Day 26 in Puloly and Day 27 in Colombo and Singapore

The blogs have been put up late vue to lack of interent access, flying on a plane, tiredness from the trip. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Day 26 in Puloly

I stood in their prayers, I had breakfast with them and I sent them off to school. I didn't tell the children I was leaving rigt after they walked out of the gates. All I wanted to see them do was pinching my cheeks, teasing me, laughing at my jokes and just happiness. I couldn't see myself breaking their hearts. I know I will be back, but just don't know when

Just zooming pas the events. I said goodbyes to everyone, travelled in the auto with 5 people at the back seat, arrieved at the wedding which was really beautiflu with interesting rituals like tying thali inside the Church, it was time for my farewell of which before that we were treated to sarbath, strawberry milkshake is actually what it is, haha....

We sat under the shady trees on the Church benches which were laid outside the Church to make way for the wedding. I loved my farwell. It was a beautiful place with amazing people that I had to leave behind. I was given two framwes with peoms written it wasn't until later that I knew that the tamil one was written by Ms Jecintha and Dr Anandkumar had written the english one. I don't have to say how touched I felt by those poems. Anyways, I gave my speech, my parting speech, my spech of thanking everyone of them for helping these kids, my speech of giving them the confidence that these kids will be saved, and y speech how how much I was going to miss them.

Wedding lunch was a great feast, it felt like the "last Supper" with drinks, food and smiles. I was going to miss each and everyone of them. That's all that was running in my mind.

I spend the day at Ms Jecintha's. Ms Nanthini, didn't want to leave. I didn't want her to leave but she had to get back to work. She cried several times and I couldn't stand near her to see that, because all I wanted is to stay. I can't explain how much each of them mean to me.

Anyways, I was talking to Paki and the other helpers... They kept asking when will I be coming back and If i would even pick up the phone when they called. This is the Sri Lankan Experience: They will make you feel wanted, they make you feel important , but more than anything, they think of you like you are one of them...

It was time for the bus ride. It was time for me to leave Jaffna. It was time for me to go home. I wished it was the other one.It wasn't until the bus started its ten-hour journey that I started crying. I looked out of the window and saw Jaffna passing by me, I saw in my heart and thougt about all the people I cared about dearly...even more than my own family mates, I saw the moon and thought about the kids and how much work there is to be done. The path is a bumby one but there is a route, somewhere...if you try hard, you will find it.

Day 27 in Colombo

I woke up in air-conditioned hotel room, showered in hot water, and walked out on carpet. No more sand, ants or mosquitos, but still I wasn't happy. All my thoughts were back home...home in Puloly.

Sir came in and wished us morning. We had a mini meeting. First thing he told me, I had to set up a facebook account! followed by other things I had to do, which I can't wait for.

We left soon after to see his family. His wife made amazing fish sandwhich and I had my last cups of tea and coffee. She asked to cme and stay with them the next time. I would love to but I don't know when is the next time.

Thank God it was a long ride to the Airport. I had time to spend with Ms Jecintha and Sir. I was already missing them so much. I was hoping I would miss my flight actually but yeah I think that probably would have created more problems.

At the airport, sir told the driver to wait for 2 minutes, I didn't want to take up their time and moreover any longer  would have cried instead I just gave my hugs and goodbyes. Sir teared and I wished I told him, I am going to miss him a lot.

They waved goodbyes while I was inside I stood there helpless I stood there all alone wishing I didn't have a home to go back to. I stood there wishing I did't have a family of my own to take care of. I stood there wishing I could run back into their arms.

I cried once I walked off. I cried because I loved them a lot. I cried because I hold them so dear to my heart.

I am back home and since I came back, at least about ten different people have called to ask me how I am....from the kitchen staff to admin, to the contruction helpers they all have called to ask me how I am and that they miss me and that when am I going back...as muc as I am happy to hear to their voices I am sad that now I have a family in Sri Lanka and I don't know when I am I going to see them again.

Special Thanks to My Sri Lankan Family

The children in Puloly and Atchchuveli, The staff: Nanthini akka, Kamilranjan Anna, Kasturi akka, Tharshini akka, Thursanthan, Karunagaran Anna, Aiyya, Ramila akka, Theepana, Darshini, Sivamalar Ms, Dhaya Ms, Sutharshini Ms, Suganthi teacher, Apple Ms, Sujeevan BBS staff: Romani Ms, Poopathy Ms, Anita Akka, Reegan Anna Friends: Pakitharan and Neerooban and helpers My Sri Lankan parents: Ms Jecintha and family, Dr Anankumar and  family

LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH THANK YOU SO MUCH! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Day 25 in Puloly

I wanted to spend the whole day in the home other than visiting the fish market and the sea, which are the first few things I did when I came here. I can't believe time passed by so fast. From the day I came it has been 28 days already, and this is my 25th day here in Puloly Village itself.

The whole day was rather pretty lonely for me. I felt empty from within. My worry is not about leaving. My worry is what I am going to do for them from now on. They did so much for me. They made so many things for me.

It was full-moon day. It is a special day. It is a holiday. They always celebrate it just like last night. It was a whole show which was organized and put up within a few hours filled with dance, singing and the best part poetry recital. The students did bouquets out of paper and plastic flowers. It was really beautiful I have never seen such a thing in my life. It was truly their work and talent which amused me. Some students wrote their won poems;they were funny. They talked about how I came here fair and am going back so dark and that they want to buy for me fair and lovely. Another line talked about how I always said I don't drink tea initially but now I take it even before they could ask. These were their memories of me written in the funniest way possible. LOL.

Ranjan Anna, the boys' home manager also recited a poem, I didn't expect it at all. It was really a beautiful poem written in pure Tamil so not like I could understand every single word, (haha), but I could figure it out. Some of the co-workers also revealed their talent in singing. This is their hobby, making woodcrafts and singing, so no wonder they are really very talented in these things. I finally got to take photos with them.

I had roti prata and a sweet mango as my last meal in Puloly. I loved it. I am going to miss everything here. I am going to miss singing songs while driving in the auto, I am going to miss my hair getting messed up in the wind, I am going to miss the muddy fields but I won't miss the mosquitos, the ants and the sand for sure. LOL. My threading is gone, my waxing is gone, I have gone super dark which is fine as long as it doesn't start peeling and I probably need a pedicure after this. Hahah. I am leaving with an aim. I am leaving to come back and see these kids happier. Oh Oh Oh, and I am surely going to miss this computer room and this particular computer which has been my companion for the last 4 weeks. Thanks to all my fellow co-workers, thanks to the children and thanks to Sir DR.B.Anandkumar and Ms Jecintha.

Journeys in PCV-Part 27

Name: Piratheepan Balasubramaniam
Age: 16 years old
Dad is at home. His mum died during the war, he saw it. He told me the exact time exact date it all happened, so just imagine how would it have been for him. Younger brother is handicapped from birth. Younger sister stays with dad.

They swam across a small sea , in fear to escape getting killed and reached a refugee camp.

Name: Dayan Jeganathan
Age: 17 years old

Mum is at home with a younger sister. Dad died when he was 1 years old. The army captured his dad to do railway building work. Due to lack of safety measure, he died when something huge fell on him.

During the attacks, afraid that they will be captured by their army to be sent to fight, they ran away from the camp to a refugee camp. During floods, they weren't able to sleep as it would be all muddy. Many people had died due to diseases he mentioned.

Name: Kopilan Lokesvaran
Age: 17 years old

Parents are in home living in a tent with 1 elder sister, 1 younger brother, and 1 younger sister. They are all studying.

Dad has cancer doesn’t work a lot. Elder sister is working in a mine removing landmines which is a largely dangerous job. His younger sister was taken away from this home he presently is in, when the government officials came and took the children away two months ago. The sister has a whole in the heart and any shocking news will trigger her off and put her life in danger.

His younger brother was born during the time they were moving camp. He was in camp for one and half years. He didn’t study in camp. He was cooking for his mum and his younger brother in camp.

The tent isn’t stable during the flood times and it causes a lot of hassle for the family. His mum comes to see him in his sister’s earnings.

He said he wants to study well, and get a job to save up for his sister’s marriage who is toiling very hard for him. He wants to make his brother and sister study very well.

Journeys in PCV-Part 26

Name: Piratheepan Ravichandran
Age: 16 years old

Family is in camp. He lost his left leg on the same day he his brother died. It all took place in the house.

He said he thought he was going to die, he was really scared.

He spent 1and a half months in the hospital and one year in camp where he wasn’t allowed to go out of the camp at all.

Food and water were necessities which weren’t provided for survival yet he did.

He said he wants his leg back. He can’t walk or run like the others. He can’t play certain games but he is really good at cricket.

More than anything, he wishes to get his brother back.

Name: Senthooran Yogeswaran
Age: 15 years old

Both his parents are in home. One younger sister is in PCV. His dad can’t use one his hands due to a bomb blast. It blasted at home, both he and his sister got hurt.

They were searching for a place to stay in 3 different districts. Last are was when the army had taken them and put them in camp. He described the place as a huge field with barbed wire surrounding the place and thousands of people cramped up into tents.

Journeys in PCV- Part 25

Name: Yasinthan Jeevaratnam
Age: 14 years old

He is the brother of one of the boys I had put earlier. He said when he saw his father die, his body shivered. He was scared. He had chest pain and he has been having it ever since that day.

When I asked him what he wanted from God, he said he wanted his dad back and that he wanted to study. I think for God’s who especially saw their dad suffer on their laps at the last moment, that’s what they remember most of them, making it difficult for them to move on.

Name: Sarujan Sasikumar
Age: 11 years old

Mum is in camp with younger sister. Dad died when a bomb fell into his house. Everything they had was gone including his beloved dad.

When I asked him how was he feeling at that moment? He couldn’t answer me back, he kept repeatedly saying he saw bombs.

This guy never failed to tease me and I will ask him to shut up. But when I saw him become quiet it was difficult. I kept asking him to talk then. But he wouldn’t.

Journeys in PCV-Part 22

Name:Pirakash Jeyanathan
Age: 11 years old

Mum is in home. Dad died after getting electrocuted by lightning. His twin brother is here in PCV with him. 1 elder brother is in another hostel.

He came here to study as his family couldn’t afford to send him to school there.

Name: Yasvanth Jeyanathan
Age: 11 years old

Journeys in PCV-Part 21

Name:Thinesan Ravindrarasa
Age: 13 years old

Mum in home with younger sister and younger brother. Dad died in war attacks. 1 younger brother in here in “home”.

He saw his father died right in front of his eyes. They were walking to another place to stay when the bomb blasted on his father.

After his father died, they had to go to camp for 1 year. He remembers all the dates of when he went to camp and when left.

He like to be here because his mum is happy that he gets to study.

He wants to be happily living with his mum after he studies as a wish from God.

Name: Dinesan Ravindrasa
Age: 11 years old

Journeys in PCV-Part 20

Name: Rajeevan Kajenthranathan
Age: 13 years old

Mum is in home with younger brother. Dad died, but he doesn’t know how and when. Apparently he was very young when dad passed away. 1 elder brother is with him in Puloly.

His house exploded in the bomb blasts which forced them to live in a camp. He said he was happy living in camp but I think he is trying to cover up. He likes it at Puloly as he is able to study here.


Name: Lujeevan Kajenthrananthan
Age: 14 years old

Day 24 in Puloly and Atchchuveli Sports Meet

There was no electricity the whole of last night. I couldn't believe I actually Survived it having been a spoilt-brat from Singapore.

Anyways more importantly it was a stressful day but not as bad as I thought it would be although a lot of things got messed up. We went early to check out the grounds which was messed up due to last night's blessings from GOD. But then there were many helpers from the Thikkam are to support us in the cleaning up and setting up individual booths for the houses, and putting up flag poles and creating the track which is really a long back-breaking job.

Guests arrived early and we started pretty much late because we were rehearsing the marching and all. We had no time to go to the grounds to practice ahead. This is the funny thing about the kids, they never do anything well in the practice. I would get so mad because they don't listen, but it is AMAZING how they adapted so quickly to the environment and did an amazing job. I am having goose-bumps just by saying this. They played so well, they were competitive yet supportive. They cheered for their teams, they were united, and they were alert, well, pretty much. Once the games started, everything fell into place. There was just an initial starting problem in the engine. That's all. I must really thank the kids for putting up an great performance. I wasn't bother of who was there and who wasn't or what people would say, in the end every single smile from the children just blew my stress and anger away. I couldn't believe for the first time kids were making me happy...oops. But I was so excited to see them jumping around and playing. That's all I wanted. That's enough for me.

In the evening after we got back, Sir, father of GOC had called and Nathining Ms put him on loudspeaker...you wouldn't believe how quiet the kids were surrounding the phone. They wanted to hear his voice. They wanted to catch every word he said. It was lovely. I could only see respect and love even from the naughtiest kid and the group. What more can someone get. Thanks to Dr.B Anandkumar who gave me this. Seriously. I also like to make special thanks to all of GOC members, because they really helped a lot, without them the show wouldn't have run, and thanks to families in Thikkam who were amazing, they served drinks, they cleaned and they got everything we asked for. Thanks to the God's Own Children.

Day 23 in Puloly

It rained so heavily. It was windy, all the light sand gushed in and it was so muddy and it felt like my OBS camp 5 year ago. When I stepped on part of it, I went in almost half-way down from my knees...I was more worried about losing my Haivanas in the mud than me going in. LOL. Our British Business School staff had also come to help for the Sports Day, they were at the grounds setting up everything for half a day. But they came back saying that everything had gotten demolished due to the rain. I was really upset. It has been freaking hot since the day I came...It was raining like crazy just before the Sports Meet. It was really luck my luck.

I was determined though. I didn't doubt anything. I wanted the sports meet to go on still. This was the first time I was very sure of doing something for others although it may have been trouble for a lot of people. All I was worried about was the kids...They kept saying I will be leaving and that's why we should have it but I wanted to have it because they have put in so much effort in the past few days to just call it off or postpone it because then the whole mood comes down. We were just hoping that it won't rain again and that at least let the ground dry out for the night. I appreciated the drainage system and concrete flooring back in Singapore. These people took the flood very lightly. If Singaporeans were to step into this area, I think they would probably try sue the department. LOl. I am just kidding but I think many of us take it for granted what our government has done for us. We should really take a look at the others and see what we should be grateful for other than finding fault in everything we already have.

Of and it was a black out, which lasted for the rest of the night so we were pretty much doing work under lamps and dim light and the kids had to study that way too. I really felt very bad for them. These things are a norm here seriously. We find it so much trouble to celebrate even earth day in the daytime...these kids slept with no fans on, studied with no proper lights and all. It was really a great experience for. I was eating and bathing with a torchlight on. It felt like camp that's all I can say. That's also why my post got delayed because the computers weren't working...like duh!

The"HOME"

Dining Hall
The dining hall is always neat and tidy as the children are given duties to clean the place up. It is decorated with pictures and colours for the kids.

Bedrooms
I have never seen a home where there are comfortable beds, not too cramped, built in cupboards and mosquito nets for every single bed. The children are happy staying there as some say it is much better than back at their own homes.

Staff Room
This was my room for the past month I stayed here. I had plenty of space for my bags and there was a fridge where they kept soda bottles and other things I like for me to eat when they initially thought I wouldn't like the food here.

Bathrooms
The is where the little kids shower. There is ample space and water for the kids to take their baths regularly keeping them neat and clean. They also wash their clothes and shoes here.

Kitchen
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and snacks for tea times are all made here. Our master cook is a food-god, he makes ample food for the kids. He always welcomes people with a cup of tea or food. He makes sure no one goes hungry.

Store Room
Sports Equipment, Food items, and other necessary things like clothing and toiletries are all kept here. The store keeper ensures that there is sufficient supply for everyone and also keeps track of expiry dates as well.

Classroom
There is a classroom in the girls’ hostel where tuition teachers come in and spend some time teaching the kids and clearing out some concepts. It is decorated with many photos and colors.

Recreational Area
The kids watch television on their holidays and other special occasions. The space is also arranged for playing board games like carrom and chess which are their favourites.

Library
It is a small library with plenty of books and benches for a whole class to fit in. Sir keeps buying many English books for them to get into the habit of reading and writing. There are many books on general knowledge which the kids often get interest in.

Playground
There is a mini Play-ground where the kids call it the circus. They love playing there.

Sick Bay
This room is for children who fall ill. There is an in-house nurse who manages the medication supplies and calls for more when they are over.

Washing Area
This area is where the children wash their own plates and cups. They also have a duty rooster to wash the food baskets.

Toilets
The toilets are regularly cleaned and serviced to ensure proper hygiene and safeguard the children from possible diseases.

Study Hall
The children have night studies where there gather in their groups or individually study their subjects carefully. It is a comfortable are with new benches and tables. Wardens do their rounds to ensure the kids are studying.

Computer Room
The computer room is in the process of being expanded by adding in more computers. Computer classes take place here where the children learn how to get use them as it would be useful for their education and their working life later on.

Journeys in PCV-Part 24

Name: Meera
Age: 16 years old

Mentally- ill from birth
She often cries for her mum now and then. She understands what people tell her to do though. She can’t speak.
No details



Name: Silokshana
Age: 16 years old

Mentally- ill from birth
She has a habit of taking people’s things and keeping them. She doesn’t even know what to do with money that she grabs from a walled left lying around.
No details

Journeys in PCV-Part 23

Name: Dinoja Logeswaran
Age: 12 years old

Parents in home with her younger sister. One elder brother is in boys’ PCV.

She was in one camp for 1 whole year. Her family left home because of the attacks and that it was dangerous to be there.

She had to travel long to go to school when she was in camp, to the next village. So the government brought sent them out of camp to send them back home but her family couldn’t afford it so she was brought to PCV.

She likes to be here simply because she can study.



Name: Jensi Rasaya
Age: 18 years old

Mum is in home. Dad died in the attacks by getting shot when she was 3 months old. She is the only child.

She was also caught by the Tsunami in 2004, her house was completely destroyed. She was living in a tent then after a month they built their won house. Her mum is a tailor.

She was in the house when the bomb blasted in her house. Her entire house caught fire and she lost half her hair. They just ran out with a bag of things. She was captured by the army and was not allowed to get out for one year.

She was supposed to be in a camp which was very hot as there was no ventilation. There was very little food.

She escaped with her mum on a boat and came to Jaffna. She likes it here as she is able to continues to study. She is the oldest student in this “home” .

Journeys in PCV-Part 19

Name: Sarath Marimuthu
Age: 12 years old

Mum is in camp with 1 elder brother and 1 younger brother. Dad died while he was changing camps. He didn’t get to see his father. 1 younger sister is in hostel. 2 elder brothers are working.

While he was running, his mum and elder brother got hurt by the bomb pieces. One of the elder brothers who were captured and he ran away to seek his family after a few days.

Like what all other kids say, they prefer to be here mainly because he is able to study here.



Name: Prasanth Karthikesan
Age: 13 years old

Mum is in home. Dad died in front of his own eyes when they were running out of the house. 1 elder sister got married, 3 elder sisters and 1 younger sister is studying.

After his father died, he wasn’t able to study in his hometown so they sent him here so that he can study.

Journeys in PCV-Part 18

Name: Laksan Maanikkavel
Age: 15 years old

Dad is in camp with 3 elder sister and 1 younger brother. 1 elder sister is captured by the army. Mum died in the attacks, he saw her dying.

2 younger brothers who were here have been transferred to another hostel when the government officials came and took kids in the van as they said this place was not enough to fit in all the kids.

He saw many dead bodies and people who had lost their limps which were lying down in different places. He was affected and he was scared during the wartime.

He was in camp for 1 year, with no water and toilet facilities. He said it was really got inside the tents and that it was difficult to live.

He said he wishes to see his family.



Name:Sujitharan Murugaiya
Age: 12 years old

Dad is in home with 1 elder sister, 1 elder brother and younger sister. Mum died in war attacks. He is with his elder brother here in Puloly.

Bomb fell on his neighbor's house and the parts of bomb flew into his house causing his mum to be hurt and die from it. He then went to 4 different camps after that.

He got to know about this place and his family brought him here in the hope that he will be able to study.

Journeys in PCV-Part 17

Name: Thanusan Ranjathkumar
Age: 12 years old

Parents in home with 2 younger brothers.

He was in camp for 1 year without even coming out. They took a bus to drop him off here knowing that he wouldn’t be able to study back at home.


Name: Kapilraj Kalaiselvan
Age: 16 years old

Mum is in home. Dad died in the war attacks.

He saw his father die in front of his eyes. His house got damaged by the bomb pieces too. They had to move to camp for about 1 year before coming here.

There was no food or water in camp. He struggled a lot together with his mum and elder brother.

He is this boy who is really active and loves to tease people.

Journeys in PCV-Part 16

Name:Dinojan Maariya Yesuthasan
Age: 14 years old

Parents in home with 2 younger brothers. 1 younger sister is with him in PCV girls.

His arm had a huge scar of a bomb blast particle. His family had moved camps several times.

He likes being here because he can study.


Name: Parvathan Ameerthalingam
Age: 12 years old

Parents are in camp with 1 elder brother.

His house was damaged in the war so he had to move to the camp with his family. He was studying in camp.

He said he is sad that he is away from family but then again he said but he is happy that he got to study.

Journeys in PCV- Part 15

Name: Kayan Selvarasa
Age: 16 years old

Mum is in home with elder brother, younger brother and elder sister. Dad died in war attacks.

When he was at home, the bunker at come and shot at his house and his father got caught in that and died on the spot.

He has to be in this home to study as his family isn’t able to support both him and his sister.

He was in camp for 3 years. His first camp he was in a tent. He suffered a lot in his first camp with little food which didn’t taste good. His second camp the house was made out of wood and things were slightly better.

When I asked him what he wanted, he said he wants to see his mother. He hasn’t seen her for 7 months. His mother couldn't afford to pay the bus fare to come visit him.



Name:Kunaseelan Jeyaseelan
Age: 11 years old

Parents are in home with 2 younger brothers.

His home was destroyed in the war. They had to live in camp for 1 year.

He said here is better because he can study well.

He said he wants freedom fro his people and he wants to study.

Journeys in PCV-Part 14

Name: Yasotheran Jeevaratnam
Age: 15 years old

Mum is camp with younger sister and dad died in war attacks. 1 younger brother is in this “home” with him.

The bomb had dropped on his house and he was there when the bomb finally fell on his father’s chest and exploded.

They went to camp when he lost his dad and his house was in ruins. They were there for 1 year before coming straight to PCV after getting to know about this place.

His mum is still suffering in camp with no proper toilet facilities and drinking water.

When I asked him what he wanted if God gave him a wish, he said he wanted his dad back. He loved his father a lot.


Name: Navaneethan Balasubramaniam
Age: 8 years old

Dad is in home with 1 elder brother. Mum dies in war attacks. 1 elder brother in another hostel.

This boy was in camp for 1 year.

When I asked him what all he saw during the war, he shut up. He didn’t want to say anymore although I kept asking him. It shows that he has seen things he shouldn’t have seen. It shows that he is still affected by those images in his head.

Journeys in PCV-Part 13

Name: Yoganathan Uthayakumar
Age: 8 years old

Mum in home. Dad died in war. 1 younger brother in PCV. 3 elder brothers in home with mum.

He was in camp for about 2 months.

He couldn't really openly tell anything.


Name: Piramanathan Uthayakumar
Age: 7 years old

Journeys in PCV-Part 12

Name: Logesvaran Murugaiya
Age: 16 years old

Dad is in home with 1 younger sister and 1 elder brother who is working. Mum died in bomb blasts last year.1 elder sister is in hostel and 1 younger brother is with him in this “home”.

After his mum died, he and his family want to camp for about 1 year. He kept changing camps. When the bus arrived to drop them back at their hometown, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to study well, they all dispersed into different directions and hostels.

When I asked him about his mum, he almost cried. He is a chirpy fellow who always teases me for the first time I saw him show his true emotions.

When I asked him what he wanted, he said he wants clothes. He said he likes jeans rather than the shorts he wears everyday.



Name: Sasikaran Punniyamoorthi
Age: 7 years old

Mum in home with 2 younger sisters. Dad died in war attacks.

He then was at camp for a year. He said there was no difficulty in camp. I am assuming probably because he doesn’t know what is exactly going on.

He said he didn’t say anything about his dad. He said he didn’t like him when I asked why he turned away. I think he said that because he thinks his father left him.

Journeys in PCV-Part 11

Name: Subakaran Puspara
Age: 16 years old

Dad died in war attacks and Mum died due to blood cancer much earlier. 1 younger brother died in camp in the diseases outbreak as the living conditions were not safe at all last year. 1 elder brother has been captured by the army and haven’t been released since 2009. 1 younger brother and 1 younger sister in different hostels.

His brother was captured even before he took his siblings together with him and went to camp after his father passed away. His home was destroyed in the bomb blasts. He was in camp for 1 entire year.

He suffered a lot on his own. His entire family was torn apart. He doesn’t have parents to see neither can his siblings come visit him.



Name: Dilakashan Vimalathas
Age: 8 years old

Dad died in the attacks. Mum is in home with younger brother.

He saw his father die right in front of his eyes.

His family went to camp for 1 year. They couldn’t afford his education there so he came to PCV.

Day 22 in Puloly

I didn't imagine, I would be spending my entire day in the computer room. I really never knew that. Like I said, I had a lot of work and it did really take up the entire day. I sat inside at 11am and I wasn't done till like 8pm. I still wasn't able to finish my own tasks as there were several discussions about the Sports Meet held inside the computer room itself for my convenience. I still have a few more to go.

I just wanted to spend my last week with the kids more. I really hope Wednesday would go as I planned to. I was having interviews the whole day. I did about 30 people in total. I was glad. I have a about ten more to go for tomorrow. Anyways,my last guest was an interesting character. Apparently, he was looking all around for me yesterday. He came in as my last interviewee for the day because he spoke and spoke and spoke. I was really happy. He told me many things that is personal to him. He kept saying he wouldn't usually tell anybody he such things well yet he did. He said I would understand that's why he told. I was happy that I could be that person for him to talk to. I realize these kids really need the personal space with an adult apart from all the jokes they crack with each other.

Frankly speaking, you will never guess these kids have gone through whatever they have at such young ages because that's what they are. They are all full of smiles and what they do beast is teasing and cracking jokes about others. I am not kidding. They will keep pulling my hair, putting glitter on my face or like shouting at the same time. It is not peaceful around them. It is "madness". Haha. In a good way of course. It is amazing how these kids have that face behind all the happiness. Sometimes I wonder if these kids are really happy or sometimes I wonder if these kids have really gone through the war period. I have never seen such amazing fighting spirits in my life.

I was talking to another boy who started crying while I was in the room. I asked him what was wrong. He refused to say anything for ten minutes. He just kept crying and crying and crying. I had no clue what was bothering him, whether did his friends say anything or he is worried about studies or he is reminded of home. After some time he said, he is sad that I am leaving. I was touched. I truly was but at the same time I was so upset. I was so upset having to think that people whom they love never stay with them forever. I feel like I am going to disappoint them in many ways when I leave. I am really eager at helping them from there but I know it won't be the same with the kids. One month is seriously not enough with these children.

When I always said go study to the kids, I realize I forgot how it is to study. The boy was telling me he is just upset that his family is all over the place and he has no parents and he feels there is no reason for life. I right now at my age sob over the fact that I am not close to my family and that they are all over the world. So I just imagined how it is for this 16 year old boy? How about the rest of them?

I was studying in boarding school, where I can go back home on weekends. Yet I hated it. I hated my entire two years I was there. These kids, sometimes don't see their parents for months. The youngest kid here is 7 years old and she sees her mum probably once in every two weeks or less. I was always missing home in boarding school and I found it stressful just thinking about. Most have single parents her, a few with no parents at all, some with their siblings captured and others who don't know where they are, so in this situation can you expect a kid not to worry about home?

They love being here in Puloly because it is certainly, one of the best "homes" I have seen but it is definitely not the same living with family. I really felt bad when the boy was talking about how he can't concentrate on studies because of all the feelings he has locked up in his heart. This is the case for a lot of them here. We are the type you get stressed out even if we have haze during certain months but these kids have gone pass dead bodies, limps everywhere, land mines and stuff and yet they are expected to study even in camp. Imagine the state of mind these kids here are in.

I totally forgot. Its easy to say study well, but in this time now, it is the biggest challenge for the kids. I am planning up a studying scheme for the kids. I am hoping that it will really help them. Every kid here talks about education being their life. Every single one of them is here for one reason, to be educated. All of them, even the 7 year old says all he wants is education. They see the importance of it even in such a young age. I don't know what to tell these kids, because I think even I wouldn't be able to go pass this phase in my life if I had one even. Only God can show them the way...

Journeys in PCV- Part 10

Name: Kosala Maariya Yesuthasan
Age: 12 years old
Parents are in home with 2 younger brothers. 1 elder brother is in boys’ PCV.

Her house was destroyed by the house. The family had nowhere to stay other than the refugee camp in a tent. She was in the camp for 7 months. The government officials had brought them on a bus back to their hometown and left them stranded with no houses to live in. Through the courts, they were allowed to set up camps and stay there. Then after 3 months, the government gave them bricks and tools to build their own house. She built her house with her family.

She was brought here as they couldn’t afford for education or even living expenses. She is happy here. She doesn’t want to go back home as it is difficult to live there.


Name: Kemalogini Sivamogan
Age: 14 years old

Dad is in home with 2 elder brothers of which one is handicapped and 1 younger brother is studying. The other brother has no skin on his leg due to bomb blasts during the war. Mother left her and her family in 2003 after disagreements in marriage life. 1 elder sister in hostel.

Her rooftop was demolished in the attacks, her family and her had to move from camps to camp. He dad was in a job which didn’t support a lot. He brother was ill for a long time and he had to be brought often to the hospital.

The government brought them on a bus to a school where they stayed for a couple of days. They got to know about PCV and came here. She wasn’t able to study at home so they left her here.

Her family stays in a house that they built when the government gave them money.

Journeys in PCV-Part 9

Name: Dinosa Sathgunalingam
Age: 17 years old

Mum is in home with 1 younger brother who is studying. Dad died in the last attacks. She didn’t get to see her dad for the last time. Her mum went to see him.

She lived in refugee camp for 1 year with no water facilities and toilet facilities. She said there was not much of an education level while she was in camp. Her at PCV, she has much to study and learn.

She wants to study a lot and be with her family living comfortably.

Name: Sanuja Gopalakrishnan
Age: 11 years old

Mum is in home with her younger brother. Dad remarried to another woman and left her and her mum. Her elder sister and elder brother are in different hostels elsewhere.

The courts was the one which handed her over to PCV, saying that her father had left and there was no bread-winner to support the family hence on seeing their poverty status, and were unable to afford education she was brought here to study.

She wasn’t studying at home and she prefers it here as she is able to pass exams and go to the next level.

When we asked what she wanted? She wasn’t thinking. It was like she had something in mind but was afraid to tell it out. There are so many of them like her. They are all traumatized and they lost the hope for wanting something.

Journey in PCV-Part 8

Name:Kalpana Vadivelu
Age: 15 years old

Dad is in home with 1 elder brother. Dad is not ill for a long time. Mum died in camp getting diseased due to unhygienic living conditions. 1 elder sister is in PCV with her.

Mum died when she was brought to hospital and they were not allowed to go and see her. Even after she passed, she was not allowed to see her mum, her dad went to do the last ceremony. She was in camp for one year, she wasn’t able to study there.

She prefers it here as she is able to study and live comfortably. She has seen dead bodies and many people dying as they got badly injured.

When I asked her what she wanted, she asked for her mum, she asked for her mum’s love.



Name: Kayana Vadivelu
Age: 17 years old

Her younger sister missed out on the fact that another brother had gone missing during the attacks.

Even before the attacks he was in hospital. HE does small odd jobs which is not even enough for his own food.

Day 21 was not in Puloly, but in Jaffna

I woke up at 5am as usual, but this time I left at 5.30am. We were en route to the sports meet for disadvantaged children near Nallur. So we picked up Ms Jecintha on the way, where her brother's wife had prepared for me Milk Appa, my favourites in Sri Lanka.For the first time, I had three appams in my life. LOL. I really really loved it. I wished I had eaten more.

Anyways, you would have seen how the sports meet was from the previous post. I spoke to a few officials during the meet.They were all in big positions dealing with and helping such kids. I got some contacts and am hoping that they will become very useful in the future for me. I am actually surprised, that people here are educated. I thought they wouldn't be studying due to the war time, but realized they had to study even in the camps with really bad environment to study in. Education has been made compulsory here just like in Singapore. Which I am really glad about. 97% people here are educated but the problem is the quality of education and having to speak the English Language.Education is their only livelihood for all the kids here. I hope they get the freedom though it really.

After the sports meet, we were off to Casuarina beach. The ride was beautiful and windy...For the first time, I could actually see the horizon instead of boats like how it is Singapore. It was infinity and beyond kids of feeling. Ms Jecintha bought for us Nongu and Ice Cream.But it didnt't end there. Only later on I knew it. We went past the fort on the way back from the beach. The Fort was built by the Dutch before Sri Lanka gained Independance in 1948. It was used to keep prisoners then. SO of course they had the place where they would hang people and the fort was surrounded by a river which they said believed to have crocodiles. It served as a boundary for prisoners from escaping. During the 3 decade civil war, the government used it as a "safeguard" place for Hindus, more like a torture chamber actually. Now they are rebuilding it to make it look like how it was. I am not so keen in that idea other than the intention to preserve history. Well, I am just hoping it is left as a visitor's spot rather than being used again.

Just opposite was the famous Jaffna Public Library. It looked really classy and one can totally figure out that it is old because of its structure. But I loved the feeling of being in a place which was so old. Old is Gold like what they said. No phototaking and no slippers allowed. They treated it like a temple I felt. In 1981, the library was bombed in the intention to prevent Tamils from studying and being educated. It destroyed many many books. But they weren't just books, they were culture, they were history, they were religions, and they were memories. From 97000 books, they are only 2000 left due to the bomb blast. I walked along the hallway to see pictures of how it was after the attacks. For some people, it could be just a library, but I think this one really meant a lot the Hindus. Like what Ms Jecintha's relatives in Colombo had mentioned, their poetry and literature have all been burnt only destroying their roots and belonging.I couldn't take my eyes off the Library. It just gave me a weird feeling.

Anyways, next up was the children's playground, the one we had to pay to enter. It is similar to Botanical Gardens kind of concept, only difference was that this was entirely for kids with playground. We joined in with the rest of Ms Jecintha's Family members. It was really nice just sitting down and talking. It gave me the homely feeling. I missed home. I never really had this chance with my own family members. They were really welcoming. Spoke a lot about Singapore and studies, and took photos. They kept asking when I will be back and stuff and that if I will even come back. The topic continued when we went to Rio's Ice Cream Parlour. The biggest parlour I have seen. They treated me to Roll and the Sunday Special which was DELICIOUS. For the first time I had two scoops all by myself.

Ms Jecintha told me she will be looking for a husband here for me so that I can settle down in Singapore. I told her, I am thinking of getting the kids out of here, then what am I supposed to be doing in Sri Lanka.Haha. I want to try my best. I want them to get out and see the world. I want them to experience their rights of living a life they want. I want them to walk along the streets at night and not be afraid of the army or the police or anyone else. I want them to stop talking about the war and how they are affected. Instead I want them to talk about what project they have yet to do at work, or how they want to replace their old car, or what they are planning for their house renovation.I want them to live a life, not fight for one.

Everyone keeps saying that they want to help when they get rich, but they don't realize that they can forget. Real help is giving away when you have little. When you have too much, I would say, that is a duty not a help. I urge people to help in their small little ways, because it makes a huge difference in the long-run.

Jaffna Valigamam 1000 Plus Disabled Children's Sports Meet Sponsored by GOCF

It was a an event that I could never forget. A sports meet for kids who have autism, who are mentally ill, who are blind, deaf and dumb. Does this even exist in Singapore? I don't know but still I thought it was amazing to have such an event with these children. How many chances would they get to do this? it not only shows that we care for them , but it also shows that they have a talent that they should work on. They shouldn't give up any hope. That they should live their dream.

I saw blind kids, running in a race with sticks to pave their way. I saw kids who couldn't hear play loops and mini golf. I saw kids who are mentally affected dancing around forming perfect harmony with the audience. It was an experience like no other. There were many people that I got a chance to talk to, to get to know more about the schools. There were 4 schools, Navil,(school for the dumb) Ark, Sivaboomi,(schools for mentally-affected people) and finally Valvagam (school for people who had lost their eyesight...all totaling up to 1032 participants.

Many students were affected by the war, through various means getting hurt from bomb blasts, or disease outbreaks or post-shock from the attacks. Some others were born this way due to complications in the pregnancies as there was a huge lack of medical services and treatments to ensure the safety of the child and the mother.

If you see the track, you will only see sand lumes at regular distances forming the shape of the track path. If you see their feet, it is either bare or with socks on only.If you see what they wear,you will see them wearing their clean white uniforms. If you see where they get water from, it will be from a tap just near the classrooms.

They have no red tracks with nice white lines. They don't have clean new socks and sports shoes or spikes.And they certainly don't have a P.E attire or a cool jersey. They have sand and green fields. They had their feet. They have one piece of clothing for school. Just think about what you have...what about a proper water cooler, even then some people complain that the water is not chilled! That's the difference. That is the difference that is created in you when you see for yourself. You will appreciate every single things even the cheap slipper you wear. I can't walk around without slipper here. It is painful to walk as I am not used to it. These kids, run on grounds with stones, pebbles and thorns. They still won't complain.

There was a boy I went up to. He just finished his race and he was all happy and stuff. I said congratulations and asked about where was he from and all. Then I asked what happened? How did you get hurt? He stopped talking. He didn't want to give me any eye contact even. He didn't want to say what happened at all.I left him alone. I was sad that I made him upset and stuff. I was upset by his silence. If he had said something I think it wouldn't have affected me so much also. His face was slightly disfigured caused by probably fire or by bomb blasts.

Anyways, apart from that it was really enthusiastic although I kept tearing upon seeing how much these kids have gone though. In one way or another, all these 1000 kids have nowhere proper to call home. They all have been the due effects of the war, well they still are from the looks of it. There was on particular event put in place just for one boy to participate in, to motivate him, the teacher ran beside him holding his hand. That is the dedication that the people here give to their children. They do it whole-heartedly. They do it because they genuinely care for these kids. I felt so happy and thrilled that these kids were under good care. I felt happy that these kids do have a place to call "home" and do have people for family.

I was really blessed for an amazing experience. Although they invited me as the guest-of-honor, I was happily taking pictures and getting to talk to people.I think I definitely had a lot more fun than those who were sitting at VIP seats. LOL.
This event was entirely funded by God's Own Children Foundation.I was kid of their representative. I was really proud to introduce myself as a volunteer is GOC.You will know the joy, when you become one.

I really hope more people come forward to help such kids. Organize such fun events for them. Spend time playing with them . Have fun talking to them. Because, the joy you get from doing this, makes you go on every single day. I am dead tired and am falling asleep. But I still have a lot of work to do. I am stressed out that there is a lot of work to be done. But I am not complaining one bit. Because this is for the kids. This is for me to tell you how things are here. This is for you to help them in any ways you want.

HIP HIP HURRAY! HIP HIP HURRAY! HIP HIP HURRAY!

Day 20 in Puloly

Today was extremely satisfying. I didn't even step out of the "home" today. I spent my entire day with the kids.I was so happy when I thought that I survived being in a home for the whole day yet I was extremely thrilled.

We started off with rehearsals which I thought went really well. They were all cheering for each other as I kept saying they have to cheer and not jeer one another. Then I also made them shake hands like what happens in most sports competition and also showed them the heart of appreciation through our famous "HIP HIP HURRAY" song. lol. More than playing, I am more interested in them learning values and morals through sports.

I spent a lot of time recuperating, playing, teasing and getting teased by the kids today. It was amazing. I think that's what I needed. They were hugging and kissing me and they didn't let me go. Frankly speaking, this is the first time a let kids come so close to me but I let them do whatever they want because if they didn't cuddle up on me then who else will they cuddle up on. They don't have their parents to pamper them or their siblings to scold and play with them even. We are the only relations we have for them. Even during the war, the 7 and 8 year olds might have been neglected in the camps as the parents have other things to worry about.Singaporeans talk about how certain people have deprived childhood because they don't know what is Pokemon or watch Disney or whatsoever.Well, these kids here didn't even have what you call life...it is almost as if, God had saved them from falling down the cliff and put them to where they are.

It was Sir's daughter's birthday today. So he specially ordered the kitchen people to make something special like a Falouda for the kids for tea time. It tasted like pink chendol. Lol. It was really simple and nice.

At night, I started the interviews as you would have already seen. Hmm...I think you can see for yourself what I feel..

Journey in PCV-Part 7

Name: Suyani Vijayakumar
Age: 10 years old

Dad died in war. Mum is deaf due to effects of the war and she is at home with her younger brother. Dad was sealed in a box and given to the family so she couldn't even see him for the last time.

Her dad’s brothers are sending money to the mum to make the younger brother to study as she is unable to work anywhere since she is deaf. Her dad’s brothers were also the ones who brought her to Puloly to stay in a safe hostel to study.

Name: Jeyabrintha Jeyabalasingam
Age: 17 years old

Dad died in war two years ago and mum is at home with 1 elder sister and 1 elder brother.

She was in camp for one year. When she went back to her hometown, she got to know about the ‘home’ in Puloly so her mum brought her here to study. Her brother is handicapped due to the war so she is unable to see her brother while her mum and sister visits here at the “home”.

She wants to go back home after she finishes her exam. She misses her family. She was crying when she was saying all of the above.

Journeys in PCV- Part 6

Name: Salini Jayaseelan
Age: 10 years old

Parents are in hometown with 1 younger brother. 1 elder brother is in the boy’s hostel here in Puloly.

She was in camp before coming here. She was in camp for one year.

She is not too worried about being away from home as she knows she needs to study and that these facilities are much better than what she would find back at home.


Name: Sivaranjini Vijayarasa
Age: 16 years old

Mum in camp. Dad died in war due to explosions. Of 5 siblings, 2 have been married off. 1 elder sis with mum in camp. 2 younger brothers are in hostel studying.

Bomb had exploded in their house, she saw her father die immediately as it fell closest to him. It left scares on her left hand.

She was then in camp for two whole years. She was studying but it was really difficult. She was allowed out of camp occasionally but still only after the first year.

She is not worried about being away from parents because she told me she came here to study and that's a blessing to her.

Journeys in PCV-Part 5

Name: Sivaranjini Krisnakumar
Age: 17 years old

Mum had died during the war. She was exploded by a bomb. They weren't allowed to see her as she was into pieces and covered with a cloth. She has four other sisters. 1 married, 1 elder sister in home and

She didn't like her father since young as he was an alcohol addict and abused his wife a lot.

She stayed in camp for one year with her sisters.When she went back home, her father was giving her a lot of problems getting drunk and beating up the children. Her sister had brought her to Puloly Children’s Village so that she can study properly.


Name: Amalajalene Nganarasa
Age: 10 years old

Dad died in war. Mum in Colombo. 1 elder sister studying in hostel.

She was staying in her dad’s sister's house. She wasn’t studying there. So they brought her here to study in hostel.

She finds it difficult to stay away from mum and sister but she likes it here as this gives her a happy environment to live and study in.

Journeys in PCV- Part 4

Name: Nagatharshini Karuppaiya
Age: 17 years old

Parents in camp. 1 elder sister and 1 elder brother in Jaffna. 2 elder sisters in camp. 2 elder sisters in Vavuniya. 1 elder brother in another state.

She was in camp in for one year before coming here. There was no water for drinking or any bathing facilities. They cooked in the beginning after that food was rationed out allowing them to cook on their own.

Elder brother and aunt brought her to Puloly. Her sister's daughter came to the “home” after that she came.

She is not interested in going back home. She prefers it here as she is able to study and be with people who care dearly about her. Dad is handicapped so mum has to take care of dad. Parents are not able to come and visit here so much, other than her elder sister.


Name: Anerlivinsiya Satheeskumar
Age: 11 years old

Mum is at home with younger brother in camp. Dad died when the army shot him down while riding on a bike 4 years ago.

She was in camp for one year before coming here. Usual things as no toilet facilities and water.

Mum brought her here to Puloly Children’s Village. She only gets to see her mum. She misses her brother dearly. It was her birthday yesterday and she was not able to see her brother because he was in camp. She likes ice cream a lot but her mum couldn't afford to buy her that for her birthday even.

Journeys in PCV- Part 3

Name: Kamsika Subramaniam
Age: 7 years old

Dad in home. Mum died during the war after getting diseased due to unhygienic living conditions. She has got 8 siblings. 1 elder sister in hostel. 1 sister in Colombo. 1 elder brother and 1 elder sister in home. 1 elder sister is with her here on PCV. The others are at different places and she doesn’t know where they are.

Her dad brought her and her sister to come to the “home”. She really misses her mother. She calls anyone mother. She likes it here but she still misses her mother a lot.

When she was asked if god comes and asks her one thing that she wants what would it be? She said she wants a mother like Ms Nanthini, who is her taking care of her here at the “home”.


Name: Anusiya Subramaniam
Age: 12 years old

She too wants her mum back.

Journeys in PCV- Part 2

Name: Venupriya Anandarasa
Age:11 years old

Mum is in home now. Dad died during the war. 1 younger sister is with her here, 1 younger brother had been transferred to another hostel, and 1 younger sister is at home.

When grandfather was hurt, her dad went to help and he got hit by the bomb then. She saw her own dad explode right in front of her eyes.

She had stayed in camp which lacked toilet facilities and she studied in the camp’s school too. Mum had sent her to Puloly children’s village to afford her education.

She wants to study hard and become a teacher.


Name: Venusa Anandarasa
Age: 10 years old

She wants education as a gift from god.

Journeys in PCV- Part 1

Name: Logika Naguleswaran
Age:10 years old

Dad is in home. Her mum died in the attacks. 1 Elder brother is in hostel now, and 1 elder sister died in the attacks after being brought to the hospital during the war time. She never came back home. Logika had gone pass seeing dead bodies and she is only ten years old.

She was in camp before being released to go back home with dad. Then her father came to Puloly Children’s Village to put her to stay here. He stayed in the boys' home for a while till he found other means to go back to his home.

She is happy here, staying with friends, going to school and living a life surrounded by people with lots of love. She is under a scholarship program.

Name: Geethayini Selvarasa
Age: 17 years old

Parents are in home. 2 elder brothers are working, another brother is being captures and have to stay in camp ad her sister is studying staying in home.

Her parents and sister were hurt during the war. She got affected by the bomb, it exploded on her left leg. She was sent to hospital in a ship. She was in hospital for one entire year. She was then sent to camp after that. She was in camp for 6 months. She slept on a piece of cloth inside tent. There were no toilet facilities and water had to be drawn from the well. She studied in camp but it was as good as not even studying.

Her parents saw an advertisement on paper talking about this “home”, and they brought her here. Here, she is happy. Her parents often come to meet her.

Girls who left "HOME" Part 3

Name: Anjenthini Selvaratnam
Age: 15 years old
Both her parents died in the attacks in 2009. Her two older sister and 1 younger sister live in Mannar their hometown. She lived in camp for a year right after her parents died. Ms Jecintha saw her in camp and told her she wants to study. Ms Jecintha brought her to Puloly to make her study.

She was also one of the 26 children who were forced out PVC and into another. GOC has transferred her to a better hostel and is funding her stay and education.

Name: Ameertharoobi Ameerthalingam
Age: 17 years old
Dad became handicapped due to the war attacks. Mum is with 2 elder sisters. She lost her elder brother in 2006, because of bomb explosion. Only his right arm was left for the family to see as the explosion had disfigured his entire body and face. One of the elder sister is blinded due to the bomb explosions also. Her second sister who has a daughter had lost her husband in the war too.

She was in camp for one year facing the challenges as the other girls who stayed in camp. She got to PVC through the announcement made by GOC that they are taking in children affected by the war. She was also on one of the girls who was dragged to leave the “home” and had fainted. She was pranked by the government officials on the 1st April saying that they will be sent back to PVC, when they were pushed inside a bus and were transferred to a new hostel where they were mentally tortured. Having been in PVC for so long, that was their home and she couldn’t accept the hostel. There they interrogated the kids , even the seven year olds saying that these kids had boyfriends back in PVC and that’s why they are dying to go back.

When she went back home after her mum came to get her, she realized she couldn’t continue her studies. So she called the father of many children, Sir, who fought for all the girls I have been talking about to put them in a hostel and give them the education that they should get.

Girls who left "HOME" Part 2

Name: Tharsiga Vijayalingam
Age:16 years old
Her dad is missing since 2009 in the war. Her mum is with her younger sis and younger brother. Her uncle is captured now still. He aunt died in the last attacks. Her mother and sister experienced severe burn due to the attacks also. During the war, she and her family had shifted from refuge camp to refuge camp for one whole year before being stationed at a particular camp.

This is where Dr.B.Anankumar had spoken to her and understood her difficulties and her interest in studying. So he decided to bring her back to PVC. But it didn’t last too long as she was forced out by the government officials like the other two. Going through the same journey as them, she still wants to go back to PVC as the hostel she is in now provides the same food, the teachers are not dedicated, and there is no drinking water facility. She is in the same hostel as Illineero is staying in.

Name: Subaranjini Murugaiya
Age: 16 years old
Mum died in war. Her dad is in their hometown with 1 elder brother and 1 younger sister. Her 2 younger brothers are in Puloly Children’s Village.

She was in camp for one year also. In the beginning, food was cooked for them but later on they were rationed out once a month only and were asked to cook their own food. She never went out of the camp for the entire year that she was there.

Her aunt was the one who got her out of the there upon knowing about PVC “home”, the home for kids who have been affected by war and tsunami. She loved her stay in PVC, as she received the motherly love that she lost when her mum died and the care that she lost while she was living a miserable life in camp. At PVC, the court didn’t permit the children to go out and learn computer lessons or attend any other classes so it only made it difficult for the kids as they had to find their own tuition teachers.

Government officials came, dragged her out, she fainted and went to hospital for a short period before getting transferred to another hostel with her younger sister. At that hostel, there was no food, no new clothes given and not even any medication when her sister needed them as she fell ill. They were locked up in a room together with the many others who got transferred there from PVC. The didn’t even have a pair of slippers to walk with.

She told her dad of what was going on in the hostel, her dad spoke to the court to relieve her from the hostel, just like the many other parents who had seen the hostel. After visiting the courts, the 26 children were driven to Killinochi and dropped off there at 12am midnight. They brought nothing with them and everyone was living in various directions. They were stared at by passersby as they woke up on the roadside unclean and messed up.

When she finally reached home, she realized she can’t stay home alone and study while the men are out working because it is dangerous. She told Dr.B.Anandkumar and he arranged for her to stay in the current hostel and study. Her younger sister is still not studying and is staying with her aunt back in hometown.

Girls who left "HOME" Part 1

Name: Mythilli Sivarasa
Age: 20 years old
Her mum died when she was young. In the last attacks, her elder sister was captured and is still not released yet and she lost his elder brother too. She survived together with her dad and another elder brother but was out in camp.

In camp, there was no drinking water or just water even for bathing. They had to go without bathing for many days. There were no toilet facilities. They had to live in a tent where there was no ventilation. There were no means of studying properly yet she took her O level exams in camp itself and passed. She stayed in camp for 1 whole year.

God’s Own Children had then sent out an announcement talking about accepting children who are facing difficulties with home life, who have lost their parents or who are too poor to afford education, that they can stay in the “home” to continue their studies. She then came to Puloly.

But after some time, government officials came and said that this place is too small for the number of kids that they are housing. They apparently blamed GOC for things like, no toilet facilities and that the kids are cramped up in the houses. Whereas, she felt that the Puloly Children’s Village was really a great home for the kids. The food was great and staff were loving and most importantly, they got to attend school. She had no difficulties staying here but the court stated otherwise. Government officials took down names and announced to them some of them have to be taken away to another “home” due to space constraints. She fainted after much wailing.

When she was admitted in the hospital, together with many others, officials from the courts came and “protected” them from staff of Puloly Children’s Village. They had lied to the children saying they need to come to courts to sign some papers before getting dropped off back to Puloly Children’s Village(PVC). After signing off at the courts, they were all transferred to different “home”, everything but .

The other ‘homes’ were not as bad as camp but were not as good as PVC. There were still no studying facilities and such, hence, her father had brought her back home to Vanni. However, in Vanni, she couldn’t continue to do her A levels as she had to walk to 5km alone everyday before reaching school. They couldn’t even afford a bicycle but more importantly, it was not safe to walk go alone due to police patrolling everywhere.

She had contacted Dr.B.Anandkumar Sir who is her beloved god-father, and told him what she was going through. Sir then put her in another home as the court didn’t allow her to come back to PVC. GOC is funding her stay in a relations’ house and her studies. He bought for her new clothes, new uniforms, new shoes, now books and everything else she needed to start anew. Right not she is happy with where she is. She is hoping to do her A levels only next year. The rest of her family is still in Vanni camp living under the same conditions she was before.

Name: Illineero Maannikkarsa
Age: 17 years old
Dad died in the attacks. Her younger sister and mum are in camp and her younger brother is in another hostel. In 2009, she got hurt due to the bomb attacks and was in hospital for a long-period of time.

Her family was standing in a circle, crouching when a bomb hit them right in the middle. They dispersed in panic and shock. Her brother went missing for a while. It wasn’t until much later, that her mum noticed her father’s body in the sea waters.

They were staying in camp for one year. Her mum had got chicken pox due to the lack of ventilation and overheating inside the tents. This also led to occasional blindness. Men could go out of the camp and work to bring back proper food as the food given in camp was little and tasteless. But since, she had lost her father, her family had to survive on what they got at camp. The mum often sold the food as they had to pay for medical expenses since they often fell sick in camp due to unhygienic living conditions. They could only go out of camp for medical issues or for work.

Dr.Anankumar Sir took notice of her when he went to visit the camp. She brought forward to tell him about her problems and Sir brought her to Puloly so that she can continue her studies. However, she got shortlisted in just like how Mythilli did. As she also blacked out during when the government officials took the kids away, she fell into the same fate at the hospital as Mythilli. Now she is put in a hostel as she is still doing her O levels. She is funded by GOC, both for her stay in the hostel and education.

Day 19 in Puloly

I went to meet Sir today after he got discharged from the hospital. He was really ill yet he was talking so much. I was upset to know that he wouldn’t be able to attend the upcoming Sports Carnival. The kids are expecting to see their “father”. But as of now, his health is more important than anything. It is not just about him but it is about the hundred and hundreds of souls that are living off him which he need to think about.

He saw the Atchchuveli blog, he called me in to congratulate me on it which was not my aim, but he started to tear and say this will open up many eyes to see the kids who need help. He said, I will be getting more donors hopefully, all he wants now is that. At that moment, I felt, he is carrying so much burden in his eyes, heart and soul. He is constantly thinking about his children. He patted me and said, we shouldn’t worry. We will be doing more for these kids and that after I leave we will be keeping in touch still. He takes care of me really well. He takes care of me like I’m his own daughter. Even if I am staying with relatives for a month, I really doubt I will be looked after so well by the him and his staff here. I really want to do something to relieve his burden. Even if he is sitting down somewhere he is thinking and thinking. He doesn’t stop. He calls at odd times at night to ask what food are they cooking for the kids, what do the kids want and many more things. He and Ms Jecintha are really amazing people and I really hope people will come forward to help them help the kids. I am crying while I am even writing this because it is painful. I don’t know what to do.

Sir wanted me to meet a few girls. These girls were in Puloly Children’s Village (POC), but they were dragged away by the government officials like what I had said before. These girls got admitted in hospital first as they had fainted and were transferred to different homes before they contacted Sir again to tell that they wanted to study. GOC struggled so much to put them in another hostel and is funding for their stay in hostel and education for these brilliant students. When I walked into the compound with Ms Nanthini who used to be their warden, they screamed and ran to her, hugging her and kissing her. They started crying a while before they settled down. They were SO DAMN HAPPY to see her. Ms Nanthini started crying saying these kids were the first ones who were at home going through so much of problems.

During the interview, a few of them cried and I couldn’t because I was too shocked to hear to the things that they were going through. Can you believe this is the 21st century, and people are in camps right now, trying to sleep in tents and eat food that is rationed out? Can you believe that I came back “home” after seeing a refugee? Can you believe anything I say? You have to. All of them are younger than me. They have seen death. They have starved for days. They have gone without bathing for weeks. They never stepped out of a boundary line for one entire year. I can never stay in my own house for one single day, just IMAGINE what kind of mental and physical torture these girls have gone through. I am more angry than I am more sad. Although these girls may not be in camp anymore, their families still are. Can someone tell me why there are rich men? Why there is such thing as Human Rights? Why is there United Nations? Can someone tell me, how this is going to end? I am frustrated and devastated on seeing these kids. I want to put them in a cage, carry them out and set them free…I don’t know what else to say, these kids are in hostel now. Away from war, in a ‘happy home’, and now they are in hostel, with no proper food or water. What is happening? How will you feel if you are at the gate, and the girls are standing behind the gate saying, “please bring us with you”. For anyone who sees that, your heart will ache. Just look into the eyes for a while….just look, just look and you will feel it. Pain. And more of it.

Atchchuveli Differently-Able Children- 11, 12,13, 14 and 15

Name: Suman Nadarasa
Age: 17 years old
Mentally ill
No details

Name:Anbalagan Ambigabalan
Age: 26 years old
Mentally Unstable
No details

Name: Kumar Thirunagarasan
Age: 35 years old
Mentally ill
No details

Name: Rahul Ram
Age: 7
He doesn’t talk. He goes back home everyday.
No details

Name:Kannadas Kanthasamy
Age: 17 years old
He was in the hospital. He is suffering from memory loss.
No details

Atchchuveli Differently-Able Children- 9 and 10

Name: Alex
Age: 13 years old
I had to give him chocolate and toys to get him to come to me. He is mentally affected due to the war effects.
No details

Name: Prasana Moothamuhamad
Age: 14 years old
Mentally ill
No details

Atchchuveli Differently-Able Children-8

Name: Krishanth Loganathan
Age: 9 years old
Parents are in Mudakattu camp. He was staying with his grandfather in the earlier days but he host him due to the attacks. One of his leg is short from birth.

When I asked him, what his ambition is, he said he wants to see his parents. He wants to be with his parents and lead a luxurious live.

When I asked him, what he wants if God asked him to make a wish, he said, he wanted pictures of GOD.

Atchchuveli Differently-Able Children-7

Name: Ujan Srikanthan
Age: 9 years old
Dad died in the war and he wants to go back to his mum but she is not able to support him together with his 1 elder brother, 1 younger brother and 1 younger sister. He became physically disabled due to bomb pieces in the last attack. He has an elephant walk.

He fasts a lot to get back his leg to how it was. He is only 9 years old.

Atchchuveli Differently-Able Children 6

Name:Kirubagaran Paravaarasingam
Age: 7 years old
Dad died in the war and his mum, who is mentally ill is away at home. He is suffering from memory loss.

He wants to become like Dr.B.Anandkumar sir, successful and kind-hearted man.