Dear All,
 
Trust this finds all of you and your loved ones well.
 
Here’s a brief update on VACD activity during May/June 2014: 

• The shipment of used hospital beds and equipment for children and parents to be used at the VACD centre in Bandarawela were shipped by us in early May and the consignment reached Colombo port Late May. However, due to a series of administrative bottlenecks and obstacles, we have not been able to clear the consignment to date. We are hopeful that this can be done before the end of June, thanks to the tireless efforts by the VACD volunteers in Sri Lanka, the Lak Saviya leadership team in Australia, Mrs Ambanwala ( Provincial Secretary to the Ministry of Health – Uva Province), Dr (Mrs) Senanayake (Provincial Director of Health Services – Uva Province) and Mr Don Jayasinghe – a well-wisher. Although the entire process has been frustrating and tiring, we are not discouraged because our vision and mission to assist those who need our help the most remains firmly in focus.
• Mr Phil Quinton – (Engineer/Architect/Draftsman – Close family friend and supporter of VACD) has just returned to Australia having personally examined the allocated land for the proposed building project for a comprehensive facility to be built for the children, adjacent to the           Bandarawela District hospital, drawn a series of proposals/plans, suggested a few options and closely examined and evaluated the entire project. His written report will be made available to us shortly and his submissions and observations will be shared with you soon.
• We will very soon commence daily classes for both non-school going and school going children with disabilities with the help of a graduate teacher and a retired teacher who are both specialists in teaching children with disabilities. Four sessions will be held to accommodate around a total of 40 children every week day.
• Arrangements are also being made to commence traditional dancing classes for the children very soon. We will keep you informed about the program no sooner it is finalised.
• A two week training course on batik making for mothers of children with disabilities under the ‘Family Economy’ program will be conducted with the assistance of Uva Provincial Council. Training will be done in groups at the VACD centre where we also plan to conduct small industries training. Mr Ajith Dissanayake – Director Department of Industries development at the Uva Provincial council is assisting us in both programs.
• Opening of savings accounts for children registered with VACD, and providing micro-financing for parents wanting to start income-generating projects in collaboration with a commercial bank in Sri Lanka is being evaluated by Mr Milton Perera – Project Leader and Mr Dayaratne Kandambi – Banking & Finance Coordinator – VACD
• Please visit our website:  http://www.vacd.org.au/ for more information.

Thank you for your continued support, guidance and assistance.
 
Many thanks, best wishes, warm regards, love to all and God bless – Felix & Yasmin