Above left: Schoolchildren in Sri Lanka were thankful for funds raised to help keep them at school. THE festive spirit has prompted a Hampton Park church to help raise money for schoolchildren in Sri Lanka.
Pastor Graham Shand from Casey Life Assembly of God said on a recent trip to Sri Lanka he heard of the challenges some parents faced in sending their children to school this year.
He said in particular they were struggling to buy compulsory school items such as shoes, uniforms, books and school bags.
After raising interest about the matter the church decided to try to raise the $5 or $6 per child required and asked for the names of those children in need.
“There were close to 400 names on the list,” Pastor Shand said.
Over Christmas the church managed to raise $2500 which was enough for every child on the list to attend school this year.
“These children have received either a pair of shoes, a school bag or uniform which was given out at a special Christmas function in Ragama, Colombo,” Pastor Shand said. “Although there are those doing it hard here in Australia many people from this region live off just a couple of dollars a day or less.
“It is our hope that we have made a real difference in the lives of these children as they enter the new school year.”
Pastor Shand thanked all those who had donated to the cause.
