hundred orphans from 11 Homes.

'Friends' group leaders both overseas and in Sri Lanka will meet again to conduct the '7th Senehasa Youth Camp for Orphans' from August 5th to 8th 2010, at the Subodhi Institute of Integral Education, Wewala, Piliyandala.

There will be 100 children (50 girls and 50 boys) participating at this year's Camp. The children are in the age group of 12 to 18 years and have been specially selected from youth Orphanages from the districts of Colombo and Kalutara.

The theme of the camp will be Education through Recreation. At this year's camp there will be several leadership training sessions coupled with lectures, sports, competitions, talent contests, camp fires and musical sessions etc.

Senehasa Youth Camp 2008

"This is a gigantic undertaking and is expected to be unique and we hope to provide the children an unforgettable weekend. The cost of expense per child for food and snacks, alone is Rs 6000 for four days. With lodging and transport etc. it will rise up to over Rs. 700,000, President of the 'Friends' Priyanga Perera said.

"We appeal to the business community and well wishers to contribute lavishly to this worthy cause that have been set in motion and thank all our members especially in Sydney, Australia, for their efforts in raising finances by organizing dances and other projects for the welfare of the Orphans in Sri Lanka".

For more information about the camp please contact Kumudu Pasqual, Secretary 'Friends' 077 3062302.