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
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
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.
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
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
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” .
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” .
Monday, June 13, 2011
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.
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.
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