Supplies for Special Needs School
Written by Sawani DeSilva
During my family vacation to Sri Lanka, I decided to take some time to give back to the community. On June 12, 2024, we visited Little Flower Center for Special Education in Melsiripura led by Director Jannaki Hettiarachchi, which supports 18 children ranging in age from 3 to 22 years old. Light for Lanka Foundation had learned of an organization that donated musical instruments to the school in 2023. So when I visited, a portion of the funds raised from our garage sale in April of 2024 was used to donate school supplies to continue supporting the students. When we arrived, the children performed music using those instruments and I even got the chance to dance with them. It was a touching experience and their enthusiasm and happiness were clear signs that they truly valued everything they were given.
Our Process
List of school supplies
Before our visit, the school’s director sent us a list of essential supplies the students needed- like tape, scissors, pencil cases, and other classroom materials that would help support their learning and development. After receiving the list, we placed an order at Imasha Book Shop in Mahara, Sri Lanka- which totaled to be around 33,741 LKR ($111.21 USD)- and we brought it with us on the day we visited the school. It was heartwarming to watch the children’s reactions when we delivered the supplies.
Speaking With The Director
The Director of Little Flower Center for Special Education, Ms. Jannaki Hettiarachchi, speaking with me
Director Jannaki Hettiarachchi shared some of the challenges that children with disabilities and their families face in Sri Lanka with me. She explained that there’s still an extremely negative stigma around disability, with many people viewing it as a burden. While it was incredibly sad to hear, it made sense- I’ve visited Sri Lanka many times, and I’ve rarely seen people with disabilities in public spaces. Her goal is to create a safe, inclusive space where these children can thrive without discrimination, and it was inspiring to see her dedication.
