Cologne. In her current report fort he Malteser International Lent Campaign 40 Euros for Sri Lanka", the British water engineer Suzanna Lipscombe calls for a clean and hygienic learning environment for children in Sri Lanka. First, children must be healthy and well-nourished in order to fully participate in education and gain its maximum benefits. Second, education of good quality can lead to better health and nutrition outcome for children.
The so called childfriendly school project" of Malteser International in Sri Lanka therefore integrates ideas and suggestions of the pupils concerning water and sanitation in their schools. For example, they participate in the decisions with regard to the location, the design and the colours of their sanitation facilities. "Thus, the pupils do not only learn a lot about health and hygiene, but they are also interested in the maintenance of the new facilities", the water and sanitation expert explains. Children who participate in efforts to create a safer and more sanitary environment learn about health by practicing it. This is an effective way to help young people to acquire the knowledge, attitudes, values and skills needed to adopt healthy life-styles.
The positive effects of the project are also shown in the new Malteser International film about the work the organisation realises in Sri Lanka. The shooting of the film was quite adventurous, as Suzanna Lipscombe reports: One day, while waiting for the film team in the office, we suddenly get news that they have been arrested! A local resident has raised the alarm to the local police that some unknown persons are filming a strategic bridge - and given the current political climate has obviously caused some suspicion and concern. Fortunately the local police officer is very friendly about the incident, but explains that if the film crew wishes to take footage of such scenes again they shall inform the local authorities beforehand, and so avoid such an event happening again."
You can read more about the Making of" the new Malteser International movie in Suzanna Lipscombe's current report.
In cooperation with the local authorities, 53 schools in the districts of Galle, Matara, Hambantota and Ampara have been chosen for the "chield friendly school project". More than 16,000 school children will thus get access to water and sanitation facilities at school and will improve their hygiene practices.
Join our network of relief and support the "child friendly school project" and all the other projects of Malteser International in Sri Lanka by saving up one Euro per day during Lent Season - resulting in 40 Euros until Easter. If you want to participate, you can transfer the 40 Euros to the following account:
Donation Account 120 120 120
Bank für Sozialwirtschaft, Wörthstr. 15 - 17, D-50668 Köln
Sort Code : 370 205 00
IBAN : DE49 3702 0500 0001 0258 01
BIC: BFSWDE33XXX
Reference : "Malteser International Lent Campaign 2008"
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
A helicopter sprays water during a forest fire in the coastal town of Placilla, some 115 km (71 miles) northwest of Santiago March 4, 2008. More than 2500 hectares (6177 acres) ...
