08 Mar Finding Purpose through Rehabilitation
Thanu* has lived in various Child Development Centres (CDC) in Sri Lanka since she was very young. Abused by her mother’s boyfriend, she suffered much neglect. Her mother is mentally challenged and begs in a temple; Thanu has not seen her mother for ages.
When she began therapy and residential care at the Northern Residential Facility programme, the probation officer from LEADS who handled her case was able to locate Thanu’s mother and set up a meeting. However, due to the unstable nature of her illness, Thanu’s mother was unable to provide safety and support for her.
During the initial stages of her counseling and therapy at the residential care facility, Thanu was apprehensive and displayed behaviours of a child much younger than her age. She lacked communication skills and neglected basic self-care practices. However, with continued counseling and residential care, Thanu began to show significant improvement in her life skills and personal growth.
She even began to identify her own abilities and skills and set down a life goal: Thanu had a desire to become a caretaker for those who are homeless/physically challenged.
Thanu’s emotional health also gradually improved – from being severely insecure and struggling to interact with people to actively participating in activities and initiating communication with others. By the end of her therapy program, Thanu began showing keen interest in starting her vocational training in caretaking. With the help of her probation officers, Thanu was able to find a paid job that suited her preference and also provided a residential facility for her.
Thanu is now 19 years old and is happily occupied with her job as a caretaker in a home for those who are physically challenged. She is grateful for the care and therapy she received at the Northern Residential Facility program. Through her rehabilitation there, Thanu has found her purpose and is thriving. The team at LEADS stays in contact with her – both through phone conversations and periodic personal visits.
Nevedita is our Co-Mission Partner, who manages all aspects of the Child Protection Department of LEADS, a community development organization in Sri Lanka. She works extensively with abused children. Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic, they were able to implement the Northern Residential Facility program and support around 20 children within the residential facility.
Please continue to pray for this new Northern Residential Facility programme and also for the mental and emotional well-being of Nevedita and the whole team – as they counsel, serve, and attend to the difficult cases that come their way. Pray also for the many abused children they minister to.
*names changed to protect privacy