Federal bureau of Hambantota

At 9 o’clock sharp the minibus of the CCF is waiting for us in front of the hotel with Hemali and Kumara we meet again with a great pleasure. Hemali explains briefly the programme of the day. We’re going to start with the federal bureau of the district of Hambantota which deals with the projects in the area. We are greeted by Sunil Punchihewa, federal manager, who introduces us his team. It is composed of twenty persons to manage the seven projects of the district. A few figures: these 7 projects concern about 5,000 families. It wouldn’t possible without a flawless organization. We are immediately struck by how professional are the settings and the people. The offices are well-equipped, the files are sorted out conscientiously. We not here for an inspection but this visit is quite reassuring. Mr Punchihewa invites us to watch a short presentation on a video-projector before taking part to the weekly briefing made by his managers of projects. First, his assistant shows me the records and holds me out my sponsorship file. I have the (good) surprise to see there all the letters sent to Sandeepa since August 2005. The file begins with a follow-up card where there is a graph with all the dates of the letters. I congratulate them for this organization and explain to them that I could, if only it was necessary, reassure all the sponsors from France and other countries about the management of their files. I take the opportunity to get further information on Sandeepa’s mother. The information remain vague, she got the divorce and moved to another area. It’s still hard for me to understand how she could abandon her daughter in summer 2006, but I  know nothing about her life and I guess she didn’t have the choice and she still loves her daughter. I hope that Sandeepa who never knew her father will one day see her mother again. Meanwhile, she’s got her grandparents and a sponsor. Thanks to the presentation I learn a little more about the project n°1392 which Sandeepa is binded to. It started in 1993 and concerns 1050 children with 835 having a sponsor (if you’re interested ...).The project is supposed to be continued for still 12 years. I can’t help thinking of what will happen then. Mr Punchihewa then presents us the new organization “Ruhunu Wellassa Aera) affiliated to the CCF sinc 2005. Without giving too many details, we feel that they are willing to make the best of all the different operations. This includes the creation of a parent committee, on the basis of one representative for ten families; it’s the case of Sandeepa’s grandmother, Malani. The procedures and controls, financial and others are reinforced. We follow this presentation with attention while drinking the tea served to us then we join the briefing of the managers.

The first thing which strikes us is the young age of these people. They are all between 25 and 30. The persons in charge of the projects, the health and the education also attend the meeting. We take place near the general manager, feeling a little like guest stars.

Mr Punchihewa quickly introduces us and invites us to ask questions if we want to. I ask them what according to them is the most important obstacle in their action. I expect it will be money problems but after much hesitation, one of the managers tells us that it is the inhabitants’ impatience it’s necessary to manage every day. They want more and often more quickly. They also ask for financial support which is not the policy of the CCf whose action is based on partnership.

Another one points out that the lack of sponsors is also a problem; a lot of children don’t benefit from this direct link, particularly appreciated by everyone. Unfortunately some sponsors change their minds but it doesn’t happen frequently. In their turn they ask me why I wanted to start the sponsorship. I then explain to them that I had thought about it for some time and that during the tsunami in 2004 it became an evidence. I confirm our great satisfaction and our desire to continue this beautiful adventure. I promise to do my best to find new sponsors. This site is one the means to do it and I invite all the people who wonder about the subject to consult the site “Un enfant par la main”. I am entirely at  their disposal to complete my testimony and answer all their questions through the heading “Contact”. I also invite them to consult the heading “Sponsorship” . We take leave and get back to our minibus to start all the visits.