10 Years of Happiness and Educational Success with Fathima Orphanage.

Don with the girls on our very first visit to the orphanage in 2005

Our last trip to the beach with friends from England earlier this year.

We were introduced to the Fathima Orphanage in March 2005.  Don's niece Liz in Ireland  had heard about this wonderful orphanage school  and we visited just after they had a new intake of girls who had been orphaned by the Tsunami.  We were overwhelmed with sadness but so heartened  by the Principal who loved all the girls as if they were here own.  Since that day we have visited the orphanage every time we have been in Sri Lanka and sometimes 2 or 3 times within those visits.  In December 2005 with the financial help of my colleague Angelo we took the girls out for their first day outside the orphanage walls and now we go to the beach once or twice a year.

Earlier this year with  wonderful Mrs Mohamed. One  of the newest girls is  on the far left. We have known the other 2 girls for years!.

At the beach  earlier this year with  girls we have known for 10 years.

FODAD supports the secular teaching at the school - English, music, economics, cookery and needlework.    The orphanage which houses over 80 girls  has seen great academic successes with girls reaching A level standard.  4 of our girls took nursery school courses and the couple who have got married are still in touch with us. One is expecting a baby any day now.   The cost of this invaluable support is approximately £4300/US$6600  per year.  It is impossible to calculate the difference this has made to the girls who, after the Principal and teachers, see Della and Don as their only family.  Those of you who have supported these girls have brought happiness beyond measure.

A little bit of bonkersness celebrating elders' day this week.