In 2005, the Alai Ozai Community Center was rebuilt in Navalady, Sri Lanka with funding from San Felipe Humanitarian Alliance. This project and location was selected because the need was brought to our attention in 2002.
The original community center, built in 2003, was destroyed in the 2004 tsunami. Today approximately 75 children are attending the programs at the center, as well as most mothers who are participating in classes designed for them.
Our center and the Butterfly Gardens, which is a garden of reconciliation and healing for war affected and traumatized children, serve as havens for the people in the surrounding areas and provide a sense of normalcy for the children.
2019 Report from Father Paul, director of Alai Ozai Community Center
ALAI OSAI PROGRESS REPORT
Alai Osai Community Development Centre was started in 2003 and in loving memory and in honour of Mr. Robert Del Conte. In 2004, tsunami destroyed the building and it was rebuilt by Schweitzer family as a Community Centre, for the Navalady Fishermen community. Before tsunami, the village was composed of 472 family with 931 members. After the tsunami, the people were displaced. They were located in Thiraimadu and the government settled them with all community facilities. Since they were a fishing community, they have no work at Thiraimadu. Little by little, they first visited for fishing and 136 houses were built by the Catholic church and CARITAS built 5 houses.
Now, 236 children (114 boys and 132 girls) permanently reside at Navalady. 32 children attend our evening classes. The evening classes are successfully conducted by 2 teachers. In 2019, six children newly joined the Education programme.
We have a programme for mothers. The counsellors regularly visit and guide the men to manage their skills well.
The Centre has helped the children to improve in regular attendance, dress hygiene, ethical living, developing education, self-care, leadership qualitiesand good family culture.
A Psycho-Social worker gives them Psycho –education on parental care, good interpersonal relationship, working with special issues like drugs and guiding dys-functioning families.
Little by little, Navalady village is developing with study, training Centres, tourist attraction, economic development and spiritual cultural activities.
CHILDREN SPEAK:
1. I, Nirthikka, a student of “Alai Osai” Development Centre, attend the classes regularly. We are able to learn our lessons in a systematic way. Only a few subjects are being taught at this Centre. We humbly request you to employ more teachers who could teach us the other subjects as well.
At present, without considering the climate changes and with the intention of improving our studies, the teachers conduct classes without interruption. Nutritional food programme is being conducted. Spiritual and cultural programmes are being organized by our teachers. We happily participate in these programmes.
2. I , Kirushalini had my studies from grade one to Grade 7 at this Centre. In Alai Osai, our teachers are teaching us well. Alai Osai staff motivate us by engaging in spiritual, cultural and sports activities. Daily we are provided with nutritional food. This Centre develop us through different activities. I am happy to thank you .
3. I, Amalraj Laxayini of the above address started to attend the evening classes when I was 3 years old. Now I am 14 years old and reading Grade 9. Our teachers are very regular to the classes and teach well. They never bothered about the climate changes. Teachers organize cultural, spiritual, programmes together with the educational, food programmes and sports activities. As there are only two teachers, we learn only few subjects. Our parents corporate with the staff of this Centre.
As there are only two teachers, we are able to learn only a few teachers within the prescribed time. So, I shall be thankful if you could provide us with an additional teacher to enable my class-mates and me to learn all the subjects and develop our education.
4. I, Nithushan, before I started to attend the Alai Osai evening classes, I used to spend my evening time in inappropriate ways. I never study in the evening time. I used to study only, while in the State school. I find easy to understand the subjects in school, as the teachers in Alai Osai, teach and explain the subjects well. While in the Alai Osai Centre, I am helping the staff there. I am benefitted much through the Community Development Centre.
5. I, Sivanesarajah Thushani, of this village, attend the Evening Class at Alai Osai Centre from Grade 1. Now I am in Grade 6. The teachers teach us well. Nutritional food programme is also being conducted for the benefit of us. With the intention of developing our education, we kindly request you Father, to support us by continuing this development programme.
6. E. Gangaiamaran
a. I have improved a lot by attending the Navalady Community Development Centre.
b. As nutritional food is being provided at the Centre, I am able to concentrate on my studies.
c. I am able to study well.
d. We engage in the work done for the celebration of Oli Villa.
e. I am interested in spending all my at the Center.
f. As “Saraswathy Pooja” is celebrated at the Centre, We are able to gain religious knowledge.
g. We support the Alai Osai staff in celebrating the Oli Villa.
ALAI OSAI REPORT FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2019
During the month of November 2019, an average number of 30 children were attending our Alai Osai evening classes. It was decided to celebrate our Christmas Oli Villa on the 25th of November. So, the children, teachers and other staff of Alai Osai were very busy in planning and arranging for this celebration. Family members of children spend their time with children in decorating and making arrangements for the Oli Vila. Children were practicing to perform dances, stage drama, and other performances. Parents of children extended their cooperation to the staff in clearing the Alai Osai compound. The climate was very conducive for children and parents to participate in this celebration.
Our Executive Director Fr. Paul was the Chief Guest for the Oli Vila. Children and staff of Community Development Centre invited the Professional Psychological Counselling Centre staff for this celebration. PPCC staff organized the sound system and stage arrangement.
Children welcomed the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour by garlanding. Then the traditional lamp was lighted. Then the welcoming speech was delivered both in Tamil and English languages by the children. A welcome dance was performed. Following that the children performed many other artistic performances.
Children who were regular to the classes and had perfect attendance were honoured. Following that, the Chief Guest delivered a speech about the Christmas festival. He explained about the Birth of Christ. As Navalady is a Hindu village, the story of Christ was new to most of the children. He made the children happy with Christmas gifts.