Nevedita Jeevabalan serves as an ambassador of God’s love with Lanka Evangelical Alliance Development Services (LEADS) in Sri Lanka. She has dedicated her life to helping disadvantaged, voiceless and traumatised children in Sri Lanka, and to equip others to do the same. This report from Church Mission Society.
“For me, mission means breaking taboos and being there for the child who is hurting and the family, and supporting them through that painful period of time,” says Nevedita.
In Sri Lanka, the topic of sexual abuse, and abuse in general, is highly taboo, making it difficult to deal with the problem. Even so, things have come a long way since Nevedita started working with LEADS – the government now at least recognises that abuse is a reality. But often, families don’t want to report abuse, and even if something is reported, a court case can take up to 10 years.
Nevedita – whose very name means “dedicated to service” – makes a difference by working to improve the conditions and care given to children...