Themed "Stop Child Abuse" the 1st in this series was held last week for Children of the Sri Lankadara Orphanage in Wellawatte. Lankhadara Society runs the orphanage providing shelter for 50 girls. Nadeeka Daluwatte senior lecturer and counsellor conducted the session with Leos from the host club assisting in the organization in the presence of representatives from CIC.

It was an atmosphere of fun and learning where the children engaged in creative activities. Aimed at earning and building trust the exercise achieved the objective through song, dance, impromptu drama and creative drawing. A good relationship built on trust was the aim of the facilitator and counsellor before progressing to the serious issue of abuse. The children opened up to enjoy themselves. The foundation to address the sombre and serious was built and friendship and trust between the counsellor and the girls was the first step.

Beginning with the Lankhadara Home, the Dulux Child Protection Trust Fund, through Leo Club Colombo, has targeted 33 orphanages in the Colombo district.

In their unwavering commitment to arrest child abuse through awareness the DCPTF will in this venture be addressing the high risk group through professionals geared to handle children’s issues. Mrs Nadeeka Daluwatte’s approach of building trust through child friendly activity will continue at the next workshop at Sanhinda Boys Home at Kollupitiya.

The Dulux Child Protection Trust Fund begun in 2002 has been the recipient of international sustainability awards for their commitment to the cause of children in Sri Lanka.